Ali Cross

The teen son of Alex Cross turns detective when his best friend goes missing.

Ali knows Gabe Qualls better than anyone, so when his friend goes missing, Ali jumps right into action. Being Alex Cross's son has taught him the skills he needs to solve the mystery: intelligence, persistence and logic. One thing he didn't inherit? Patience.

Because Ali knows that with every day that passes without the police finding Gabe, the less likely it is that he'll ever be found. And being Alex Cross's son, he refuses to accept those odds.

NOTE : Uses US spellings.

One of the main characters is coerced into burgling local homes by family members. The detective father of another one of the characters is on trial for attempted murder of a witness, although he is cleared.

Engaging mystery, well-pitched for the age range with just enough jeopardy to keep the pages turning. It's no great literature but worth having plenty.