Sixteen-year-old Carlie Trakker is hiking around Tully Lake to get pictures of some fox cubs for a scholarship into Michigan State University, when she comes across a red fox that has been killed and skinned. Certain it is the act of poachers, she takes some pictures for proof of the animal and heads to the Glacier National Park to inform her father, Andy Trakker, a supervisor park ranger. She had already been grounded for two years to stay away from the Lake area since she was recuperating from an injured leg after a poacher got hold of a bear, so facing her dad and informing of her whereabouts wasn’t going to be easy. Andy is extra cautious of Carlie since her mother’s death, realizing that, as the only parent, he has to keep her safe. With signs of poaching already going on in the area, Andy has been trying to help find the culprits. That doesn’t stop Carlie in helping to find out more about the poachers. Even when she hurts her leg again and winds up with a cast on her leg, that doesn’t stop her amateur searching. She pitches in to help with the search, even when she had been issued an order to stay clear of the investigation. Carlie finds herself in a mess of trouble trying to locate the missing den of foxes and at odds with her loving father who will stop at nothing to be there for his little girl.

I love young adult stories where the character seeks to help stop any mischief that others cause. A Fox in the Bag is a fantastic story, and Carlie is delightful as she weaves some interesting action in the tale. She reminds me of a young Nancy Drew who will stop at nothing, injured leg or not, to find out who is poaching poor animals. The storyline runs at a consistent pace and engages this reader from the first page to the last. This great mystery, with the usual suspects and clues, keeps one guessing and wondering until the outcome. Tamsin Grace sketches individuals that stick in the mind, long after the book is finished. She generates a feisty young adventurer who stops at nothing to get to the bottom of the truth in Carlie. I found this excellent read great for any age and the ending most heartwarming.

Reviewed by: Linda L.