Ivy and Woody have never been ones to turn away a friend in need, and Woody has a lot of political connections, so they agree to help. Cassandra, who is close to Lavelle’s age, also agrees to ask around and see if anyone has heard from or seen Lavelle lately. A life that her grandfather never suspected, including working at a brothel, sends Cassandra, Ivy and Woody in dangerous directions. A tenuous connection to a brutally murdered teacher, almost ten years ago, and the appearance of the Black Panthers lead Cassandra to think they may be looking in the wrong places and at the wrong reasons for Lavelle’s disappearance.

Jackson Park is very strong on setting and characterization, but short on suspense and mystery. Charlotte Carter has skillfully and successfully captured the political and social atmosphere of the late sixties, as well as the struggle of a young black woman to fit in. Cassandra has been passed from relative to relative and has found a comfortable home with Ivy and Woody, and now hopes to find her place in the world. She is fiercely protective of her aunt and uncle, though the two are quite savvy and self-sufficient.

The search for Lavelle is methodical and logical, though the connection that is made to the murdered teacher seems to be a stretch at first and the final solution comes too easily and is too pat. Even after Ivy is shot, there is not an urgent sense of danger to Cassandra and her family. The book is a strong introduction to Cassandra, Ivy and Woody and their neighborhood, and to the socio-political feelings of the time. It should prove a solid basis for future, more involved mysteries.

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry