Synopsis (unspoiled) Tabitha Smith is a sophomore mystery. She's a taekwondo blackbelt who has never been to school, and yet she's the hot topic of the small Illinois farming town she has visited the past eight summers to spend time with her grandparents. Unfortunately, this fall, instead of globe trotting with her archeologist mother, Tabitha is going to high school. And, she's not happy about it! 
 What then follows is a friendship with a band geek who harbors her own fantastic secrets, and an innocent budding romance with a boy most consider to be a "player". Add in an unexpected gift that's priceless and a absentee father who wishes for a relationship and you get...ninjas. Yes, ninjas. But it's fun and adds some spice to a story that hums along. 
 This is a great read for teens with a satisfying ending that sets up (what will undoubtedly be) a sequel.