Tcheriapin Book

A Hole in Juan by Gillian Roberts is the 13th book of the Amanda Pepper mystery series set in contemporary Philadelphia. Amanda teaches English at Philly Prep.It's a private school for non-motivated, non-academic students that do not succeed at public high schools. Teachers at Philly Prep understand their students are not serious scholars, struggle to instill gems of learning when they can, and celebrate small victories. The new science teacher is attractive but arrogant, demanding his students measure up to unrealistic expectations. The students hate him, and play pranks, such as stealing (then returning) supplies from the chemistry lab. One "prank" leads to an explosion and gravely critical injuries.

Amanda senses an unfamiliar hostility in her senior English class. Pranks begin to happen to her, too. She receives mysterious warnings about the upcoming Mischief Night party, held on the night before Halloween. There is no substantial evidence of any wrong-doing that she could report to police, but she is afraid of what may happen.

Meanwhile at home, Amanda and C.K. have a house guest: their nephew Pip. He dropped out of school, and apparently enjoys being a couch potato in their apartment every day while they work. His departure date has not been discussed, and the newlywed couple's lack of privacy is frustrating.

The book drags as Amanda constantly worries over teenage angst and her inability to ferret out what is wrong with the seniors. An interesting middle section deals with freedom of speech, and civil disobedience. Eventually Mischief Night arrives and Amanda finally discovers what violent tragic act has been planned by the seniors. An amusing note is provided by Pip's role in the story, prompted by his brand-new infatuation with a Philly Prep teen.