Izzy Izzard, a seventeen and a half-year-old (just ask her) refugee from Arundel Asylum, is eliminating potential murderers suspected of killing her brother Dougal. In Heaps of Trouble, her search continues, complicated now by swelling forces against her…the clan, the army, the Slotvaks, no help from Robert and Janis (who are missing in action)…and a new case concerning a missing talented young musician brought to her by his mother, a woman of questionable motives with money. To find the child, she must confront Robert’s mother, and seek his father, aided by Sally, Robert’s teenaged assistant, Roller-Girl, and two reporters of dubious motivation.

Heaps of Trouble keeps the Izzy Izzard story flowing with suspense and violent confrontations. One is never sure who to trust, or exactly what alliances are aligned against Izzy, but readers have confidence that Izzy is a match for the forces she faces. No new characters of significance are introduced in this book. Instead, the action rocks along much the same as Loads of Trouble; entertaining but not overwhelming. It is a worthy followup to Loads of Trouble, a worthwhile bridge to future Izzy Izzard books, and sure to be enjoyed by fans of strong, but sometimes clueless female main characters in suspenseful settings.

3-Stars because the book needs strong proofreading and editing. ( )