The Crazy School - (Madeline Dare Novel) by Cornelia Read (Paperback)

About the Book

From the acclaimed author of "A Field of Darkness" comes another compelling novel featuring the acerbic and memorable voice of ex-debutante Madeline Dare.

Book Synopsis

From the acclaimed author of A Field of Darkness comes another compelling novel featuring the acerbic and memorable voice of ex-debutante Madeline Dare.

Madeline Dare has finally escaped rust-belt Syracuse, New York, for the lush Berkshire Mountains in Massachusetts. After her husband's job offer falls through, Maddie signs on as a teacher at the Santangelo Academy, a boarding school for disturbed teenagers. Behind the academy's ornate gates, she discovers a disturbing realm where students and teachers alike must submit to the founder's bizarre therapeutic regimen. From day one, Maddie feels uneasy about smooth-talking Dr. Santangelo but when she questions his methods, she's appalled to find that her fellow teachers would rather turn on each other than stand up for themselves, much less protect the students in their care. A chilling event confirms Maddie's worst suspicions, then hints at an even darker secret history, one that twines through the academy's very heart. Cut off from the outside world, Maddie must join forces with a small band of the school's most violently rebellious students-kids whose troubled grip on reality may well prove to be her only chance of salvation.

Review Quotes

"Gutsy."--Publishers Weekly

"How nice it is to hear that rebel voice [of Madeline Dare] again."--New York Times Book Review

"Madeline's deadpan voice, acid wit and psychological depth are the perfect counterpoint to the novels positively Gothic plot... She's a great character, and her creator is a great storyteller. Caustic, gripping and distinctive-intelligent entertainment."--Kirkus

"Read's novel is fast-paced; once the action starts, don't even think about putting it down."--Library Journal (starred review)

"Read's plot crackles and pops."--Booklist (starred review)

About the Author

Cornelia Read grew up in New York, California, and Hawaii. She is a reformed debutante who currently lives in New York City. To learn more about the author, you can visit her website at www.corneliaread.com.