What do you think?
Rate this book
Seven #5
Close to the Heel
No one is more surprised than Rennie to hear that his late grandfather, whom he hardly knew, has left a mission for him to fulfill. Rennie is to fly to Iceland and deliver a message from beyond the grave, but when he gets there, nothing is simple or straightforward. For one thing, Brynja, the teenage daughter of the family he's staying with, is downright hostile. Her father Einar, who is to be Rennie's guide in Iceland, is preoccupied with looking after his elderly father-in-law, an old friend of Rennie's grandfather. Bored and a little bit annoyed, Rennie explores the town and becomes aware that the family is dealing with more than their grief over Brynja's mother's death the year before. Before he realizes what is happening, his curiosity puts Rennie in grave danger, with no one to trust and no one to save him except himself.
Rennie's adventures start in Slide , part of The Seven Prequels and continue in From the Dead , part of The Seven Sequels.
Rennie's adventures start in Slide , part of The Seven Prequels and continue in From the Dead , part of The Seven Sequels.
272 pages, Paperback
Published October 10, 2012
17 people are currently reading
277 people want to read
About the author
Norah McClintock
91 books209 followersNorah McClintock’s fascinating mysteries are hard to put down. Her Chloe & Levesque series, Mike & Riel series, and Robyn Hunter series, all published by Scholastic Canada, have been popular with readers in many countries. Norah has also written several crime novels for reluctant readers in the Orca Soundings series from Orca Book Publishers,
Norah is a five-time winner of the Crime Writers of Canada's Arthur Ellis Award for Best Juvenile Crime Novel. Read Mistaken Identity, The Body in the Basement, Sins of the Father, Scared to Death, and Break and Enter to find out why! Norah's books have been translated into more than a dozen languages, and she has won numerous awards.
Awards:
Arthur Ellis Award - Juvenile
o 1996 – Mistaken Identity – Winner
o 1998 – The Body in the Basement – Winner
o 1999 – Sins of the Father – Winner
o 2002 – Scared to Death – Winner
o 2003 – Break and Enter – Winner
Red Maple Award
o 2004 – Hit and Run – Winner
Norah is a five-time winner of the Crime Writers of Canada's Arthur Ellis Award for Best Juvenile Crime Novel. Read Mistaken Identity, The Body in the Basement, Sins of the Father, Scared to Death, and Break and Enter to find out why! Norah's books have been translated into more than a dozen languages, and she has won numerous awards.
Awards:
Arthur Ellis Award - Juvenile
o 1996 – Mistaken Identity – Winner
o 1998 – The Body in the Basement – Winner
o 1999 – Sins of the Father – Winner
o 2002 – Scared to Death – Winner
o 2003 – Break and Enter – Winner
Red Maple Award
o 2004 – Hit and Run – Winner
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
February 12, 2018
“Close to the Heel” the final book in the “Seven” series opens with Rennie Charbonneau accepting David McLean’s task to journey to Iceland and deliver a package to an isolated location where his grandfather was the only person who walked away from a plane crash. When Rennie arrives he’s quickly swept up in secrets, mystery and a murder when he gets involved with Brynja Einarsdottir, the great granddaughter of the man who saved his grandfather’s life when he was lost in the snow after the crash.
Troubled and rebellious after his mother’s death Rennie wants nothing more than to complete the task for the deceased grandfather he barely knew and to go home. But as the plot evolves he’s forced to make a stopover at the home of Einar his tour guide, facing the hostility and snooping of his teenage daughter who’s grieving over the suspected murder of her mother, and quickly discovering that the family may have been involved in the disappearance of the man thought to have killed her. As Rennie begins to unravel clues including notes written in French, and a secret hidden in an old turf shed danger stalks him, and he must fight to survive if he’s going to expose a killer and be able to complete his task.
Past and present collide in the task that takes Rennie to Reykjavik, Iceland where David McLean his deceased grandfather, in sending him on this mission is determined to push him out of his comfort zone so he can learn about his strengths and weaknesses and become a better man as he grows older. But like all good stories the reader like Rennie learns some interesting facts about the country as he follows an intriguing trail of clues that bring him closer to finding the killer. With twists and turns that include the identity of a murderer and that of the “angel” who years before helped save David McLean’s life after a plane crash that killed his friend, the intensity and suspense build as the puzzle pieces begin to come together. And just when you think you know who killed Brynja’s mother the author provides a shocking surprise after an explosive encounter near the end.
Norah McClintock creates characters in this short story that are complex and unforgettable, like Rennie Charbonneau a teen who rebels after the accidental death of his mother, upsetting his caring but stern father Major André Charbonneau an overworked officer in the military crime unit. Blinded by guilt and grief, Rennie turns to crime and in the opening chapter we find him being rehabilitated at a boot camp for delinquents. Tough, aggressive and defiant Rennie is determined to change his path in life after running away from home and spending time with a grandfather he never knew he had. Ironically in Iceland he meets and clashes with the antagonistic and moody Brynja who’s also suffering the loss of her mother as well as the heartbroken and dogged Freyja whose husband is not only missing but suspected of killing the intrepid journalist. These characters and others infuse this short but riveting thriller with excitement, depth and emotional-power.
I thoroughly enjoyed the fluid realism of Norma McClintock’s writing style in “Close to the Heel” and will look for other books by her in future.
Troubled and rebellious after his mother’s death Rennie wants nothing more than to complete the task for the deceased grandfather he barely knew and to go home. But as the plot evolves he’s forced to make a stopover at the home of Einar his tour guide, facing the hostility and snooping of his teenage daughter who’s grieving over the suspected murder of her mother, and quickly discovering that the family may have been involved in the disappearance of the man thought to have killed her. As Rennie begins to unravel clues including notes written in French, and a secret hidden in an old turf shed danger stalks him, and he must fight to survive if he’s going to expose a killer and be able to complete his task.
Past and present collide in the task that takes Rennie to Reykjavik, Iceland where David McLean his deceased grandfather, in sending him on this mission is determined to push him out of his comfort zone so he can learn about his strengths and weaknesses and become a better man as he grows older. But like all good stories the reader like Rennie learns some interesting facts about the country as he follows an intriguing trail of clues that bring him closer to finding the killer. With twists and turns that include the identity of a murderer and that of the “angel” who years before helped save David McLean’s life after a plane crash that killed his friend, the intensity and suspense build as the puzzle pieces begin to come together. And just when you think you know who killed Brynja’s mother the author provides a shocking surprise after an explosive encounter near the end.
Norah McClintock creates characters in this short story that are complex and unforgettable, like Rennie Charbonneau a teen who rebels after the accidental death of his mother, upsetting his caring but stern father Major André Charbonneau an overworked officer in the military crime unit. Blinded by guilt and grief, Rennie turns to crime and in the opening chapter we find him being rehabilitated at a boot camp for delinquents. Tough, aggressive and defiant Rennie is determined to change his path in life after running away from home and spending time with a grandfather he never knew he had. Ironically in Iceland he meets and clashes with the antagonistic and moody Brynja who’s also suffering the loss of her mother as well as the heartbroken and dogged Freyja whose husband is not only missing but suspected of killing the intrepid journalist. These characters and others infuse this short but riveting thriller with excitement, depth and emotional-power.
I thoroughly enjoyed the fluid realism of Norma McClintock’s writing style in “Close to the Heel” and will look for other books by her in future.
July 27, 2020
2020 Review: I remembered bits of this from my first read, but enjoyed it a second time. I got slightly lost with all of the Icelandic names, but I think that is more from me being tired this re-read than anything else.
2016 Review: Another solid story in the Seven Series. This book can definitely be read as a stand alone novel. However, it fit quite nicely in with the rest as well. Rennie is fighting his inner demons throughout the story, and meets people who also have large inner demons of their own to deal with. As the setting was not primarily in North America, I found myself intrigued by a new culture. The background given about Iceland enhanced this book. I especially liked the reference to Bill Clinton eating a hotdog there (had to Google a picture to confirm, and it checks out), as well as the Hallgrim Church. This book definitely did not disappoint!
2016 Review: Another solid story in the Seven Series. This book can definitely be read as a stand alone novel. However, it fit quite nicely in with the rest as well. Rennie is fighting his inner demons throughout the story, and meets people who also have large inner demons of their own to deal with. As the setting was not primarily in North America, I found myself intrigued by a new culture. The background given about Iceland enhanced this book. I especially liked the reference to Bill Clinton eating a hotdog there (had to Google a picture to confirm, and it checks out), as well as the Hallgrim Church. This book definitely did not disappoint!
February 3, 2013
I've never read anything by McClintock before so it wasn't until I finished reading this one that I found out she's actually a crime writer. This is the fifth book I've read from the Seven series and it was the first one that was definitely a crime novel. More specifically, a murder mystery. I enjoyed it enough to finish it, to find out what happens. I hate how drastically the female main character changes in the end and I didn't like her very much to begin with.
November 7, 2015
This book started off slow and was hard to get into the character but as the plot progressed, action increased and there was an awesome ending. I just wish it wasn't such a slow start and so much obvious linking to other novels in the series.
April 28, 2023
AWFUL
October 9, 2024
Wonderful book. It was the third book that I had read in the series. The characters were developed nicely. It flowed well and the character's dilemmas made sense in the situations. I loved the mystery component of this book, as well as the entire adventure.
April 14, 2025
Was forced to read this whole book at school, just boring and terrible. soo many random off topic things going on in the book even tho his grandpa sent him to Iceland to know more about his death but it was just all brynja family drama
May 8, 2019
More suspenseful of the whole series
October 5, 2012
As seen on my blog:
First off, let me just say how in love I am with the concept of this book and it's companions-a series of 7 books, 1 shared back story, 7 different authors. Here is the actual copy from the press release I received:
"It all started with Eric Walters and his passion for bringing great stories to kids-especially boys. Eric's idea was to ask six other well-known children's authors to contribute a novel each to a series that would be connected by a grandfather's love of his seven grandsons."
From the very first chapter, I was already intrigued-it opened with a bang, and instantly left me wanting to know how Rennie, the main character, was going to find his footing, interact with other characters, and basically, evolve as a person.
During the beginning of the story, Rennie receives a request via video from his late grandfather-the real grit of the story unfolds as he sets off to fulfill it. I really enjoyed the back story for this book, and the sense of adventure it instilled in my mind before the real adventure even began. I like how the author didn't unnecessarily waste time on the scenes and dialogue leading up to the true heart of the tale, and I found that I couldn't turn the pages fast enough-eager to see where she was taking both Rennie and me.
Rennie's character perplexed me slightly as the story went on, as one minute he came off as a rebellious, obnoxious teen, the next he's caring and concerned for the well being of others-I just couldn't bring myself to fully connect with him. I think I was captivated with his character simply because I felt like he was the one who would eventually unearth one of the main mysteries.
The secondary characters-Brynja, and her father Einar- were much easier to dislike. While I felt that their characteristics were necessary for the story, I just couldn't really stand to hear from them when they were in a scene. Especially Brynja, I pretty much wanted to strangle her from the get go.
Overall this book was compact and quick-paced. It was like a tiny, keep-in-your-pocket mystery, and at the end, I found myself satisfied with the wrap-up, and intensely curious to read the stories of the other 6 grandsons. I'll be getting my hands on those as soon as I can.
*Won as an Paperback ARC from Library Thing*
First off, let me just say how in love I am with the concept of this book and it's companions-a series of 7 books, 1 shared back story, 7 different authors. Here is the actual copy from the press release I received:
"It all started with Eric Walters and his passion for bringing great stories to kids-especially boys. Eric's idea was to ask six other well-known children's authors to contribute a novel each to a series that would be connected by a grandfather's love of his seven grandsons."
From the very first chapter, I was already intrigued-it opened with a bang, and instantly left me wanting to know how Rennie, the main character, was going to find his footing, interact with other characters, and basically, evolve as a person.
During the beginning of the story, Rennie receives a request via video from his late grandfather-the real grit of the story unfolds as he sets off to fulfill it. I really enjoyed the back story for this book, and the sense of adventure it instilled in my mind before the real adventure even began. I like how the author didn't unnecessarily waste time on the scenes and dialogue leading up to the true heart of the tale, and I found that I couldn't turn the pages fast enough-eager to see where she was taking both Rennie and me.
Rennie's character perplexed me slightly as the story went on, as one minute he came off as a rebellious, obnoxious teen, the next he's caring and concerned for the well being of others-I just couldn't bring myself to fully connect with him. I think I was captivated with his character simply because I felt like he was the one who would eventually unearth one of the main mysteries.
The secondary characters-Brynja, and her father Einar- were much easier to dislike. While I felt that their characteristics were necessary for the story, I just couldn't really stand to hear from them when they were in a scene. Especially Brynja, I pretty much wanted to strangle her from the get go.
Overall this book was compact and quick-paced. It was like a tiny, keep-in-your-pocket mystery, and at the end, I found myself satisfied with the wrap-up, and intensely curious to read the stories of the other 6 grandsons. I'll be getting my hands on those as soon as I can.
*Won as an Paperback ARC from Library Thing*
March 31, 2014
The recent death of Reenie's Grandfather, and the reading of his will sends Reenie on a trip to Iceland that will forever change his point of view with him and his family relationships.
Soon after Reenie arrives for his visit with and icelantic family and starts his journey that his grandfather has paid and sent him on, he soon find out that there is something strange going on inn this little town.
There is stories of a girl committing suicide off a bridge and rumors that this man that is hosting Reenie Einerhar, has killed the local news reporter Gudrun. Gudrun felt like the mob was running their little town and while investigating Gudrun ends up dead. This spikes Reenie's curiousity and that starts to get him into trouble.
Thing are definatly not as they seem here. Karl the local police officer seems to be on the up and up until Reenie notices cracks in Karls statements to help him with the mystery. When Karl knows that Reenie is starting to put it all together Reenie's life very quickly becomes in danger.
Gudrun knew there was something off about them and that gets her killed, with help from Gudrun's friends, Reenie gets Gudrun's notes from before she died and he starts seeing how this all plays out.
Einer had pushed the girl over that bridge, because she knew that Einer and Karl had killed someone.
When Einer and Karl find out that Reenie knows the truth in the barn at Einers place, Karl has a gun and shoots and kills Einer. Since Reenie knows the truth about everything Karl can't keep Reenie around so he tries to kill him, but with Reenie's quick thinking he sees ropes hanging in the barn and manages to swing it to hit Karl to temperarily distract and he drops the gun. Reennie is then able to grab it and tell him to get on his knees.
While all of this is happening Brynja is one of Gudrun's daughters comes and she is able to call the police and ambulance.
After everything that went on the Major then realizes how he had been treating Reenie and their relationship became better.
Einer and Karl end up going to jail for murder.
Soon after Reenie arrives for his visit with and icelantic family and starts his journey that his grandfather has paid and sent him on, he soon find out that there is something strange going on inn this little town.
There is stories of a girl committing suicide off a bridge and rumors that this man that is hosting Reenie Einerhar, has killed the local news reporter Gudrun. Gudrun felt like the mob was running their little town and while investigating Gudrun ends up dead. This spikes Reenie's curiousity and that starts to get him into trouble.
Thing are definatly not as they seem here. Karl the local police officer seems to be on the up and up until Reenie notices cracks in Karls statements to help him with the mystery. When Karl knows that Reenie is starting to put it all together Reenie's life very quickly becomes in danger.
Gudrun knew there was something off about them and that gets her killed, with help from Gudrun's friends, Reenie gets Gudrun's notes from before she died and he starts seeing how this all plays out.
Einer had pushed the girl over that bridge, because she knew that Einer and Karl had killed someone.
When Einer and Karl find out that Reenie knows the truth in the barn at Einers place, Karl has a gun and shoots and kills Einer. Since Reenie knows the truth about everything Karl can't keep Reenie around so he tries to kill him, but with Reenie's quick thinking he sees ropes hanging in the barn and manages to swing it to hit Karl to temperarily distract and he drops the gun. Reennie is then able to grab it and tell him to get on his knees.
While all of this is happening Brynja is one of Gudrun's daughters comes and she is able to call the police and ambulance.
After everything that went on the Major then realizes how he had been treating Reenie and their relationship became better.
Einer and Karl end up going to jail for murder.
November 20, 2013
This is the third book I've read in this series which purports that the books may be read in any order. So far, I completely agree with that premise and am enjoying picking out books in my own order. I picked this book next because the previous two books had mentioned this seventh grandson that no one knew and they had been asked to get in touch with him but they didn't. Also, I have not read this author before, but I have always wanted to as she is an award-winning Canadian author of YA mystery/thrillers. I was hooked with the first chapter which uses the device of starting at the end where the main character is in a life and death situation. Then the story starts from the beginning to eventually tell us how he ended up there. I loved the main character, Rennie and really enjoyed the Iceland setting. I haven't read many books set in that country that aren't adult thrillers. The book was quite intense and starts off mysterious almost from the beginning as Rennie stumbles upon both a mysterious death and disappearance. This book doesn't really concentrate on the grandfather as the other two did. His story is there but it's just in the background; the main focus here are the crimes and Rennie's relationship with his dad. The mystery was good quality; I never know what to expect from a YA mystery since I read so many adult thrillers. However I was caught up in the story and found myself figuring out the mystery only steps ahead of Rennie, including the twist ending ... until the author sprung a second twist that threw Rennie (and me!) for a loop. I love a surprise like that; it makes for a great mystery!
No other grandsons were mentioned in this book at all so my next pick in the series is really going to be up to topic or author preference.
No other grandsons were mentioned in this book at all so my next pick in the series is really going to be up to topic or author preference.
September 30, 2012
No. 5 in the Seven series - McClintock is such a good mystery writer whose series and stand-alone titles I have a lot of admiration for and this book starts off with a bang. But then that thrust just loses that initial momentum and gets bogged down by a way too complex story that I kind of liked but that did seem to have just too many threads for it to really zing along - we've got the "seventh" cousin, Rennie, off in Iceland doing his task and getting mixed up in a lot of stuff that just doesn't quite hold together. I also have to admit that the premise that Grandpa McLean, dead patriarch whose ghostly presence holds the series together, is this absolutely awesome figure is beginning to bore me - I don't have anything against awesome but I don't buy David McLean.
Just two niggling things - First off, Rennie is described on the back cover of the book as the family's black sheep but really he's not really all that different from Steve or Bunny in terms of fitting in as a "good kid" - and really - Bunny gets put in the big house, I think that's more black sheep terrain than a kid who goes to bootcamp for a summer! But the more problematic niggle - and one the editor should have caught - is that in the final scene between Rennie and Sigurdur, McClintock has Sigurdur claim that he raised Brynja's grandmother!!! He says, "But I raised your grandmother, and when she died, I raised your mother." Right - I don't think so - Brynja's grandmother is the woman he loved, Kerstin, so how exactly did he raise her? Niggle niggle but it certainly seems a careless editing error!
Just two niggling things - First off, Rennie is described on the back cover of the book as the family's black sheep but really he's not really all that different from Steve or Bunny in terms of fitting in as a "good kid" - and really - Bunny gets put in the big house, I think that's more black sheep terrain than a kid who goes to bootcamp for a summer! But the more problematic niggle - and one the editor should have caught - is that in the final scene between Rennie and Sigurdur, McClintock has Sigurdur claim that he raised Brynja's grandmother!!! He says, "But I raised your grandmother, and when she died, I raised your mother." Right - I don't think so - Brynja's grandmother is the woman he loved, Kerstin, so how exactly did he raise her? Niggle niggle but it certainly seems a careless editing error!
March 21, 2013
Rennie's only met his grandfather once, a few days after his mother died, so when Rennie gets a task from his grandfather, he is eager to do it even if it means going to Iceland. Rennie's task is to bury his grandfather's journal in Askja, somewhere in Iceland, because his grandfather never had the chance to and regretted it until the day he died. Rennie finds out that his guide, Einar, has millions of secrets and his grandfather's savior, Sigurdur, is hiding secrets of his own. As Rennie becomes more involved in the mystery of the 2 deaths that happened in Iceland, he finds himself getting into deep trouble with every single fact he digs up. Rennie uses his skills of perseverance to survive everything thrown his way and solve the mystery. He ends up bonding with his father and leaving Iceland safe and sound.
I picked this book to read because I read another book in the series and I liked it, so I decided to read this one too. I finished this book because I didn't know who the killer was and I wanted to find out.
I would recommend this book to Stella because she likes mystery books and trying to solve the mystery. This book would give her a challenge which is what she needs.
Close to the Heel is an incredible book that describes the journey of one man and how he used perseverance and stubbornness to survive. This book would teach children that never giving up is extremely important. Close to the Heel is a magnificent novel.
I picked this book to read because I read another book in the series and I liked it, so I decided to read this one too. I finished this book because I didn't know who the killer was and I wanted to find out.
I would recommend this book to Stella because she likes mystery books and trying to solve the mystery. This book would give her a challenge which is what she needs.
Close to the Heel is an incredible book that describes the journey of one man and how he used perseverance and stubbornness to survive. This book would teach children that never giving up is extremely important. Close to the Heel is a magnificent novel.
October 2, 2012
Norah McClintock's conception of seven books that can be read in any order intrigued me. So when I received an advanced copy of Close to the Heel, I was curioust to see just how she would set up the story lines. The death of Grandfather results in special instructions for each of his seven grandchildren. In a videotaped will, the grandfather relays to each grandchild an unfulfilled dream or desire that has been left undone by the grandfather.
Rennie is charged with returning some journals to the site of a plane crash the grandfather survived long ago in Iceland. When he arrives to fulfill his mission, he finds himself caught in the middle of a murder mystery. While young readers may like the suspenseful beginning and build up to the resolution, I found that there were some details that just didn't ring true. For example, Rennie himself just doesn't quite hit the mark in terms of balancing his "bad boy" image with his everyday actions and certain elements of the plot seem manipulated like Rennie's acquaintance at the newspaper who just happened to have worked with the murder victim. Overall an entertaining read that probably won't stick with me much longer than this review took to write.
Rennie is charged with returning some journals to the site of a plane crash the grandfather survived long ago in Iceland. When he arrives to fulfill his mission, he finds himself caught in the middle of a murder mystery. While young readers may like the suspenseful beginning and build up to the resolution, I found that there were some details that just didn't ring true. For example, Rennie himself just doesn't quite hit the mark in terms of balancing his "bad boy" image with his everyday actions and certain elements of the plot seem manipulated like Rennie's acquaintance at the newspaper who just happened to have worked with the murder victim. Overall an entertaining read that probably won't stick with me much longer than this review took to write.
January 19, 2013
“Close to the Heel” is the fifth installment in the Seven series, but readers will not have to read the previous volumes to enjoy this story. The series, written by seven different authors, can be read in any order and follows the adventures of seven cousins who each must complete a task relayed to them via videotaped will by their grandfather.
Rennie arrives in Iceland to carry out a task given to him by his Grandpa McLean, the patriarch whose strong personality holds the series together even after his death. Rennie has a lot to prove -- to himself, to his father, and to others -- and Iceland’s uncompromising, bleak setting is the perfect setting for a dark mystery and a man-against-the-elements coming-of-age novel. Rennie’s task is to return some journals to the site of a plane crash that his grandfather survived decades ago in Iceland. Instead, Rennie is caught up in a murder mystery. Readers are immediately propelled into an action-driven plot with an intriguing back story. An unexpected plot twist will keep readers rapidly turning pages to the very end.
Rennie arrives in Iceland to carry out a task given to him by his Grandpa McLean, the patriarch whose strong personality holds the series together even after his death. Rennie has a lot to prove -- to himself, to his father, and to others -- and Iceland’s uncompromising, bleak setting is the perfect setting for a dark mystery and a man-against-the-elements coming-of-age novel. Rennie’s task is to return some journals to the site of a plane crash that his grandfather survived decades ago in Iceland. Instead, Rennie is caught up in a murder mystery. Readers are immediately propelled into an action-driven plot with an intriguing back story. An unexpected plot twist will keep readers rapidly turning pages to the very end.
February 2, 2013
This book is part of “Seven The Series” which features adventures designed by one grandfather for his seven grandchildren. Each book can be read independently and in any order. In this story, teen Rennie heads off to Iceland to fulfill his grandfather’s last request to help him right an old wrong. Rennie is intrigued by Icelandic customs, especially how everyone’s last name is different (not like in Canada). Rennie meets up with the local guide who is supposed to help him trek across the interior of Iceland to bury his grandfather’s journal where his plane had crashed decades ago. Along the way, Rennie gets involved in solving the mysterious deaths of two locals and attracts the attention of the wrong people. Soon he’s been abandoned in the middle of cold, barren Iceland with little survival skills. It will take all of Rennie’s wits to help him survive this adventure. This is a larger Orca novel that will hold students’ interest with its fast-paced adventure and riveting mysteries.
April 10, 2013
What were you thinking, Norah McClintock? This does not read like a Nora McClintock book! The series premise -- a grandfather leaves seven grandsons seven quests that take them to the four corners of the earth -- is thin and contrived. So, as it happens, is the first book I chose to read in the series (because I expect much from McClintock).
Not one of the characters is believable or interesting, much less likeable. The Icelandic setting is as dull as gray rock. The plot is opaque and moves glacially slow. The resolution is convoluted. Throw in the Icelandic names, the generations of secrets, the tissue-thin characters, and absurd Russian crime figures (who are used a couple times to explain an implausible story but never make an appearance), and you've got a book that should be pitched down a crevice.
Not one of the characters is believable or interesting, much less likeable. The Icelandic setting is as dull as gray rock. The plot is opaque and moves glacially slow. The resolution is convoluted. Throw in the Icelandic names, the generations of secrets, the tissue-thin characters, and absurd Russian crime figures (who are used a couple times to explain an implausible story but never make an appearance), and you've got a book that should be pitched down a crevice.
August 4, 2022
Rennie has a super strict father and has just met his grandfather. Rennie has a temper but the place they sent him worked and he has skills to rein in his anger now....though it's tough when he meets Brynja. He is sent to Iceland to fulfill a task specified in his grandfather's will. Brynja's father is to be his guide but the hike is delayed. Rennie doesn't have much to do while waiting except see the sights so he does explore and he finds intrigue along the way. One woman claims her husband was murdered when everyone else says he ran off. Gundur's death is also suspect with some people believing she was killed and others believe she jumped. Rennie finds out Gundur has a connection to Brynja. He uncovers interesting facts about the two "murders" but some people do not want him snooping around. As the story unfolds the dangers increase.
September 20, 2012
Well-written story of a motherless boy (mom had passed on) with a stern but caring dad. When his maternal grandfather, who he's met but once, though talked to for hours (and learned to totally respect and look up to) passes on, that grandfather leaves him with a task to do and provisions in his will to make it monetarily possible. His dad was very impressed by his sons' other grandpa and gives his consent for this trip. NOW!! Away the reder goes on a terrific trip, almost a sort of 'right of passage' trip where the young man proves himself. Well-done mystery and believe me, there was NO second guessing who-done-it or the end. Fabulous read!
I read this book for the www.librarything's Early Reviewer offering, and am glad I did. Thanks to Orca Book Publishers.
I read this book for the www.librarything's Early Reviewer offering, and am glad I did. Thanks to Orca Book Publishers.
February 16, 2015
I love Nora McClintock's writing. She is such a good YA writer. This has been my favourite book in the series so far. McClintock thrusts you into the middle of the adventure and keeps you turning pages to solve the mystery. At first, Rennie's task seems simple and straightforward, but becomes even more complex as all of the threads are revealed and woven into his task. Even the setting (Iceland) becomes an important part of the mystery. Fantastic!
I love how each of the characters in the series is so different from one another despite being part of the same family and each character's experience offers the reader the possibility of a shared experience. Each book makes me more excited to share with my students.
I love how each of the characters in the series is so different from one another despite being part of the same family and each character's experience offers the reader the possibility of a shared experience. Each book makes me more excited to share with my students.
February 28, 2013
Pretty good so far. a brief summary of what's happening in my book is that, Rennie a trouble making, "Screw up" kid is sent to Iceland for some currently unknown reason. Rennie was on the verge of death after slogging through miles of snow and polar whiteness, just as he was about to give up his will to survive kicked in. all he knows now is that he will make it out of the wasteland and he will get revenge on the person who sent him there.
I guess that's how it goes "Revenge is a dish best served when your cold".
I guess that's how it goes "Revenge is a dish best served when your cold".
May 29, 2013
This was a fast paced adventure novel. Rennie, a teenager who is dealing with anger and the recent loss of his mother, goes to Iceland to perform a task his late grandfather asked him to do. While in Iceland, he comes across a mystery surrounding the death of the wife of his host. Will he figure it out in time or will he die alone in the wilderness?
I have never read any of Norah McClintock's books before. I enjoyed this novel, though there were a couple holes and a couple times I had trouble following the dialogue transitions between characters.
I have never read any of Norah McClintock's books before. I enjoyed this novel, though there were a couple holes and a couple times I had trouble following the dialogue transitions between characters.
July 16, 2013
Liked the premise, as well as most of the book. I enjoyed learning about Iceland. My one great dislike? The family relationships are utterly confusing (grandfather adopts someone's daughter, as well as granddaughter, such-and-such is raised by what turns out not to be her real mom/dad etc.). It's okay if that's a character or two. Do it to several (with confusing Icelandic names) and it becomes a mess. My daughter asked me if the two main characters were half-siblings, and I honestly couldn't tell anymore!
November 23, 2022
Close to the Heel, by Norah Mcclintock.
3-4/5⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rennie, the main character, only recently learned that he had a distant grandfather who has recently passed away and left him a mission to accomplish. His grandfather left a different mission for all seven of his grandsons.
Rennie it's sent to Iceland to accomplish the mission of tying up some loose ends that involved his grandpa being saved by someone who turned out to become a good friend of his. Once there he becomes entangled in the towns mystery.
Norah Mcclintock was one of my favourite childhood authors.
3-4/5⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rennie, the main character, only recently learned that he had a distant grandfather who has recently passed away and left him a mission to accomplish. His grandfather left a different mission for all seven of his grandsons.
Rennie it's sent to Iceland to accomplish the mission of tying up some loose ends that involved his grandpa being saved by someone who turned out to become a good friend of his. Once there he becomes entangled in the towns mystery.
Norah Mcclintock was one of my favourite childhood authors.
Read
May 5, 2016I started this book with zero expectations, and finished it feeling sad that it was over and that I couldn't get more story about Rennie.
I've had mixed feelings about the other books that I have read so far in the Seven series, but this one is certainly a bright spot. Now I cannot wait to read Norah's book in the Secret series-which overall I feel has a stronger concept behind it then the Seven series.
I've had mixed feelings about the other books that I have read so far in the Seven series, but this one is certainly a bright spot. Now I cannot wait to read Norah's book in the Secret series-which overall I feel has a stronger concept behind it then the Seven series.
December 3, 2019
I really like the premise to this series. It is seven novels- each focusing on a different grandson after their dying grandfather leaves a final wish for each grandson to fulfill. Close to the Heel takes us on an adventure with Rennie to Iceland where he couldn't have even guessed all that would happen.
March 6, 2014
This was a good book and I really love this series. I find this one slightly hard to follow because there were so many characters and I couldn't keep their names straight. It did make me interested in looking up some pictures on what Iceland actually looks like. It was hard for me to picture with all the descriptions offered in the book.
January 23, 2014
So far, the most gripping of the three books from "Seven the Series" that I've read. A completely different take on the basic premise of "Grandfather gives grandson a final mission on his behalf." I can understand why Norah McClintock has won so many Arthur Ellis awards. Well done!
May 11, 2014
This is an interesting book. It is very mysterical and full of suspense, however i thought it was a little confusing and difficult to read. There are many things that the author mentions but never explains throughly.
February 8, 2015
I really liked this book. Unlike number 5 in this series, this book had twists and turn that weren't so predictable. Rennie, was a very likable guy. I love books that make me feel like I am right there in the story along side all the characters. This was an example of that kind of book for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews