Skeletons in the Closet

Roswell (Simon Spotlight Entertainment) #2

by Andy Mangels, Michael A. Martin

It's all in the past...or is it?
After Michael gets inspired by the photo of Charles Dupree and Max borrows some files from the UFO museum and Liz surfs the Net, the Czechoslovakians are hot on the trail of one of their human DNA donors. Could the donor give them some clue to their past -- and their future? But Michael gets held up when he suddenly becomes the prime suspect in his foster father's murder. Good thing Jesse Ramirez, the new lawyer in Mr. Evens's firm and a close, personal friend of Isabel's, is there to help Michael out. But Sheriff Hanson is watching them all more closely than ever, and trails that once burned hot have suddenly gone cold. How are the aliens supposed to find their destiny when for every door that cracks open, another gets slammed in their faces?

Genres: Young Adult, Science Fiction, Aliens, Media Tie In, Fantasy, Supernatural

221 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published November 1, 2002

About the author

Andy Mangels is an American science fiction author who has written novels, comics, and magazine articles, and produced DVD collections, mostly focusing on media in popular culture. As an openly-gay man, he has been a longtime advocate for greater visibility of gay and lesbian characters in various media, especially comics, including the coordination and moderation of the annual "Gays in Comics" panel for Comic Con International since it was begun in 1988. He is the founder of an annual "Women of Wonder Day" event, which raises funds for domestic violence shelters and related programs. As of 2011 he has had books on the USA Today "best-selling books" list three times. wikipedia

Reviews

[Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fifth (or second, depending on whether or not you accept their decision to follow the third book with another number one) novel in the Pocket series of original tie-in novels of the first Roswell television series. It's a pretty good story that works both as a mystery and as science fiction, with some good historical background that explains some of the situations of the current-day setting. Michael is the prime suspect in his rotten foster father's murder investigation, and he learns the value of family and friendship when the other Czechoslovakians and their associates prove his innocence. Both Valentis have some good moments, we meet Isabel's new main squeeze Jesse, we hear too much about Tess, and Liz doesn't have much to do except cope with her lousy boyfriend. It's another fast, fun read.

[Rosa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too much time spent talking about Tess. The writers beat me over the head with the nature vs. nurture argument. Liz had nothing to do the entire book. Max is a crummy boyfriend.

On the plus side, lots of Jim Valenti in this one and that is something s03 was really lacking. Kyle's snarkiness was 100% on point. Plenty of Maria/Michael moments. And we got Jesse POVs!

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Roswell teen aliens get a lead on their DNA that leads them to their (unwilling) human donors. Although part of the Roswell series, this can be read alone. Fans who enjoy close encounters will appreciate this storyline that gives a motive and means for the alien abductions.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael gets arrested for his foster father's murder and it takes him and all of his friends to prove his innocence. They do, and Michael realizes just how lucky he is to have so many people believe in him.

Really loved reading this book. Loved seeing Michael's more vulnerable side and the others showing him just how important he is to them.

[Melanie M · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the suspense but I can't stand errors in a book and this one had a few. When Melinda wrote them I didn't find errors, when the other authors wrote them I can't not find errors. Do editor's still work in the book industry?

[Jackie Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fantastic story, and probably the most consistent with the TV series that I have read so far. I just wish it was someone other than Tess and that a few other things had gotten to be explained...

[Katie Jauncey · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books are rated more for teens, and I read the Roswell series when I was about 15 ..... but I still really love reading them now. They're written in an easily worded way so that if you want something quick and easy to read, they're perfect ..... I love the whole series :)