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Accomplice
Short-listed for the 2012 SYRCA Snow Willow Award
Lexie Malton is an average Vancouver teen with fairly typical issues. Her stepmother is far from her favourite person, she has a sister with special needs, and life outside the home is the usual mix of school, friends, and social events.
But Lexie has a secret. Her ex-boyfriend, Devlin Mather, is now a heroin addict living on the street, and only Lexie knows that shes the one who put him there. Guilt makes her give in to Devlins demands for money time and time again, even though she knows how dangerous his drug use is.
Lexie finally gathers the strength to stop enabling Devlin. But when he seeks treatment for his addiction, Lexie finds herself drawn back to him, never guessing what a dark and deadly path she has just chosen.
Devlin relapses, and his desperation leads to an act that will change both of their lives forever.
Lexie Malton is an average Vancouver teen with fairly typical issues. Her stepmother is far from her favourite person, she has a sister with special needs, and life outside the home is the usual mix of school, friends, and social events.
But Lexie has a secret. Her ex-boyfriend, Devlin Mather, is now a heroin addict living on the street, and only Lexie knows that shes the one who put him there. Guilt makes her give in to Devlins demands for money time and time again, even though she knows how dangerous his drug use is.
Lexie finally gathers the strength to stop enabling Devlin. But when he seeks treatment for his addiction, Lexie finds herself drawn back to him, never guessing what a dark and deadly path she has just chosen.
Devlin relapses, and his desperation leads to an act that will change both of their lives forever.
142 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
4 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
About the author
Valerie Sherrard
37 books68 followersI was born in 1957 in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, and grew up in various parts of Canada. My dad was in the Air Force so the family moved often, and was sent to live in Lahr, West Germany, when I was eleven. It was there that a teacher encouraged me toward writing. I didn't rush into it, though. It wasn't until 2002 that my first book was released, but since then I've had several dozen books for young people published.
One reason I chose to write for children and teens was my experience in working with them. Over the years I fostered about 70 teens in my home, and I also worked as the Director of a group home for teens in my community for more than a decade.
One reason I chose to write for children and teens was my experience in working with them. Over the years I fostered about 70 teens in my home, and I also worked as the Director of a group home for teens in my community for more than a decade.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 27, 2017
Grade: B+
Lexie's ex-boyfriend Devlin has a hold on her. She blames herself for his heroin addiction and gives him money whenever he asks. As much as she wants to get away, he always turns up, the last time with tragic consequences.
Canadian writer Valerie Sherrard got my attention from the first sentence. I held my breath, willing Lexie to make better choices, waiting for things to go wrong.
I had an easy time rooting for Lexie, her heart was always in the right place and her judgment was that of many fifteen-year-olds, imperfect. She had both positive and negative points. I had a hard time understanding why she was attracted to Devlin (pre-drugs), maybe it's the bad boy thing.
ACCOMPLICE was a short, interesting read.
Lexie's ex-boyfriend Devlin has a hold on her. She blames herself for his heroin addiction and gives him money whenever he asks. As much as she wants to get away, he always turns up, the last time with tragic consequences.
Canadian writer Valerie Sherrard got my attention from the first sentence. I held my breath, willing Lexie to make better choices, waiting for things to go wrong.
I had an easy time rooting for Lexie, her heart was always in the right place and her judgment was that of many fifteen-year-olds, imperfect. She had both positive and negative points. I had a hard time understanding why she was attracted to Devlin (pre-drugs), maybe it's the bad boy thing.
ACCOMPLICE was a short, interesting read.
January 4, 2018
Might have enjoyed this more when I read a lot of YA.
I liked the story line that showed the manipulation, I felt like that was really realistic. However, the ending was super neat and tidy, and I felt like it could have been done better.
I liked the story line that showed the manipulation, I felt like that was really realistic. However, the ending was super neat and tidy, and I felt like it could have been done better.
March 10, 2022
I enjoyed this book. Its a YA book. The characters are well likeable. It was a well interesting read and I'm glad it ended as it did.
My first book by the author, but not the last one
My first book by the author, but not the last one
August 22, 2012
This is a very interesting and short teen novel by a Canadian author about a girl who blames herself for the mess her ex-boyfriend ends up in. It starts out with her in cuffs, but she realizes that in order for anyone to truly understand her story she must start from the beginning, which is when her and her ex first met. How he did everything she wanted to do and how at a party one night, both very drunk, tried drugs. She didn't get hooked, but he sure did and fast. Now he is a junkie and she is supporting his habit due to her guilt and no one knows she is doing this. Finally he goes to rehab, both Lexie, the main character, and her ex's mother are very happy. But, before long Devlin, Lexie's ex, leaves the facility before his treatment is over and relapses. This after Lexie broke up with the guy she was with to be back with Devlin cause he was turning his life around and she loved him. She trusted him, but he broke it and took off. Weeks later he appears at her work, not wanting to make a scene Lexie meets him outside, she is then taken hostage after she won't give him money and takes her with with to rob the convenience store around the corner. In all the hype and craze of the heist a little 12 year-old girl gets shot. Lexie is cuffed and taken to the police station and then put behind bars as it looked like she was an accomplice to the robbery that Devlin was making. Devlin, however, escaped. Lexie tried to make everyone understand that she had nothing to do with it that she was not to blame that she was a hostage, but no one believed her. When Devlin is finally caught his statement implicates Lexie, stating it was all her fault and idea. Lexie is devastated. Finally the trial takes place and witnesses are called, but not much can be done as all the evidence present unfortunately points to her involvement in the crime. Devlin is called to the stand and admits the truth, stating his original statement was false as he was high and/or withdrawing from whatever he was on and Lexie is free and clear. Lexie is set free and it is hard to believe, but she still feels guilty pressuring him to try the drugs that one night at the party because if she had not this probably would never have happened.
Short and sweet book, though it does deal with some very in depth topics. I really enjoyed this quick read and feel it is a great book for teens especially to read and it shows how fast things can go down hill and what can happen. Very eye opening, and was easy to relate to the setting as it was set in Vancouver. Great book
Short and sweet book, though it does deal with some very in depth topics. I really enjoyed this quick read and feel it is a great book for teens especially to read and it shows how fast things can go down hill and what can happen. Very eye opening, and was easy to relate to the setting as it was set in Vancouver. Great book
May 21, 2011
3.5 stars! Excerpt from review below. You can read my full, in-depth review here: http://thebookpixie.blogspot.com/2011...
"Relevant and compelling, Accomplice is the story of one girl's journey to overcome the hurt and guilt brought on by her ex-boyfriend's drug addiction..............................................................
Accomplice begins with Lexie being driven away in handcuffs and, immediately, I'm sucked in and left wondering how she got to that point. The book then goes back to three months earlier and works it's way forward. The three months before, and then the time that comes after, flew by quickly, almost too quickly. I would have liked to have seen more build up, to have gotten a better look at Lexie's life where Devlin wasn't concerned as I think that would have helped provide me with a better connection to Lexie. Aside from that, I thought Accomplice was gritty and refreshing. I liked getting to see things from the perspective of a loved one and how it affected them to have a drug addict in their life. There was also just the right amount of suspense, keeping me swiftly turning the pages to find out what would happen next.
While Accomplice wasn't perfect and could have benefited from being longer, it is still a very worthwhile read. True, it is short, but if you are looking for something light, this isn't it. However if you want something a little darker and more meaningful, then I think you should pick Accomplice up and give it a try. I look forward to reading more of Sherrard's work in the future."
"Relevant and compelling, Accomplice is the story of one girl's journey to overcome the hurt and guilt brought on by her ex-boyfriend's drug addiction..............................................................
Accomplice begins with Lexie being driven away in handcuffs and, immediately, I'm sucked in and left wondering how she got to that point. The book then goes back to three months earlier and works it's way forward. The three months before, and then the time that comes after, flew by quickly, almost too quickly. I would have liked to have seen more build up, to have gotten a better look at Lexie's life where Devlin wasn't concerned as I think that would have helped provide me with a better connection to Lexie. Aside from that, I thought Accomplice was gritty and refreshing. I liked getting to see things from the perspective of a loved one and how it affected them to have a drug addict in their life. There was also just the right amount of suspense, keeping me swiftly turning the pages to find out what would happen next.
While Accomplice wasn't perfect and could have benefited from being longer, it is still a very worthwhile read. True, it is short, but if you are looking for something light, this isn't it. However if you want something a little darker and more meaningful, then I think you should pick Accomplice up and give it a try. I look forward to reading more of Sherrard's work in the future."
May 10, 2011
Lexie is too young to have a boyfriend who's a heroin addict. But she does, and it's tearing her life apart. The question is, will he take her down with him,as he ruins his life?
This was a dark and page turning tale about drug addiction and teenagers. Granted at any age drug addiction can be baffling, but as Valerie Sherrard so well illustrates, it's a deadly labyrinth for the naive. Lexie's struggle with her fault in the whole mess, the back story on how Devlin falls into severe heroin addiction and the struggles they both make as he tries to come clean in rehab were enlightening and engrossing.
I would be lying if I claimed I hadn't heard of teens using much harder drugs then ever seemed to surface when I was the same age. Stories of casual cocaine usage at 15 or 16 makes my blood run cold when I think of the vodka or pot being passed around at the high school parties I attended. So it wasn't difficult for me to imagine a scenario where an ignorant young 15 year old is offered heroin, and imbibes for the coolness factor, without understanding it's highly addictive nature.
This was not only a well told story, interesting and dark, but obviously a great reminder that not everything handed out by "friends" are harmless. It's nice to see knowledge bundled up in such an appealing story.
Kindly sent to me by the folks at Dundurn Press, as part of they're Keystone off shoot, meant as high interest stories for reluctant readers. A highly reccomended read, and Canadian to boot!
This was a dark and page turning tale about drug addiction and teenagers. Granted at any age drug addiction can be baffling, but as Valerie Sherrard so well illustrates, it's a deadly labyrinth for the naive. Lexie's struggle with her fault in the whole mess, the back story on how Devlin falls into severe heroin addiction and the struggles they both make as he tries to come clean in rehab were enlightening and engrossing.
I would be lying if I claimed I hadn't heard of teens using much harder drugs then ever seemed to surface when I was the same age. Stories of casual cocaine usage at 15 or 16 makes my blood run cold when I think of the vodka or pot being passed around at the high school parties I attended. So it wasn't difficult for me to imagine a scenario where an ignorant young 15 year old is offered heroin, and imbibes for the coolness factor, without understanding it's highly addictive nature.
This was not only a well told story, interesting and dark, but obviously a great reminder that not everything handed out by "friends" are harmless. It's nice to see knowledge bundled up in such an appealing story.
Kindly sent to me by the folks at Dundurn Press, as part of they're Keystone off shoot, meant as high interest stories for reluctant readers. A highly reccomended read, and Canadian to boot!
Read
March 12, 2012This novel is borderline high/low with the vocabulary of an upper JR but YA level violence and mature subject matter. The diction is plain and unimaginative but the plot is well thought out.
The narrator’s experiences with drugs feels authentic and her ex-boyfriend’s controlling and abusive behaviour is in keeping with his unchecked addiction.The family and friends who disagree about how to deal with his addiction and crimes is convincing.
Even if you disagree with her choice to give him money for heroin, it’s hard not sympathize with her. Seeing him suffer in withdrawal and doing things he isn’t proud of as he tries to survive homelessness is heartbreaking given their history and she wants to believe him about rehab.
I expected more about the trial and her time in prison based on the title and synopsis but the story of how she was drawn into crime was a lot more compelling.
I don’t think this novel has enough style or oomph to win this award but I will be donating my copy to the Youth Junction and think that it’s a good influence for people who are in that crowd but not addicted themselves.
The narrator’s experiences with drugs feels authentic and her ex-boyfriend’s controlling and abusive behaviour is in keeping with his unchecked addiction.The family and friends who disagree about how to deal with his addiction and crimes is convincing.
Even if you disagree with her choice to give him money for heroin, it’s hard not sympathize with her. Seeing him suffer in withdrawal and doing things he isn’t proud of as he tries to survive homelessness is heartbreaking given their history and she wants to believe him about rehab.
I expected more about the trial and her time in prison based on the title and synopsis but the story of how she was drawn into crime was a lot more compelling.
I don’t think this novel has enough style or oomph to win this award but I will be donating my copy to the Youth Junction and think that it’s a good influence for people who are in that crowd but not addicted themselves.
December 1, 2012
Description: Set in Vancouver, Accomplice is about Lexie's struggle with guilt about her relationship with her ex-boyfriend. She gives him money when he is using, and rekindles their relationship when he enters a recovery program. This decision leads to dangerous consequences when he relapses.
Reaction: This is a very quick read and will appeal to readers who enjoy danger and drama. The picture it paints of addiction and guilt is realistic, even if the ending is a bit too neat.
Recommended Level: Young Adult
Subjects/Themes: addiction, drug use, friendship, guilt, recovery
Awards: 2012 Saskatchewan Snow Willow Nominee
Reaction: This is a very quick read and will appeal to readers who enjoy danger and drama. The picture it paints of addiction and guilt is realistic, even if the ending is a bit too neat.
Recommended Level: Young Adult
Subjects/Themes: addiction, drug use, friendship, guilt, recovery
Awards: 2012 Saskatchewan Snow Willow Nominee
March 5, 2014
I really appreciated Valerie Sherrard's realistic portrayal of how hard it is to override your emotions when dealing with a loved one's addictions. She showed too how people make instant judgements based solely on appearances, and how easily one can get lost in the bureaucracy, but also how people can choose to provide healing and hope. Believable story, good character development, satisfying (although sad) ending.
July 1, 2015
Pretty good book from the point of view of Lexie Malton, whose ex-boyfriend is a heroine addict. Trials and tribulations of what not to do when an addict implores you for just ten bucks, and promises that "this is the last time. You'll see. I promise...'
Easy to read, compelling and to the point.
Valerie sure knows her audience.
Recommend.
Easy to read, compelling and to the point.
Valerie sure knows her audience.
Recommend.
November 3, 2014
Quick read. I found that the whole legal situation would've been a bit different in the real world, but it's just a book, so you can't expect it to be dead on. Wasn't my favourite book, and probably wouldn't read again. I think it would be better for a younger audience.
March 21, 2011
A good quick read.
July 11, 2011
This book is amazing, but I think that Lexie should have gotten a backbone to Devlin's begging from the beginning. But, then again, the book wouldn't have been nearly as good.
August 7, 2012
Snow Willow Nominee 2012 - A really good book. A great "don't do drugs" plot.
October 3, 2012
This is a good short read. A moral tale for teenagers or anyone really, that enables a loved one who is an addict.
October 16, 2012
It was all right for what it was. Short. Didn't quite deliver on what began as really interesting and tension filled etc. easy quick wrap up and end. Darn.
Read
February 24, 2014Awesome book. Great for generating discussion at the 7/8 level.
May 19, 2015
This was a pretty good book, nothing to much worth talking about but it was a nice light read.
Want to read
September 14, 2012YA; FIC SHE; Reality Fiction; Drugs and Addiction; Sept.14/12
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews