Jennifer The Jerk Is Missing

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 1994. First edition; full numberline. Rare title. Red boards, aqua cloth spine wrap, black spine titles, slight shelf wear. Red endpapers. Pages fine. Deep red endpapers. Bind fine; hinges intact. Thirteen-year-old Amy is forced to baby-sit the son of her father's most important client for the weekend, and Malcolm, her eight-year-old charge, is none too pleased about the arrangement. His caustic remarks and propensity for inventing outrageous stories signal trouble ahead. It's no surprise, then, that Amy has a hard time believing Malcolm when he insists that a a classmate (the eponymous Jennifer) is in the process of being kidnapped. The story next focuses on Malcolm's efforts to convince Amy of the veracity of his tale. A chase follows, with Malcolm driving a moped on a highway and the two sleuths discovering an obnoxious Jennifer and the limousine driver, held captive by perps with a knack for corny dialogue. ("Don't smack me, Frank. You always used to smack me when we were kids, and Mom never told you to cut it out. But I'm telling you now to cut it out.") Amy Whipple, 13, isn't looking forward to the weekend of babysitting for 8-year-old Malcolm Wylie, the son of her father's biggest client - especially when she learns of his tendency to concoct fantastic stories. Sure enough, as the two of them walk to the park (Malcolm about a block ahead of Amy), the boy sees Jennifer Smith, a snotty classmate, being abducted by a reckless limo driver. When the police fail to believe his latest tale, Amy decides to help the boy investigate what really happened. They soon discover the kidnappers' lair and attempt a rescue, only to be caught. Then they must find a way to escape their predicament. Narrated by Amy, the story has levity mixed with intrigue. 135 pages.. First Edition. Hardcover. Fine. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. Book.