Out of the Easy (YA)

Book #73 Read in 2013
Out of the Easy by Ruta Sepetys

I loved this author's first book and her second was no sophomore slump.  I loved this one even more.

Josie is the daughter of a New Orleans prostitute mother and a unknown father.  At the age of 12, Josie begins working in a bookstore and the nice owner lets her stay in the apartment above the store to get her away from her mother.  Between him, Willie (the madam with the heart of gold) and others, Josie begins to dream of going to college and escaping life in the French Quarter.  Then a man is murdered and both Josie and her mother are connected to him and questioned by the police.  Her mother's bad connections are catching up to Josie--will she be able to get away?

Sepetys writes a wonderfully intelligent character in Josie.  She is book smart, street smart and courageous.  Readers will root for Josie to be able to make more of her life and to come out a winner.  This book had a well-written plot, with elements of mystery, romance and humor woven into it.  I highly recommend it.