Amateur sleuth Tom Austen can’t believe his luck when his dad, an officeron the Winnipeg police force, is placed in charge of local security for JohnnyLombardo, Hollywood’s biggest child star. Not only does Tom get to meetthe 13-year-old actor, he also gets hired as the star’s stand-in on the set of KidGangster, Johnny’s movie that’s being shot in Winnipeg. But while Johnny’s agreat kid, it’s clear to Tom’s detective mind that some members of his entourageare involved in shady dealings. Tom’s instinct proves correct when Johnny is kidnappedand held for $10 million ransom. Now Tom’s off to Hollywood—excepthis brush with acting turns very real when he finds himself in a life-or-deathstruggle to rescue his new friend. | Red River Ransom by Eric Wilson, Paperback | Indigo Chapters