Drawing a Blank

Drawing a Blank follows Carlton Dunne IV, a junior at prestigious Carnegie Mansion who creates comic strips under a pseudonym while trying to maintain a low profile at school. The story shifts dramatically when Carlton's father is kidnapped by a Scottish clan seeking revenge for an ancient feud. Carlton travels to Scotland where he meets Aileen, an 18-year-old aspiring police officer who joins his search. The narrative moves between Connecticut and Scotland's northern reaches, incorporating elements of clan mythology and family history. Carlton and Aileen navigate through castles, small towns, and the rugged Scottish landscape as they pursue leads about Carlton's missing father. This young adult novel combines elements of mystery, adventure, and coming-of-age storytelling while exploring themes of identity, family legacy, and the intersection of myth with reality.

Readers describe this teen mystery as fast-paced and humorous, with several commenting on its appeal to reluctant readers. The book holds a 3.8/5 rating on Goodreads from 126 ratings. Readers highlighted: - Quick, entertaining plot - Short chapters that maintain interest - Relatable teenage characters - Mix of comic illustrations and text Common criticisms: - Plot becomes predictable - Character development feels rushed - Some found the ending unsatisfying Amazon reviews mention it works well for middle school students who prefer shorter books, with one teacher noting "my struggling readers stayed engaged." Several Goodreads reviewers appreciated the comic book elements but wanted more depth to the mystery elements. Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (126 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (14 ratings) Barnes & Noble: 4/5 (8 ratings)

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🔍 Scottish clan feuds, which form a key part of the novel's plot, date back to the 13th century and sometimes lasted for hundreds of years 🎨 The book's unique format, incorporating comic panels within traditional prose, reflects a growing trend in young adult literature called "hybrid novels" 🏰 The Scottish castle setting draws from real architectural history - Scotland has over 1,500 castles, many of which were built during clan warfare periods 🌟 Daniel Ehrenhaft has written over 40 books for young readers and serves as the editorial director for Soho Teen publishing 🗺️ The novel's transatlantic journey mirrors historical Scottish migration patterns - between 1825 and 1938, over 2.3 million Scots left their homeland for North America