Review: The Fixer

The Fixer by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I've had this book sitting around for a while but started reading it just recently. I'm not sure why I decided to buy it as it isn't my typical read. It may be that I recognized the author, even though I rated this book higher on my list than the others I've read. Although it was a little different I still enjoyed it, and I think that has more to do with the protagonist Tess than the subject. Tess was an extremely likable character. She made sure to stand up for those who needed her, and the loyalty she has for her grandfather is heartwarming. Another plus was that all of the characters, including Tess, are portrayed accurately with realistic behaviors and reactions. I also enjoyed that The Fixer had me guessing right up until the very end.

Tess has lived on a farm in Montana with her grandfather as long as she can remember. Taking care of the animals comes second to caring for the man who has always cared for her. When her sister shows up out of the blue with the announcement that she's bringing Tess back with her to D.C., Tess is not happy with the change. She is forced into a private school that caters to the children of the political elite. Somehow all of these people know exactly who her sister is and what she does. The name Ivy Kendrick is spoken with a mix of respect, intrigue, and a little bit of fear. When Tess asks her school guide and new friend Vivie what exactly it is that Ivy does, Vivie explains that Ivy is a Fixer. She is the person the politicians call when they need a scandal hidden, or a problem fixed. Somehow her new classmates think she's the junior version of Ivy and almost immediately she is called upon to sort out their problems. At first, it may seem like ordinary teenage problems but it's evident pretty quickly that the situation she's found herself in is way above her skill level.


***Spoilers***
When Ivy shows up unannounced after a three-year hiatus, we learn what it is that Tess has been hiding. Her grandfather has Alzheimer's and she's done her best to keep that a secret so she could stay with him and care for him. He has given his life to take care of and raise her after her parents died and she wants to do the same for him. Unfortunately, as a minor, she doesn't get to make that decision, and Ivy decides she needs to come live with her. Her new friend Vivie reveals a huge secret, that she thinks her father is responsible for the death of one of their classmates, Henry's grandfather. Vivie's dad Major Bharani is the White House doctor, and Henry's grandfather Chief Justice Marquette was a Supreme Court judge. When he has a heart attack no one thinks anything of him dying during surgery (performed by Vivie's dad). Then we learn there are at least three players in this scandal to open up a seat on the supreme court. Through a lot of investigating, luck, and help from Ivy they learn the identity of the three major players. Judge Pierce from Arizona who wanted Marquette's position, Bharani was involved for the money, and Kostas the secret service agent that needed Judge Pierce to pardon his son's crime. In the end, Kosta's killed them both after Pierce reneged on their deal and Bharani became a liability. He kidnapped Tess to make Ivy fix his son's problem, but it was Tess who solved it by going to William Keyes who pulled some strings to get the governor of Arizona to issue a pardon. Kostas releases Ivy but is killed when he tried to come out unarmed behind her and turn himself in. Ivy thinks there is another unmentioned player who realized Kostas was now a liability. Another huge surprise was learning that Tess is actually Ivy's daughter, not her sister. Ivy was only 16 when she had Tess, and her parents thought it would be best if they raised Tess. Her father Tommy was Pierce's son and Adam's brother. Tess agreed to be a part of his life in exchange for saving Ivy's.
Other Characters:
Bodie- Driver/Bodyguard/Friend of Ivy's. He is funny and intriguing, so hopefully we will learn his story soon.
Adam- Friend to Ivy, son of William Keyes, and uncle to Tess.
Asher- Brother to Emilia, best friend of Henry and hilarious.




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