Gabe has a problem: he must attend a new school for sixth grade, and he knows only a few kids. But it gets worse --- much worse. As a foster child, Gabe has bounced around a lot, finally landing with his odd, hermit-like Uncle Vernon. Uncle Vernon is a master of colorful language and, in his own cranky way, a loving parent. So when Gabe arrives home after his first day of school to find Uncle Vernon dead, he is not only stricken with grief but fearful of entering the foster system again. As a result, Gabe doesn't report his uncle's death.

After his second day of sixth grade, Gabe comes home to find a creepy, anonymous note in their mailbox. "I have a secret," it says, and "Do not be afraid." But when Gabe enters the house to find Uncle Vernon's body gone, he is terrified. The only way Gabe can deal with the situation is to pretend that he is his brash buddy Webber, who can handle anything. But then Gabe looks around. The fan he smashed when he found Uncle Vernon's body is gone, except for one plastic button. The blanket he used to cover the body is neatly folded on his bed. Oddly (and comfortingly), someone has left him a sandwich and a bottle of juice.

Gabe has a hard time when he returns to school. He must guard the truth or be taken away. Although he would like to be receptive to his classmate Janet's overtures, he is too distracted. He can't even talk openly to Webber. He dreads returning to the empty house, but upon his arrival he finds another note, along with a large black dog the note calls Guppy. The writer of the note has left dog food and even a dog door. Gabe is thrilled to have Guppy as company as he sets out both to live independently and to unravel the puzzle of the notes in the mailbox.

This haunting mystery unfolds like a classic Alfred Hitchcock movie; I found it nearly impossible to stop reading until the end. Each character is individual and real. Even the teachers are fully human --- irritable at times but also funny and kind. Gabe learns that some events alter a person's life forever. He also discovers that even when he feels most alone, he is not.

THE MAILBOX is a gripping, intelligent and moving read. I look forward to Audrey Shafer's next book.

   --- Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon (terryms2001@yahoo.com)