The Scheherazade Curse

So says Officer Chuck Zander, Worldpol Juvenile Specialist, as he works with the Novice Jazzicals Synchronized Skating Team to thwart an international bioterrorism plot and rescue a kidnapped missionary who uses the nickname "Scheherazade."

While struggling to overcome the "curse" on their Scheherazade program music, the team helps Officer Zander monitor a computer ice skating forum used by the missionary to send coded messages. Child psychologist Dr. Michaela Milani coaches her Novices through a tough season of cheers, tears, and fears, grinding practices, tense competitions, medals and muddles, fights and apologies, growing out of costumes that only last one season, and growing into friendships that last forever.

The season ends with a nail-biting competition and a final battle of wits with the kidnappers, as the Jazzicals learn that losing a competition isn't nearly as horrible as losing someone you love, and winning a competition isn't nearly as wonderful as finding someone you love.

"The Scheherazade Curse" is the first novel ever about synchronized skating, the world's fastest-growing ice skating sport.