Twelfth grade kills by Heather Brewer

Dutton Children's Books, 2010. ISBN 9780525422242.
This is the fifth and final book in The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod series. Vlad is about to face his final year of high school, but only if he lives long enough. There are so many people trying to kill him that it is by no means certain he will even make it to his last year at high school or survive it if he does.
In this last book, the author draws together all the strands and unanswered questions from the previous books. The prime one as to whether Vlad's father is still alive is finally answered.
As usual Vlad is having a hard time deciding just who to trust although he can always rely on his friend and drudge Henry and Nelly his guardian. There is also the question of whether Vlad is as the prophecy suggest, the Pravus and if so will he really enslave the human race.
I have enjoyed the series and this book is no exception.  Vlad has grown in each of the stories as have the other characters.  Here everything that he has been hoping for appears to be happening but not everyone is what they seem and Vlad finds himself doubting even those he trusts the most. To the author's credit all of these issues are resolved and at the end Vlad finds himself sadder but wiser. I think that readers will want more and perhaps there is room for more Chronicles as Vlad moves on from high school.
David Rayner