The Secrets of Tree Taylor by Dandi Daley Mackall Tree Taylor has two goals for summer: have her first real kiss; and become a writer. She desperately wants to become a reporter for the high school paper in the fall even though she will only be a freshman. When a gunshot is fired across the street, Tree knows this might be her opportunity to get the scoop before anyone else and write the investigative story that will make her famous. But when she uncovers more than she intended to, she discovers perhaps that some secrets are not her's to tell. A great tween mystery, but also a story of friendship and family. One of those books I call a "quiet gem." Perfect for: grades 5-8.
Lulu's Mysterious Mission by Judith Viorst First, I want to say that I love this author. LOVE. Not afraid to gush about it either. She is the popular author of the Alexander books (Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good...) and MANY others. But the Alexander books are where I first got to know her and her characters...and they saved more than one storytime for me! This is the third book starring Lulu. I cannot get enough of them...or Lulu. In this book, Lulu's parents take a much needed vacation and bring in a mysterious babysitter to take charge. Lulu is DETERMINED to get rid of the babysitter, until she discovers that Ms. Sonia is a spy in disguise. Go back and read all these books and enjoy Lulu's adventures. Perfect for: students reading early chapter books; grades 1st-4th.
The Boundless by Kenneth Oppel I booktalked this one like crazy in June to my 6th grade students for summer reading. I am a huge fan of Kenneth Oppel...Huge. Fan. This book will literally take you on the adventure of a lifetime with Will, as he gets caught up in intrigue, mystery, and a train robbery aboard the Boundless, a larger than life train on an epic journey across country. I hope that after reading this book, you will want to discover all of the author's other books, especially the Silverwing series (AMAZING! For upper elementary & middle school students), and his novels about teenage Victor Frankenstein (8th grade and up). Heart-stopping, edge-of-your-seat action! Perfect for: grades 4-7.
Under the Egg by Laura Marx Fitzgerald Okay, I had this book checked out from the public library forever and had to return it. I admit, I almost returned it without reading it. But then I decided to crack it open (ha, ha). I am SO glad that I took the time to read it (and incur the late charge). I can only describe this book by using the publisher's words: This is From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankwiler meets Chasing Vermeer. And to that I would add "meets Monuments Men." 4th grade me would have ADORED this book. And grown-up me is kind of in love with it too. Best for: grades 4-7.
Loot by Jude Watson Fast-paced action, witty quips, jewel heists, and a prophesied curse… Loot has it all. Fans of mystery, action, crime drama and more will find a LOT to like in this book that reads like a movie. Best for: 5th - 8th grades.
Body in the Woods by April Henry Author April Henry is back with another high-interest mystery (all set in the Pacific NW). The Body in the Woods will keep readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. But you might not want to read it on a camping trip… Best for: 8th-12th grades.
Last year, I posted my Top 15 Scary Stories just in time for the spooky Halloween, dark-and-scary-night season. You can find that post here. Since I am still in love with those titles, I thought that I would add my Top 5 creepy stories from 2013. And then I realized that there are a few more than 5...but not quite 15. So, here you go...just in time to get your scare on! (In no particular order...) Midwinter Blood by Marcus Sedgwick. LOVE! LOVE! LOVE! I love this author, I love his dark and creepy writing, I love this collection of 7 intertwined atmospheric stories. I can't even explain this book to do it justice, because I will honestly make it sound really lame, and it's NOT. By far, one of the best books that I've read in 2013. Did I mention that I love it? I will say, that I love it as an adult. Looking at it through a teen's lens, I'm honestly not sure who the best audience for this is, but I hope that it will find it's way into the hands of sophisticated high school (and adult) readers looking for something amazing to read. Grades 9-12.
I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga. Yeah, this is NOT for the faint of heart (nor is the sequel, which is actually the book that came out in 2013). I am a giant fan of Bones, CSI, The Following, and any sort of crime-solving drama on TV, so I was naturally drawn to a murder mystery story for teens surrounding the son of the nation's most infamous serial killer. VERY dark. VERY graphic. But very good if you are the reader that can handle it. Grades 10-12.
Waking Dark by Robin Wasserman. This is being touted as Stephen King for teens. Not being a huge fan of the master of the horror genre myself, I can't actually attest to that. But I did completely enjoy the author's "The Book of Blood & Shadow" so I gave this one a shot. SO GOOD! Again, not really for the faint of heart because it lives up to it's horror billing, but an excellent read. Grades 10-12.
Siege & Storm by Leigh Bardugo. I'm not sure that this is the "scary" story you might be looking for, but this book (and it's sequel, which is the book that came out in 2013), is very dark and atmospheric and has incredible world-building and writing. It feels like the perfect book to read on a dark and stormy night. Grades 7-12.
The Girl Who Was Supposed to Die by April Henry. This edge-of-your-seat mystery will keep your heart racing right from page one. Best opening pages of a book that I've read in a long time! (I actually liked the author's Girl, Stolen just a bit better, but this one did not disappoint). Grades 8-11.
If You find Me by Emily Murdoch. I don't actually think this is a "scary" story, except for the fact that it could so easily be true and as a parent that is what is so disturbing about it. This book made me never want to camp in the woods again. Grades 9-12.
Doll Bones by Holly Black. The master of creepy tales and ghost stories, this is a terrific ghost story/road trip/adventure for the middle school set. And a great cover! Grades 5-8.
The Screaming Staircase by Jonathan Stroud. This is book one in the new "Lockwood & Co." series by the author famous for the incredible "Bartimaeus" trilogy. Teen ghost hunters in London? Do I even need to say anything more? Fantastic! Cannot wait for the next book! Grades 6-9. Happy reading! Don't forget to leave the lights on...
Title: Crash Author: McMann Genre: Fiction, Fantasy, Romance, Supernatural, Family Pages: 233 Rating: 4 out of 5 stars Ages: 7th-10th grades We were so lucky to host this author (along with Jennifer A. Nielsen) at Evergreen this past March. You can read all about the AMAZING experience here.Since I am also a huge fan of both of these authors, I was especially excited for the event. It definitely did not disappoint. The "Wake" trilogy is a popular series in my library, and Cryer's Cross (previously reviewed here) is also the perfect creepy tale. And this year I will be promoting her new "Unwanteds" series. Because she obviously doesn't have enough to do, this series starter was also published this year. From the Publisher: If what you see is what you get, Jules is in serious trouble. Jules lives with her family above their restaurant, which means she smells like pizza most of the time and drives their double-meatball-shaped food truck to school. It’s not a recipe for popularity, but she can handle that. What she can’t handle is the recurring vision that haunts her. Over and over, Jules sees a careening truck hit a building and explode...and nine body bags in the snow. The vision is everywhere—on billboards, television screens, windows—and she’s the only one who sees it. And the more she sees it, the more she sees. The vision is giving her clues, and soon Jules knows what she has to do. Because now she can see the face in one of the body bags, and it’s someone she knows. Someone she has been in love with for as long as she can remember. As soon as I read this book, I knew just the student who would enjoy it. And I was right! I'm including her review below, but wanted to add my two cents first. This book has mystery, suspense, and romance. It is a page-turner that is hard to put it down because you desperately want to find out if Jules is able to save the day. I really liked Jules and her narration is spot on. The supporting cast is also well-defined. This is definitely an exciting series starter (there are supposed to be 4 books in this series; the 2nd book, "Bang" comes out this fall), and one that we will have on the shelves for the fall. Jenni's review: Loved Crash! It kind of reminded me of Romeo and Juliet- but still really original seeing as how there was resistance from Sawyer's part. I liked how different Jules is from me because as I've said before I usually subconsciously (now I'm actually aware of it though *laughs) try to identify with the protagonist of the books. I found myself cringing a lot when Jules would do something like approach Sawyer or even tell him she loves him. Yeah, this chick is way more ballsy than I ever will be. But I liked seeing how her actions played out in the end. Sawyer was frustrating too. The story in general was frustrating because like Romeo and Juliet I find it completely idiotic for parents and kids to allow feuds to be passed down and to live by them. I liked how Jules, although she kind of abided by that old fight, basically said, "I don't give a damn, I'm gonna try to save these people." The ending was satisfying because it made sense, but as all good authors do, it didn't leave me too satisfied since I felt like there is still more to be said of Jules and Sawyer's story. All in all, I can't wait for the next book to come out!
Title: Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library Author: Grabenstein Genre: Fiction, Games, Libraries, Reading, Friendship, Mysteries Pages: 291 Rating: 3 1/2 out of 5 stars Ages: 4th-8th grades (and fans of children's literature of any age) If you've been keeping up here on the blog, you know that my reading the past couple of weeks have fallen into two categories: (1) books not-yet-published which I LOVE but don't want to review until you can get your hands on a copy also; or (2) books already published that I feel are "meh" and don't feel excited enough about to review. Finally, I have found a book that is already published AND that I liked...a lot. From the Publisher: Kyle Keeley is the class clown, popular with most kids, (if not the teachers), and an ardent fan of all games: board games, word games, and particularly video games. His hero, Luigi Lemoncello, the most notorious and creative gamemaker in the world, just so happens to be the genius behind the building of the new town library. Lucky Kyle wins a coveted spot to be one of the first 12 kids in the library for an overnight of fun, food, and lots and lots of games. But when morning comes, the doors remain locked. Kyle and the other winners must solve every clue and every secret puzzle to find the hidden escape route. And the stakes are very high. It only takes about 10 pages to figure out why I love this book so much. Libraries, board games, contests, riddles, library lock-ins, a continual references to many of my favorite books. This is a no-brainer for me. However, I do think that this book is definitely deserving of all of it's "starred" reviews, and will likely be on several "Top 10" lists at the end of the year. As the main character, Kyle is a clever, likeable guy with a good sense of humor. It is obvious that he has friends. But, he's also kind of a slacker and yet super-competitive when it comes to games (is it possible to be a slacker and super-competitive? I'm not sure that even makes sense, but it is what it is). I think he is a narrator that kids can relate to, and would probably want to be friends with. I like how he leads a group of kids to band together to solve the puzzle so that they can win as a group. Teamwork is everything. Imagine that you took "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," "Night at the Museum," "The Westing Game," "From the Mixed up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler," and a host of titles by Blue Balliett and put them in a box and shook vigorously. The result would be this terrific adventure from Grabenstein. Luigi Lemoncello is very much a modern-day Willy Wonka, who is determined to pay tribute to his favorite childhood librarian. But to credit all these works that have gone before would be to do a disservice to the inventive tale that the author has given us. Obviously the crowd for the book is supposed to be the tween/teen group, and I already purchased a copy for my library. However, with so many references (and groan-worthy puns) to some of the best that children's literature has to offer, this is one that grown-ups will also enjoy as it will remind them of their childhood. A fun read for the whole family! P.S. If there really is a Mr. Lemoncello out there, have I got some ideas for how we could make the Evergreen Library even better! You and I could have a lot of fun putting our ideas into action.
Title: Death Cloud Author: Lane Genre: Fiction, Series, Mystery, Adventure, Classics, Murder, England Pages: 311 Rating: 4 out of 5 stars Ages: 6th-9th grades This series starter is a good one, especially for readers looking for a good mystery. From the Publisher: It is the summer of 1868, and Sherlock Holmes is fourteen. On break from boarding school, he is staying with eccentric strangers—his uncle and aunt—in their vast house in Hampshire. When two local people die from symptoms that resemble the plague, Holmes begins to investigate what really killed them, helped by his new tutor, an American named Amyus Crowe. So begins Sherlock's true education in detection, as he discovers the dastardly crimes of a brilliantly sinister villain of exquisitely malign intent. I love a book that imagines the teen years of a well-known fictional character (Sherlock Holmes, James Bond, etc), and this is one of the better ones I've read. It is also the first one to be endorsed by the estate of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. There is a good mystery here, and we get a glimpse at how young Sherlock gets his start. There is also quite a bit of adventure (and a little humor if you're paying attention) that will keep you on the edge of your seat. There are now 3 books in this series, with a 4th coming out in October. And until the 7th, this audiobook is available for FREE download from Sync. It is also paired with the classic Doyle namesake "Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" so you can download one or both for free. A great deal for two terrific books!
Title: Mind Games Author: White Genre: Fiction, Sisters, Psychic Ability, Thriller, Action, Series Pages: 241 Rating: 4 out of 5 stars Ages: 7th grade & up I discovered this series starter because I am a big fan of White's Paranormalcy trilogy (I know, I know...I'm not supposed to like paranormal books. But that series is really good!). From the Publisher: Fia and Annie are as close as two sisters can be. They look out for each other. Protect each other. And most importantly, they keep each others secrets, even the most dangerous ones: Annie is blind, but can see visions of the future; Fia was born with flawless intuition--her first impulse is always exactly right. When the sisters are offered a place at an elite boarding school, Fia realizes that something is wrong . . . but she doesn't grasp just how wrong. The Keane Institute is no ordinary school, and Fia is soon used for everything from picking stocks to planting bombs. If she tries to refuse, they threaten her with Annie's life. Now Fia is falling in love with a boy who has dark secrets of his own. And with his help, she's ready to fight back. They stole her past. They control her present. But she won't let them take her future. I really enjoyed this story, told from both sister's perspectives. It was a unique construct in a genre that tends to start to all look alike. I have been recommending this one far and wide this summer, and I received the following brief review from a former student: So as far as the romance goes I think it's well written because it's frustrating to read. It actually makes you feel something. Fia's relationship with her sister, Annie is interesting because their roles are reversed. The younger sister is looking out for her older sister instead of the other way around. I think the way the book ended was perfect for the sisters. Throughout the book their troubles came from the fact that they focused too much on the other instead of themselves as a whole. So the book kind of made the perfect solution while still leaving some problems to be solved. Fans of mystery, action, dystopian, and even romance books will find something to enjoy in this title. It's a fast read because you want to desperately get to the end to figure out what is going to happen! I cannot wait for the next one. Oh wait, I have an advance copy of the second book (Perfect Lies, pub. February, 2014). I think I might just go read it right now!
Another Trailer Tuesday/Book a Day combo for you today. This one I read to prepare for a national webinar that I presented this spring for YALSA/ALA (American Library Association). In January, Crusher, by Niall Leonard, was voted one of the Top 10 Audiobooks for teens of the year previous year. I agree. The audio is terrific, but this is also an excellent mystery for high school students, especially boys. The fast pace, and twist and turns, will keep you turning pages (or wishing your drive wasn't so short so you could keep listening). I was glad to discover this title, and definitely put it on my Summer Reading list! From the publisher: The day Finn Maguire discovers his dad bludgeoned to death in a pool of blood, his dreary life is turned upside down. Prime suspect in his father’s murder, Finn must race against time to clear his name and find out who hated his dad enough to kill him. Scouring the sordid, brutal London underworld for answers, exposing dark family secrets, and facing danger at every turn, Finn is about to learn that it’s the people you trust who can hit you the hardest. . .
Title: Nine Days Author: Hiatt Genre: Fiction, Adventure, Mystery, Travel Pages: 241 Rating: 3 1/2 out of 5 stars Ages: 7th grade and up The entire time I was reading this book I kept thinking, wow, this would make a good classroom read for our 9th grade social studies classes. Alas, we don't have 9th graders in our building anymore (and I do miss them), but I still think that this page-turner will find an audience! From the Publisher: A contemporary thriller in the vein of James Patterson and Anthony Horowitz set against the bustling backdrop of Hong Kong, Vietnam, and the border of China. This heart-pounding adventure takes place as two teens, an American teenage boy and his friend, a Chinese girl from his Washington, DC-area high school, must find her father who has been kidnapped--and they only have nine days. Although the characters in the novel are fictionalized, they are based on a real Chinese family who were part of the Chinese Democracy Movement and inspired this story. "Heart-pounding," "action-packed," "fast-paced." These are all terms that have been used to describe this book. At only 241 pages, this adventure/mystery almost begs to be read in one sitting. Ethan and Ti-Anna plan a covert operation to Hong Kong in an attempt to rescue Ti-Anna's kidnapped father from Chinese government agents. The two high schoolers believe they have a shot at this (when no one else can) because, as an American, Ethan is unlikely to be silenced by the Chinese government...and will also be reported missing if something goes wrong. The compelling plotline drives the story, but there is also some terrific cultural and historical information to be gleaned. The underlying friendship between the two teens is the perfect balance to the adventure. And the mystery of what happened to Ti-Anna's father (and did the teens succeed) will keep readers' attention. After all, Ethan is "writing" this story as a letter to a judge, so we know right from the start that something might not have gone as planned...
Title: Golden Author: Kirby Genre: Fiction, Mystery, Love, Diaries Pages: 277 Rating: 4 out of 5 stars Age: 8th grade and up (and adult) I've decided to post "Book a Day" reviews this summer: a new book each day starting today! Some of these will be books that I posted on my Summer Reading suggestions, but many will be ones that I am also reading this summer. And since my goal is always to read more than one book per day, I'm hoping to have enough reviews to accomplish this all summer long! The first title I want to post about is Golden by Jessi Kirby. First, let me just say that this is one of the 25-30 books in my "to read" pile that I just didn't get to before school got out. And now I am VERY sad that this did not make it onto my Summer Reading list. Because it is a GREAT BOOK! Wonderful! And a perfect book to read this summer. I have already recommended it to several neighborhood girls (and their moms). From the publisher: Seventeen-year-old Parker Frost has never taken the road less traveled. Valedictorian and quintessential good girl, she’s about to graduate high school without ever having kissed her crush or broken the rules. So when fate drops a clue in her lap—one that might be the key to unraveling a town mystery—she decides to take a chance. Each year, Parker's English teacher gives soon-to-be graduating seniors a journal to record their thoughts on the question, "what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?" And then he collects and stores the journals, mailing them back to students 10 years after graduation. Parker, as his TA, is tasked with tracking down addresses and mailing the journals from ten years ago. And that's when she discovers the journal of Julianna Farnetti in the stack. Julianna and her boyfriend Shane were the golden couple of the town, until the night they perished in horrible car accident that plunged them into the river, leaving the whole town to grieve and create monuments in their honor. Parker cannot help herself and starts to read Julianna's journal. And in doing so, she starts to question not only her own motivations and plans for the future, but she wonders if the accident really happened like everyone thinks. With clues from the journal, she sets out to prove what really happened the night the golden couple died. I cannot say enough about how much I really responded to this book. I am sure it had a little to do with all the Robert Frost references (one of my favorite poets; and The Road Not Taken, which obviously plays a huge role in this book, is my all-time favorite poem). But I also liked Parker and her telling of this story. Her BFF Kat, who she enlists into helping, is such a great friend and I love how the girls balance and support each other. The mystery of what happened to Julianna and Shane is compelling and I will say that this storyline did NOT end how I thought it would. I think that almost any high school student (and adult) can relate to the "what if" dilemma that Parker faces. What if I had made different choices? What would my life be like? Is it too late to change the road that I am traveling down? Do yourself a favor and go check out this book NOW! And then go back and pick up the author's first book, Moonglass for another good "summer" title. You will not be disappointed!
Another of our Student Book Reviews. This review comes to you from a 6th grader at Evergreen! Title: Witch and Wizard Author: Patterson Genre: Fiction, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Adventure, Mystery Pages: 314 Rating: 5 out of 5 stars From the publisher: A sister and brother, along with thousands of young people, have been kidnapped and either thrown in prison or turned up missing after accusations of witchcraft were made against them, and the ruling regime will do anything in order to suppress life and liberty, music and books. From the student: "Whit and Wisteria Allgood live a perfectly normal life...until now. When their neighbor accuses them of witchcraft, some members of the New Order throw them in jail. Could this witchcraft thing be a mistake or more than that? I read this book because the book sounded interesting and had a good summary. Someone else would want to read this book because it has a cool cover and title. I gave this book 5/5 stars because it had such a good plot, I couldn't put it down! It was full of adventure and plenty of romance for a wonderful story. Fans of Harry Potter or Maximum Ride would also like this book, which is the first book in a series." To be honest, I haven't read this series by James Patterson. But this review makes me think I should put it on my list to read soon!
Title: Secret Letters Author: Leah Scheier Genre: Mystery, Fiction, Family Pages: 327 Rating: 4 out of 5 stars Inquisitive and observant, Dora dreams of escaping her aristocratic country life to solve mysteries alongside Sherlock Holmes. So when she learns that the legendary detective might be her biological father, Dora jumps on the opportunity to travel to London and enlist his help in solving the mystery of her cousin's ransomed love letters. But Dora arrives in London to devastating news: Sherlock Holmes is dead. This is a terrific period mystery, with all the tone and feel of a classic Sherlock Holmes mystery...but without Sherlock Holmes ever appearing in the story. Dora is smart and feisty, and there might just be an intriguing leading man and a little bit of romance. Secret codes, disguises, deception, and murder...everything we want in a mystery!
Title: Here Lies Linc Author: Ray Genre: Fiction, Junior High, Friendship, Death, Family, Mystery Pages: 320 Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Lincoln Crenshaw is about to start junior high after being home-schooled. As if that wasn’t hard enough, his first field trip of 7th grade is led by his mother at a place she is an expert about—the local cemetery. Linc just wants to fit in and is sure that his unusual mother (who he calls Lottie) will cause him all kinds of embarrassment.
When the teacher assigns a project to adopt-a-grave and research the person buried there, Linc decides to prove himself to his fellow classmates and takes on the cursed “Black Angel” tombstone. Throughout the project, Linc is helped by old and new friends alike. He also discovers a mystery surrounding the grave chosen by a classmate that will change his life.
Grounded in a project readers will relate to, the mystery is realistic and moves the story forward. Though many of the pieces fall into place quite conveniently, the adventure is still enjoyable. Boys and girls alike will root for Linc in this lively tale, perfect for students in 4th-7th grades. I don't usually post reviews of books for this age group, but this was just such a fun read that I can't help but recommend it!
Title: Blank Confession Author: Hautman Genre: Fiction, Mysteries, Murder, Bullying Pages: 170 Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Last summer, I went through a stretch where I didn't read anything that rated higher than 3 stars, and those were the good ones. However, this past month, I am apparently making up for that. Everything that I've read rates 3, 4, and 5 stars!
"Blank Confession" opens when Shayne Blank walks into the local police station and confesses to a murder. Shayne is the new kid in town, and he's not talking about his background. But he is talking about the murder, and has no problem telling the detective the story that led up to the killing.
Even though Shayne is the one confessing, the story alternates between two unlikely narrators: the detective listening to the confession, and Mikey, a kid that Shayne befriended to protect him from a bully. For me it is unusual that Shayne is the one confessing, but he is not the narrator of the story. Mikey and Shayne have only been friends for a short time when the story takes place. But when Mikey comes under attack by a drug-dealing bully, Shayne jumps in to rescue him and unfortunately makes matters worse. Both boys attempt to right the wrongs they see. The narrators parcel out the story, and through it we see the quick development of the boys' friendship, and the growth that Mikey makes.
We never really know quite what to make of Shayne, and that is an intential part of the mystery. It is not a mystery that someone is killed; the mystery is who ends up dead. Hautman weaves a compelling story that will keep readers turning the pages. Just when you think you have it all figured out, you realize that you could be wrong when another bad guy is introduced. It will keep you guessing until the end.
Because there are some elements introduced in the book that are not quite "junior high appropriate," this is definitely a book for high school and up. However, fans of Hautman will not be disappointed. Likewise, if you like gritty, fast-paced, whodunits, this is a first-rate choice!
Title: Cryer's Cross Author: McMann Genre: Fiction, Mystery, Supernatural, High School, Missing Children Pages: 240 Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
In addition to my duties reading books for award committees (currently that means BFYA), I also review books for Booklist. For some reason, I often get sent 500+ page vampire romance novels to review, which is honestly not my favorite genre. In fact, "UGH!" is sometimes my response. Imagine my surprise when I received the new Lisa McMann novel to review at the beginning of January. It's possible I did a little dance upon opening the envelope. I LOVED McMann's Wake/Fade/Gone trilogy, and am very excited for a new book by her.
Kendall is a senior in a one-room high school where last spring Tiffany, a freshman, disappeared. Now it is the start of a new year and Kendall’s boyfriend Nico has gone missing. Nico understood Kendall and her OCD and she has trouble coping with the disappearance. While compelled to straighten the desks before class one morning, Kendall discovers that Nico’s desk was also Tiffany’s desk. This seems like more than a coincidence, but Kendall is afraid that people will think she is crazy. The town’s dark past is a well-kept secret and though she doesn’t want to admit it, Kendall will need the help of brooding newcomer Jacian if she is going to find Nico.
Kendall is a unique character and the details of her OCD compulsions are well-drawn. Haunting passages from another world, which provide just enough detail to intrigue and disturb readers, are intertwined with Kendall’s story. Part mystery, part ghost story, and part romance, this book has enough to satisfy a variety of readers and will find popularity with McMann’s established fan base and new readers alike.
On a side note, the best reaction that I received when I put this book out on display was from one of our 9th Grade LA teachers, who giggled like a junior high school girl when she saw that we had received the book. I wish I had video that I could upload.
Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Genre: Classical Mystery Pages: 359 Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
This book begins, like many other Sherlock Holmes books, in the small, quiet shared apartment of Holmes himself and Dr. John Watson. While enjoying their tea one morning Dr. Edward Mortimer shows up, fearful, at their door. He tells them the story of the head of the Baskerville manor's grandfather's death; he was an evil man with a sadistic soul who locked a young woman in a chamber. Following her escape he led a chase which ended up in his death at the paws of the hound. Soon Holmes and Watson meet the current owner of the estate, Sir Henry Baskerville. Dr. Mortimer fears that the curse of the hound will catch up with Sir Henry and he pleads for their assistance. It is decided that Watson, Mortimer, and Sir Henry will travel to the Baskerville estate, as Holmes has other matters to attend to in London. Watson soon begins investigating, interrogating, and questioning. He is eventually accompanied by Holmes but will their combined wits be enough?
I decided to choose this novel because I am a big fan of the "Sherlock Holmes" series and any book written by Doyle, another reason was because I thoroughly enjoy mystery books. A literary technique used in this text is classism as the author emphasizes the different classes such as the high class like the Baskervilles and the lower class as the small town next to the estate. Two very obvious interesting characters are Holmes and Watson but another sneaky individual is Mr. Stapleton a butterfly collector living out on the moor. The overall theme of this book would have to be "Do not trust appearances."
I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars because it is an overall great read, had just the right amount of detail for me, and had that frightening old style tale feeling to it. I would recommend this novel to mature and strong readers as it is written in advanced vocabulary and old English style text. This story reminded me of all of the previous Conan Doyle books I have read.
The Hound Of Baskervilles written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, written for the purpose to bring Holmes back is a challenging mystery novel and includes danger for Holmes and his partner. If you could, would you take the place of Watson as the legendary detective Sherlock Holmes' assistant? --Rob, 8th grade
I am so glad that you chose to read and review this book! This is one of the most popular book choices for our 9th graders during their "Classics" unit each spring. I, too, am a big fan of mysteries and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. By the way, this is NOT the cover of the book that we have in the library, thank goodness! We have the great one with the evil hound baring his teeth...much more in line with the tone of the book, but it wouldn't upload to the blog at all.
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