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3.82 AVERAGE
3.82 AVERAGE
Fun school mystery story. I like that the main character is from Hong Kong.
It's hard to find a really good mystery these days. While there seems to be a decent number of new mystery titles for middle grade readers, the mystery itself is often disappointing - either the children are implausibly talented or the adults implausibly stupid and willing to blab or the clues are impossible for the average reader to discern. Thank you, Robin Stevens! This is not only a classic British murder mystery in the vein of Agatha Christie, it's also tightly plotted, reasonably plausible, yet solvable while still being surprising. While it contains all the hallmarks of the classics, a body in the library (or gym, in this case), plenty of suspects with secrets of their own, red herrings aplenty, escalating stakes, and a real sense of danger, Stevens brings a freshness to the genre with her young protagonists navigating boarding school politics. They may be solving a mystery, but they are also struggling with their own friendship. Additionally, Stevens smoothly drops in hints of social commentary without being heavy-handed. Hazel's position as the "exotic" student from Hong Kong never overwhelms the narrative but offers a depth to her character and to the story that is original and thought-provoking. The same is true of the possible relationship between female teachers, presented in a way that is entirely true to the time period and completely accessible and appropriate for savvy young readers. There's a lot going on here, but it's all well-integrated, fluid, and completely engrossing. The best mystery for young readers I've encountered all year, and a just a pleasure to read. Sure to find a broad audience.
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Hazel és Daisy dinamikája egyszerűen imádnivaló. Gyerekes de mégis frappáns és bajtársias.
A cselekmény egy kicsit abszurd volt, de gyerekkönyvnek tökéletes.
Egy cseppet hosszúnak éreztem, de ha az ember egyszer leül olvasni, akkor pörögnek az oldalak.
Kíváncsi vagyok, hogy innen hova vezet tovább az út.
A cselekmény egy kicsit abszurd volt, de gyerekkönyvnek tökéletes.
Egy cseppet hosszúnak éreztem, de ha az ember egyszer leül olvasni, akkor pörögnek az oldalak.
Kíváncsi vagyok, hogy innen hova vezet tovább az út.
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Great first book---can't wait to read the second one!
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
The crime plot for this is very good and I thoroughly enjoyed the ending where the murder is solved BUT instead of being partners in investigation, this book really revolves around Daisy and what Daisy thinks and does. Never did anyone in the story aknowledged or apologized for the racism shown towars Hazel. Furthermore, never did Daisy apologize for bullying Hazel constantly since the minute Hazel stepped in the school. It was always what Daisy thought even though Hazel was constantly the more rational one between the two. I really wanted to get into these series and read more but I don't think I can take any more Daisy.
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Fascinating insight into english boarding school life, with bonus murder mystery on the side.