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3.99 AVERAGE
3.99 AVERAGE
To me, this is the quintessential children's mystery novel. I love the playfulness of its clues, the broad cast of characters, and most of all, Turtle, who I identified way too much with when I read this back in elementary school. This is also one of the first books I remember really wanting other people to read and enjoy as much as I did. I have vivid memories of sitting in my fifth grade reading class, having already finished the book, and doing my very best not to spoil the big reveal for my friends.
Fun, well-written, and pleasantly brain-teasing, this is a mystery I’d return to even after knowing the twist.
3.5 or 4 stars, still debating. The plot was very fun to keep up with as the story progressed. Written in the late 70’s, race, disability, religion, and other societal topics are narrated in a very dated mindset, so heads up! Otherwise, this classic novel had the right amount of confusion and cleverness that I think would adapt very well in 21st century entertainment.
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Does it count as a re-read if I first read it in sixth grade almost forty years ago? I actually won a contest at my school with my book report on this because I made everyone want to read the book. I can still see why I loved it so much then. I like how these disparate characters come together. Yeah, some points of connection are glossed over, but it's a kid's book. It is a bit too unquestionably rah-rah-America for my adult tastes, but it's still a pretty good book.
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
2.5* rounded up to 3.
I wasn't enamoured with the characters, I rather disliked most of them, but I wanted to keep reading to solve the mystery so that aspect of the book works well. I also think it would likely work better for an American reader as they would be more familiar with the references needed to solve the mystery.
I wasn't enamoured with the characters, I rather disliked most of them, but I wanted to keep reading to solve the mystery so that aspect of the book works well. I also think it would likely work better for an American reader as they would be more familiar with the references needed to solve the mystery.