Scan barcode
prarthana_praveen's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.25
am3lia_grac3's review
4.0
4.5 stars
I enjoyed reading this more than I expected, and now I'm sad that I don't own the other books. Usually, I buy every book in a series before reading it--yes, I'm a menace--but this time I did not, and regretted it. Anyway, I bought this book while browsing the Sick Kids Toronto book store, and I'm glad that I decided to pick up a book I'd never heard of, rather than going for something I was told, "you need to read this right now." This time, I bought and read it because I liked the synopsis, it was interesting--and the cover maybe-sorta-kinda had an influence.
I enjoyed reading this more than I expected, and now I'm sad that I don't own the other books. Usually, I buy every book in a series before reading it--yes, I'm a menace--but this time I did not, and regretted it. Anyway, I bought this book while browsing the Sick Kids Toronto book store, and I'm glad that I decided to pick up a book I'd never heard of, rather than going for something I was told, "you need to read this right now." This time, I bought and read it because I liked the synopsis, it was interesting--and the cover maybe-sorta-kinda had an influence.
sandaru's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
As soon as I saw the book I wanted to read this (the whole series) as immediately as possible, for two reasons.
One, this is a spin off story about one of my favourite crime writers, Agatha Christie and her sleuth character, Hercule Poirot. I adore the Poirot series and Christie's books.
Second reason, I am in the middle of a similar project myself, writing a crime novel series for the middle grade audience. While reading, I compared and reflected on the areas I might have needed help/inspiration from, whether it's the suitable writing styles, grammar, dialogue or even potholes and plot related areas. It was really cool, reading someone's novel in order to get inspired or to learn. Much like a reference book sort of!
The writing style was humorous and engaging and kept me reading it faster, which I believe I should be inspired from for my own project. And the story is fairly decent and engaging, even if I guessed the killer from the first time of their appearance. (Or may be it's because I am just too into crime genre, I have learned to ignore the obvious and look at the not so obvious everytime) another things was, a lot of times the dialogue and the plot was great and coherent and smooth but there were parts I felt either awkward and rushed or even too slow and draggy. But overall for the middle grade audience, this would make a cute and engaging story. Something I wish I got to read as a kid.
Ps: the misconception, or may be it's a real thing still!, about murder being the topic of a middle grade novel, was put aside by this author, which I am really grateful for teaching me that it's okay to write about a topic like that without making it a big deal. Not so gruesome but not too cute of a murder. Loved it.
One, this is a spin off story about one of my favourite crime writers, Agatha Christie and her sleuth character, Hercule Poirot. I adore the Poirot series and Christie's books.
Second reason, I am in the middle of a similar project myself, writing a crime novel series for the middle grade audience. While reading, I compared and reflected on the areas I might have needed help/inspiration from, whether it's the suitable writing styles, grammar, dialogue or even potholes and plot related areas. It was really cool, reading someone's novel in order to get inspired or to learn. Much like a reference book sort of!
The writing style was humorous and engaging and kept me reading it faster, which I believe I should be inspired from for my own project. And the story is fairly decent and engaging, even if I guessed the killer from the first time of their appearance. (Or may be it's because I am just too into crime genre, I have learned to ignore the obvious and look at the not so obvious everytime) another things was, a lot of times the dialogue and the plot was great and coherent and smooth but there were parts I felt either awkward and rushed or even too slow and draggy. But overall for the middle grade audience, this would make a cute and engaging story. Something I wish I got to read as a kid.
Ps: the misconception, or may be it's a real thing still!, about murder being the topic of a middle grade novel, was put aside by this author, which I am really grateful for teaching me that it's okay to write about a topic like that without making it a big deal. Not so gruesome but not too cute of a murder. Loved it.
szaibol's review
2.0
Very quick and easy read. Would have loved it when I was a kid and before reading any books from Agatha Christie...
The main reason I picked it up because I have heard of the illustrator, Isabelle Follath and when reading about that it was a mystery novel I was definitely interested.
But I was quickly disappointed about small number of illustrations (even though I understand that with the target audience the main focus is not the illustrations) and for me the story was flat even for a middle grade.
I wish the writer would have created original characters instead of trying to base them off of Agatha Christie and Hercule Poirot. Easily guessed the plot twist and the murderer already after the first few chapters. There were no clever twists or clues and it felt unnecessary long.
The main reason I picked it up because I have heard of the illustrator, Isabelle Follath and when reading about that it was a mystery novel I was definitely interested.
But I was quickly disappointed about small number of illustrations (even though I understand that with the target audience the main focus is not the illustrations) and for me the story was flat even for a middle grade.
I wish the writer would have created original characters instead of trying to base them off of Agatha Christie and Hercule Poirot. Easily guessed the plot twist and the murderer already after the first few chapters. There were no clever twists or clues and it felt unnecessary long.
verydazedragon's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
A very cozy, satisfying mystery. I figured out all of the plot twists ahead of time, due to the less-than-subtle foreshadowing. As a children’s book, it had a savory combination of gory detail and comforting innocence. It’s just what I expect every juvenile mystery to be.
brianareads's review
emotional
funny
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
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder and Kidnapping