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jnishi's review
5.0
Excellent junior murder mystery sure to turn kids into mystery loving arm chair detectives and true crime pod caster. I loved the setting and the whodunnit. The narration was witty and I enjoyed it all.
laila4343's review
3.0
This is just the kind of mystery I would have loved as a kid. A good readaloud with my son.
nicolemhewitt's review
5.0
This review and many more can be found on my blog: Feed Your Fiction Addiction
The Barclay Hotel is well-known for being haunted, so JJ is super excited when his mom gets an exclusive invitation to spend an all-expense-paid weekend there. He talks her into going, planning to do a little ghost hunting while he’s there. Meanwhile, Penny’s grandpa is also invited to the hotel, while Emma is just excited to finally have some kids around to hang out with. They’re surprised to find, though, that this isn’t just any invite–Mr. Barclay has been murdered, and almost everyone invited is a suspect (except Penny’s grandpa, who’s a detective). The guests are expected to figure out whodunit (murder-mystery-party style). This story is a fun mystery that never takes itself too terribly seriously, and the story has some great twists that I didn’t see coming. The ghost elements aren’t incredibly scary, so it’s great for younger middle grade readers too. This was a really fun read!!
The Barclay Hotel is well-known for being haunted, so JJ is super excited when his mom gets an exclusive invitation to spend an all-expense-paid weekend there. He talks her into going, planning to do a little ghost hunting while he’s there. Meanwhile, Penny’s grandpa is also invited to the hotel, while Emma is just excited to finally have some kids around to hang out with. They’re surprised to find, though, that this isn’t just any invite–Mr. Barclay has been murdered, and almost everyone invited is a suspect (except Penny’s grandpa, who’s a detective). The guests are expected to figure out whodunit (murder-mystery-party style). This story is a fun mystery that never takes itself too terribly seriously, and the story has some great twists that I didn’t see coming. The ghost elements aren’t incredibly scary, so it’s great for younger middle grade readers too. This was a really fun read!!
navyaisreading's review
adventurous
challenging
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
gtsantos83's review
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
A fast paced, lighthearted mystery, great for middle grade readers and reluctant readers. Light touches of Westing Game and Greenglass House, but still its own unique story.
lightasrain's review
5.0
I am on a lucky streak recently as all my recent reads are turning out to be five stars! This book is just the icing on the cake. I have a fondness for middle grade books despite being an adult and this book reminds me of the reasons I love them so much. It’s spooky, it’s whimsical, it’s full of heartwarming friendship and the mystery of whodunit!
You need a gateway for the weekend? Why don’t you try the Barclay Hotel! Kids to adults, everyone is welcome.
You need a gateway for the weekend? Why don’t you try the Barclay Hotel! Kids to adults, everyone is welcome.
thenextgenlibrarian's review
4.0
This MG mystery is a cross between Clue and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
emtuft's review
4.0
A quick fun middle grade read. It wasn’t TOTALLY predicable. In some ways (setting, tone) it reminded me of “The Westing Game” but was completely it’s own story. Good characters. Overall I enjoyed it!