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4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
Audiobook. Abandoned 70% through when loan expired. I would have finished otherwise but not enough interest to pick it back up.
Interesting book with an intriguing cast of characters who come to stay at an inn right before Christmas, when it is usually just the innkeeper’s family. A mystery is unraveled when thefts occur, but with every guest hiding so many secrets, young Milo isn’t sure how he’ll be able to solve anything. Until the cook’s daughter, who has also come to stay due to the bad weather, helps him find a secret self thanks to role-playing games she’s a fan of. A nice twist at the end. I can see this being a great book for kids. It’s beautifully written but not too bogged down in description. I think the game descriptions and mystery will hook reluctant readers.
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Cozy and light middle-age book.
An enchanting mystery about a bunch of strange characters snowed in together in an old smuggler's inn on top of a cliff and the kid who figures out what each of them are looking for. Timeless, engrossing, transportive, and highly recommended for ages 9-13 (also a great read for adults who enjoy children's books).
Like a slightly otherworldly Westing Game. Kate Milford is so good at this
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
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
This was a fun and sweet Middle Grade read. I enjoyed learning the answers to the mysteries and was surprised by the paranormal component. I was warmed by the love felt between Milo and his parents and also his parents understanding and appreciation for Milo.
That’s a 3.5 rounded down, more reflecting my experience with the story than the story itself. I actually really liked the book, and will probably go ahead with the series. I have a feeling if I re-read this series in the future, this maybe more of a 4 for me.
I felt like there was more potential with the premise than what was delivered. There were definitely parts where I had to find reasons to keep reading, whereas I’d hoped it would be a fully invested quick read when I started.
I’d probably also add that people who know/play/love role player games would have an easier time with the story and find it more fun. You can absolutely read without that but it would probably enhance your experience! I’m quite familiar with the typical table top and camping based RPG and there was still a little bit of a familiarity curve… got comfortable by the time I got to the mid point.
Definitely didn’t fully catch the genre right, and that may have contributed to expectations not being quite met. But it’s a really unique christmassy middle grade story and I loved the quirkiness! Hoping to get the the rest of the series this year!
I felt like there was more potential with the premise than what was delivered. There were definitely parts where I had to find reasons to keep reading, whereas I’d hoped it would be a fully invested quick read when I started.
I’d probably also add that people who know/play/love role player games would have an easier time with the story and find it more fun. You can absolutely read without that but it would probably enhance your experience! I’m quite familiar with the typical table top and camping based RPG and there was still a little bit of a familiarity curve… got comfortable by the time I got to the mid point.
Definitely didn’t fully catch the genre right, and that may have contributed to expectations not being quite met. But it’s a really unique christmassy middle grade story and I loved the quirkiness! Hoping to get the the rest of the series this year!
I just loved this so much! It was such a lovely story written about a kid (10? 12?) likely for an audience of a similar age. It was engaging, had wonderful twists and I didn't want it to end.
This would be a great read-aloud. Smugglers, thieves, snow storm, maps, old attics, and a nice twist that involves a ghost!
"A rambling old inn, a strange map, an attic packed with treasures, squabbling guests, theft, friendship, and an unusual haunting mark this smart middle grade mystery in the tradition of the Mysterious Benedict Society books and Blue Balliet's Chasing Vermeer series. It's wintertime at Greenglass House. The creaky smuggler's inn is always quiet during this season, and twelve-year-old Milo, the innkeepers' adopted son, plans to spend his holidays relaxing. But on the first icy night of vacation, out of nowhere, the guest bell rings. Then rings again. And again. Soon Milo's home is bursting with odd, secretive guests, each one bearing a strange story that is somehow connected to the rambling old house. As objects go missing and tempers flare, Milo and Meddy, the cook's daughter, must decipher clues and untangle the web of deepening mysteries to discover the truth about Greenglass House-and themselves."
"A rambling old inn, a strange map, an attic packed with treasures, squabbling guests, theft, friendship, and an unusual haunting mark this smart middle grade mystery in the tradition of the Mysterious Benedict Society books and Blue Balliet's Chasing Vermeer series. It's wintertime at Greenglass House. The creaky smuggler's inn is always quiet during this season, and twelve-year-old Milo, the innkeepers' adopted son, plans to spend his holidays relaxing. But on the first icy night of vacation, out of nowhere, the guest bell rings. Then rings again. And again. Soon Milo's home is bursting with odd, secretive guests, each one bearing a strange story that is somehow connected to the rambling old house. As objects go missing and tempers flare, Milo and Meddy, the cook's daughter, must decipher clues and untangle the web of deepening mysteries to discover the truth about Greenglass House-and themselves."
4.5 Atmospheric and non-obvious middle-grade mystery story that is respectful of its adorable and quirky characters and also features role-playing in an interesting and non-standard way. Highly recommended, even though the time period feels like a mishmash between the 1920ies, 1960ies and 2000s.