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rdyourbookcase's review against another edition
4.0
As a 12-year-old, I would have absolutely loved this book! Reading it as an adult, I thought about how kids today would react to it. I was kind of a... weird kid... or a nerd. I don’t know. Most kids didn’t watch old movies and read all the time, but that’s what I did. I loved The Birds and Rear Window. To this day, Rear Window is one of my favorite movies. I watch it every summer. I’m glad this book exists for kids like me. Kids who were, well, normal, probably wouldn’t appreciate this book as much.
As I read, I tried to ignore the adult voice in my head saying, “Any adult would never do that, let alone a famous one” and “That could never happen,” and “I know orphanages aren’t fun, but would he really want to find Aunt Edith, who acts like Aunt Sponge and Aunt Spicer from James and the Giant Peach???" I loved the twist, I loved the main character, I loved the jokes, and I loved the solution to the mystery. Overall, a delightful, fun mystery!
As I read, I tried to ignore the adult voice in my head saying, “Any adult would never do that, let alone a famous one” and “That could never happen,” and “I know orphanages aren’t fun, but would he really want to find Aunt Edith, who acts like Aunt Sponge and Aunt Spicer from James and the Giant Peach???" I loved the twist, I loved the main character, I loved the jokes, and I loved the solution to the mystery. Overall, a delightful, fun mystery!
turrean's review against another edition
4.0
A splendid mystery! Perfect for film buffs, mystery fans, and those who live a thrilling conclusion.
yapha's review against another edition
4.0
When eleven-year-old Jack Fair's mother dies suddenly, he is taken right from her funeral to the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco to live with his nasty Aunt Edith. Life with her is miserable, but when she mysteriously disappears he feels he must find her, since he has no other relatives. Luckily, famed director Alfred Hitchcock is staying right next door, and Jack convinces him to help in the search. This is an interesting romp through San Francisco in the 1950s and a clever mystery to solve. Many of the Hitchcock references will be lost on young readers, unfortunately. Recommended for grades 5-8.
s_hay's review against another edition
4.0
Jack's mother has passed away in an automobile accident and he finds himself in the care of his rather uncaring Aunt Edith. But, when Edith becomes the victim of a kidnapping Jack must find her before he ends up in an orphanage. Luckily for Jack his aunt's hotel neighbor is none other than the master of suspense, Alfred Hitchcock.
I always enjoy when an author puts a real person in their story and Averbeck presents Hitchcock in a very entertaining way, giving him the right blend of mentor, drama, and humor. The story is fairly fast paced and compelling and keeps readers guessing as to what will happen next. The book is a little longer but each chapter is preluded with a story board adding some visual interest for young readers.
Good for readers 5th grade and up.
I always enjoy when an author puts a real person in their story and Averbeck presents Hitchcock in a very entertaining way, giving him the right blend of mentor, drama, and humor. The story is fairly fast paced and compelling and keeps readers guessing as to what will happen next. The book is a little longer but each chapter is preluded with a story board adding some visual interest for young readers.
Good for readers 5th grade and up.
jordanimal's review against another edition
4.0
This is a great middle grade mystery. It's very lemony snicket-esque. Some logistical stuff is a little hard to follow but it is an enjoyable read. Although it's about 400 pages, it's a quick 400 pages.
couillac's review against another edition
3.0
A solid mystery for middle grade fans of suspense and madcap hijinks. Averbeck's slow unraveling of a mystery that is much more than it first appears is satisfying and thrilling, full of carefully-placed clues and occasional red herrings. While Hitchcock's willingness to participate in all manner of crazy stunts to aid a boy he doesn't really know strains credulity at times, most readers will happily suspend their disbelief. In addition, Averbeck's detailed afterword on Hitchcock's life and personality illuminate the character he has created and nicely complement the story. Hints of Hitchcock's films will delight readers in the know, and perhaps even encourage further interest in the man and his work. I was a big fan of old movies at this age, so there are definitely kids out there who will like the classic film tie-in, but even those without that specific interest should have no problem enjoying the ride. Jack is a sympathetic enough protagonist and one that young readers will relate to, and Averbeck's realization of San Francisco in the late 1950's creates a rich and lively backdrop for Jack's adventures. Cinematic and action-packed, this mystery should engage a wide range of young readers.
funfetti7's review against another edition
5.0
Blogged this review over at Monkey Poop
A Hitch at the Fairmont by Jim Averbeck is a middle grade mystery that takes place at San Francisco’s Fairmont hotel in the 1950s. The creepy, mysterious tone of the book is established right from the very first chapter where our main character, Jack, winds up checking out the dead bodies in the basement of the funeral home where his mother’s funeral is being held. When Jack is taken to live with his hideously (and hilariously) evil aunt at the Fairmont hotel, who should he happen to meet but the master of suspense himself, Alfred Hitchcock, right in time to help investigate Jack’s aunt’s very sudden disappearance.
The writing is vivid and cinematic, with witty dialogue, clever theatre-related metaphors, interspersed with action and slapstick comedy. Jack’s pathetic predicament instantly captures the heart, and the eponymous Hitch is a wonderfully fleshed-out character. The text is accompanied by storyboard style illustrations which, while captivating and completely appropriate to the story, were a little confusing in their placement at times. If there is any real drawback to the story, it is the length. At 400 pages, this is a whopper of a book, but for the most part the pacing is good, and the premise is so intriguing it’s fun anyway.
A must-read for cozy middle grade mystery fans.
PS Don’t miss the list of Hitchcock films at the back. I’m going to have to re-watch some of these!
Disclaimer: Review of ARC received free from the publisher.
A Hitch at the Fairmont by Jim Averbeck is a middle grade mystery that takes place at San Francisco’s Fairmont hotel in the 1950s. The creepy, mysterious tone of the book is established right from the very first chapter where our main character, Jack, winds up checking out the dead bodies in the basement of the funeral home where his mother’s funeral is being held. When Jack is taken to live with his hideously (and hilariously) evil aunt at the Fairmont hotel, who should he happen to meet but the master of suspense himself, Alfred Hitchcock, right in time to help investigate Jack’s aunt’s very sudden disappearance.
The writing is vivid and cinematic, with witty dialogue, clever theatre-related metaphors, interspersed with action and slapstick comedy. Jack’s pathetic predicament instantly captures the heart, and the eponymous Hitch is a wonderfully fleshed-out character. The text is accompanied by storyboard style illustrations which, while captivating and completely appropriate to the story, were a little confusing in their placement at times. If there is any real drawback to the story, it is the length. At 400 pages, this is a whopper of a book, but for the most part the pacing is good, and the premise is so intriguing it’s fun anyway.
A must-read for cozy middle grade mystery fans.
PS Don’t miss the list of Hitchcock films at the back. I’m going to have to re-watch some of these!
Disclaimer: Review of ARC received free from the publisher.
booksandbosox's review against another edition
3.0
http://librarianosnark.blogspot.com/2014/06/release-day-review-hitch-at-fairmont.html
krikketgirl's review against another edition
4.0
Suspenseful, fast read that doesn't depend on the reader knowing much about Alfred Hitchcock.
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