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wiseowl33's review against another edition
4.0
Great beginning to a series! Love the concept, the story is enchanting! Wonderful characters! Couldn't wait to share it with the kids at school!
threesweetbrownies's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
sisteray's review against another edition
4.0
A quick fun middle school adventure. It isn't breaking ANY new ground, but it is light and endearing. The character's are enjoyable, they make decisions for themselves, make mistakes, but don't whine or dwell on it too much. The procedure part of the mystery is a bit preposterous, but the book chops ahead so rapidly, I just couldn't work myself up to be concerned about it. Adults tend to be there when the plot calls for them and disappear when when it doesn't, but I get why the author/editor weeded out the clutter. Entertaining, wouldn't be opposed to reading the sequel.
froggylibrarian1's review against another edition
4.0
Horten’s parents have moved him to a small town in England right in the middle of the summer and he thinks he is in for a really boring time. What is finds instead is the mystery about his great uncle Tony’s disappearance right after World War II and the search for his uncle’s mysterious workshop. Tony isn’t the only one looking for this workshop which leads to some sleuthing and even danger. With the help of the triplets from next door, named April, May, and June, Horten travels through the village finding clues in the quirkiest of places hoping to discover the workshop and maybe his uncle as well.
This is a book that is on the Maine Student Book Award nominee list for 2013-2014. I try to read all the books on the list so I can recommend them to students. This one was fun and quirky and an easier read than some that end up on the list. This was a lot of fun.
This is a book that is on the Maine Student Book Award nominee list for 2013-2014. I try to read all the books on the list so I can recommend them to students. This one was fun and quirky and an easier read than some that end up on the list. This was a lot of fun.
i_will_papercut_a_bish's review against another edition
4.0
Charming, interesting mystery novel with a bit of a historical vibe that veers into fantasy right at the very ending.
I enjoyed the uniqueness of the plot (especially the mechanisms; I'm a sucker for old slot machines), even if the fantasy element was unclear until literally the last five or so pages. :P
My only real dislike was Horton's father, whose dialogue wore me out. Lovely man, wretched dialogue. I know that was part of the point, but it pushed my brain past the point of patient amusement at times.
The cover art is brilliant, and I found myself wishing the illustrator was featured throughout. Maybe in future books?
Overall, a fun read and one I'm happy to pass on to my kids!
I enjoyed the uniqueness of the plot (especially the mechanisms; I'm a sucker for old slot machines), even if the fantasy element was unclear until literally the last five or so pages. :P
My only real dislike was Horton's father, whose dialogue wore me out. Lovely man, wretched dialogue. I know that was part of the point, but it pushed my brain past the point of patient amusement at times.
The cover art is brilliant, and I found myself wishing the illustrator was featured throughout. Maybe in future books?
Overall, a fun read and one I'm happy to pass on to my kids!
lindacbugg's review against another edition
4.0
2-24-12
Just found out there is a sequel which makes me very happy. I so would have loved this book as a child and as someone who was thought to be much younger than I was for many years I could relate to Stuart's wish not to be a 'shorty' anymore. Though I must say it came in handy for my mom's pocketbook at amusement parks and ordering off the kid's menu and allowed me to trick or treat far longer than I should have ;)
Just found out there is a sequel which makes me very happy. I so would have loved this book as a child and as someone who was thought to be much younger than I was for many years I could relate to Stuart's wish not to be a 'shorty' anymore. Though I must say it came in handy for my mom's pocketbook at amusement parks and ordering off the kid's menu and allowed me to trick or treat far longer than I should have ;)
tiffani_reads's review against another edition
2.0
This was quite bland, and despite the intrigue from the synopsis and cover, I really didn’t enjoy this as much as I thought I would. I wanted more mystery, more adventures, more something! The ending is just abrupt and unsatisfying. I don’t think I will continue on with the series because this one did not leave me feeling like I wanted more. Which is sad because I usually love middle grade mystery/adventure type books but this one was just not my cup of tea.