Reviews

Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett, Ellen Reilly

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kivt's review against another edition

2.0

Underwhelming mystery and too smug. The book has all the elements of what should be catnip for me: paranormal happenings, misfit smart kid protagonists, kids visiting museums to solve ancient(ish) mysteries by looking at art, and a familiar midwestern setting. It's almost really good! But the author is so fucking lecturey in the kids' inner monologues about art and the public's response to the main Art Mystery. The coincidences don’t add up to much—neither a satisfying answer nor a sense of awe or wonder. Just a list of stuff. Skip it. Too bad, this could have been fabulous.

lyssie03's review against another edition

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Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

cashburn's review against another edition

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adventurous inspiring fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

benlc's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

My rating is very subjective, I think this book would appeal more to a specific type of person.This would be a great book for a kid who likes to learn, or anyone who likes puzzles.
I say puzzles more than mysteries, because although the plot follows a mystery, it doesn’t get solved so much as fall in their lap.
Basically things happen, and the characters just notice them instead of really problem solving, until the very end. For myself who enjoys more plot and character focus, I wasn’t as satisfied with how things were revealed. It’s basically just a list of clues that are not explained until the very end.
The end was exciting, and I did learn something about art!

kmbailey1226's review

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adventurous lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

3.25

seekingserenity's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

i read this for the first time in elementary school and still love it at 28 years old! the characters are quirky and find solace in each other. their unique way of thinking helps them solve the mystery of a lifetime and their bravery as 11 year olds is so enticing to read.from the first chapter i was reminded why this book has stayed in my mind for 2 decades. it really hooks you in and has interactive mysteries to solve as the reader. i think all elementary school kids should read this to foster a love of reading.