Scan barcode
amiew's review against another edition
4.0
This kids mystery is told in the style of Dashiell Hammett and Raymond Chandler and features Howard Wallace, a middle school Sam Spade or Phillip Marlowe. Even though kids won't get the old school detective references, they'll appreciate a humorous story about friendship.
saragrochowski's review against another edition
5.0
This book was so much fun!! I want more mysteries featuring Howard Wallace, P.I.!!
woolpierogi's review against another edition
4.0
For years I've been reading reviews/blurbs that describe books "if you like Veronica Mars." This is the first time a book has actually hit that benchmark. Fun, smart and I hope it's a series.
woolpierogi's review
4.0
For years I've been reading reviews/blurbs that describe books "if you like Veronica Mars." This is the first time a book has actually hit that benchmark. Fun, smart and I hope it's a series.
gremlinjane's review against another edition
4.0
A charming middle-grade gumshoe! Howard Wallace, friendless 7th grader, has developed his own PI business at school. And he's got the old-timey "Sam Spade" dialogue down pat. The case of the week involves blackmail, class leaders, and school funds. Which, alone, would be a lot to handle - but he's also being hounded by the new gal at school who is angling for a partnership in his P.I. business!
This was a seriously fun romp that captures small-town middle school life, in all it's awkward and imaginative glory. The parents and teachers felt like real parents and teachers. And there is plenty of double meanings and phrases that are a delight for adults to pick-up on.
My only reservation about this book is that I sometimes wonder if a middle-school reader is going to get it? The P.I. slang comes on pretty thick in the first few chapters which could be a turn-off for younger readers, unless they are already fans of Sam Spade and his ilk.
I've started reading it with the 9 year old in my life (after finishing it myself) so I'll edit these comments once I get a review from him.
This was a seriously fun romp that captures small-town middle school life, in all it's awkward and imaginative glory. The parents and teachers felt like real parents and teachers. And there is plenty of double meanings and phrases that are a delight for adults to pick-up on.
My only reservation about this book is that I sometimes wonder if a middle-school reader is going to get it? The P.I. slang comes on pretty thick in the first few chapters which could be a turn-off for younger readers, unless they are already fans of Sam Spade and his ilk.
I've started reading it with the 9 year old in my life (after finishing it myself) so I'll edit these comments once I get a review from him.
thisgrrlreads's review
4.0
Very hard-boiled at the beginning, until we discover that Howard is the only one taking his PI agency seriously. Though he does wind up with a serious case that gets him into lots of trouble! Howard is a quirky kid with no friends, who is fortunately able to solve that problem by the end of the book. Aside from the mystery, this story has some great points about friends, family and the importance of being honest about who you are.
justinliew's review
4.0
Read this because my son was reading it as part of a school reading challenge. Was pleasantly surprised. Good plot for a middle-grade book, and interesting characters. Also caused a good long discussion about blackmail at home!
More...