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3.68 AVERAGE
3.68 AVERAGE
Wow, what an intricately plotted, puzzling mystery! The detailed reveal at the end would make Hercule Poirot proud.
I was captivated and loved following Calder and Petra around their Chicago neighborhood. Also loved the theme of what’s a coincidence and what’s not. This is a backlist gem that I’m glad I finally read/listened to. (Audio was great though the narrator sometimes changed her pronunciation of Petra to “Peet-tra” which was strange.)
I was captivated and loved following Calder and Petra around their Chicago neighborhood. Also loved the theme of what’s a coincidence and what’s not. This is a backlist gem that I’m glad I finally read/listened to. (Audio was great though the narrator sometimes changed her pronunciation of Petra to “Peet-tra” which was strange.)
adventurous
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was a fun art mystery that I'd definitely give to fans of From the Mysterious Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. Much of the mystery was based off of coincidences rather than the kids' own investigations, but in the end that was kind of the point of the story, so it worked out just fine for me.
This is also another one that I listened to but would like to actually sit down and read at some point to see how the different format changes my thoughts toward it.
This is also another one that I listened to but would like to actually sit down and read at some point to see how the different format changes my thoughts toward it.
I loved this book the first time I read it, and, consequently, Vermeer is my favorite artist today.
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Read this for a literacy class. It was cute, and I would have really liked it when I was a kid although I don't know if it would have really stuck with me. The two main characters are very likable, however, and it did remind me a little bit of "The Westing Game" which is a personal favorite.
Not the greatest storytelling, but still a fun, wholesome read, recommended for children who enjoy mysteries. Not so good for anyone following along and trying to solve the puzzle themselves, as much is solved by unexplained "coincidences" and inexplicable feelings.
(ETA: I listened, rather than read, this book, so only recently discovered that there are, in fact, some fun decoding puzzles. Still, these don't quite make up for the rest of the convenient solutions.)
The other concern is that I'm not really sure who the best audience is. The kids in the book are twelve, but some of their actions feel much too childish for a twelve year old, while at some points the writing choices feel much more adult. Then again, this might be a conscious decision, as twelve year olds are in a transitioning period of their lives.
In the whole, an enjoyable story, but I wouldn't read any others in the series.
(ETA: I listened, rather than read, this book, so only recently discovered that there are, in fact, some fun decoding puzzles. Still, these don't quite make up for the rest of the convenient solutions.)
The other concern is that I'm not really sure who the best audience is. The kids in the book are twelve, but some of their actions feel much too childish for a twelve year old, while at some points the writing choices feel much more adult. Then again, this might be a conscious decision, as twelve year olds are in a transitioning period of their lives.
In the whole, an enjoyable story, but I wouldn't read any others in the series.
Average book, interesting idea with the art, but made too many logical jumps, many flaws in reasoning to get from point A to point B
this book was very good. Pentominoes play a big part and its very nice and mysterious. The plot is nicely interweaved- like, things that were unimportant in the beginning are important in the end. And it all makes sense in the end because the writer explains everything at the end, which is good because some books want you to figure it out on your own and so they don't tell you. The cool thing is that there are all these logical coincidences that revolve around pentominoes and the number twelve, and it helps the main characters figure everything out! I don't think its particularly spooky and if it is its a good kind of spooky. The code-y stuff is excellent; they even have picture codes! I haven't figured what the picture-messages are but they're fun to find!
I really enjoyed this book. I liked the mystery and the play on coincidences. It was easy and entertaining. I'm constantly looking for stories that might intrigue my kids and this is one I'll add to the list.