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creativelifeofliz's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This was a surprisingly emotional read all about growing up and finding friends. And treasure!
books_on_the_back_porch's review against another edition
4.0
The Mysterious Messenger is a great story of finding oneself in the midst of a mystery. Maria is the daughter of a psychic who wants so much more than what she has. Isolated from the world, she cautiously lets people into her life and learns she can have the normal life she always wanted.
itabar's review against another edition
2.0
Disturbing. A lovely old lady gets conned out of her wedding ring, a young girl is emotionally abused.
I found the "clues" tedious. The only reason for the messages from Edward to be so opaque was to make the book longer. I could see no other reason for him to communicate in such a confusing way.
The ending was OK, which barely brought my rating up to a 2.
I found the "clues" tedious. The only reason for the messages from Edward to be so opaque was to make the book longer. I could see no other reason for him to communicate in such a confusing way.
The ending was OK, which barely brought my rating up to a 2.
lazygal's review against another edition
4.0
I read an eARC, but that edition isn't listed (yet) so...
Do you believe in psychics? This book shows both the fake (Madame Destine) and the real (Maria), one a con woman who neglects her daughter, feeds her junk food, and tries to fleece widows out of their fortunes; the other trying to adhere to her mother's rules while living in a closet, helping with the cons by doing research on the widows and providing ghostly effects while finding comfort in her only friend, a ghost named Edward. There's one con too many, and a very stubborn boy who wants to be Maria's friend. Fun adventure mixed with history of the Beats ensue.
eARC provided by publisher.
Do you believe in psychics? This book shows both the fake (Madame Destine) and the real (Maria), one a con woman who neglects her daughter, feeds her junk food, and tries to fleece widows out of their fortunes; the other trying to adhere to her mother's rules while living in a closet, helping with the cons by doing research on the widows and providing ghostly effects while finding comfort in her only friend, a ghost named Edward. There's one con too many, and a very stubborn boy who wants to be Maria's friend. Fun adventure mixed with history of the Beats ensue.
eARC provided by publisher.
yapha's review against another edition
4.0
Great mystery! Full of real ghosts, fake seances, jazz, art, and beat poetry. Kids will be rooting for Maria as she tries to find the treasure. Recommended for grades 4 & up.
eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss
eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss
lisamcdreads's review against another edition
5.0
The Mysterious Messenger by Gilbert Ford is a great mystery adventure involving psychics, ghosts and even a little bit of art history! Maria, an eleven-year-old girl, helps her "psychic" mother con widows out of family valuables. Yet, Maria, can truly communicate with the dead, a secret she keeps from her negligent mother. One day, a visitor arrives, and Edward, Maria's ghost friend, insists that Maria must help this visitor find a lost treasure. But the catch is, Edward only communicates in riddles that Maria must solve. All in all, a great read!
marythecrazycatlady's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book is so good. There was adventure, intrigue, loveable characters, despicable characters, and a fun plot. It was well written and kept me engaged. Highly recommend this novel.
jmwilson's review against another edition
4.0
Maria lives with her pseudo-psychic mother, Madame Destine. Madame Destine likes to con widows into giving her their heirlooms. Surprisingly, Maria really can talk to the dead. Her ghost friend, Edward, sends her on a journey to find a mysterious treasure.
Unlike some middle grade mysteries, this book included many unexpected plot twists. I also loved that the author included multiple literary, art, and jazz history references throughout. This is the perfect book for those readers who want an enjoyable ghost story that is not scary.
Unlike some middle grade mysteries, this book included many unexpected plot twists. I also loved that the author included multiple literary, art, and jazz history references throughout. This is the perfect book for those readers who want an enjoyable ghost story that is not scary.