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novelswithnora's review against another edition
4.0
This was a really cute middle grade novel that had me smiling all the way through!
I liked that the book was written from Goldie's point of view, it added a fun layer to the story and made me feel more included in the events.
Despite being a middle grade novel I struggled to figure out who the culprit was (but whether that speaks to the author's writing abilities or my own inference skills we may never know)
I loved how determined and outspoken Goldie was but she also knew when to keep quiet, knowing that arguing wouldn't help.
I loved that the LGBTQ+ rep wasn't shoved in my fave and was more of an underlying character trait for Goldie.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and my time reading it. Can't wait for book 2!
I liked that the book was written from Goldie's point of view, it added a fun layer to the story and made me feel more included in the events.
Despite being a middle grade novel I struggled to figure out who the culprit was (but whether that speaks to the author's writing abilities or my own inference skills we may never know)
I loved how determined and outspoken Goldie was but she also knew when to keep quiet, knowing that arguing wouldn't help.
I loved that the LGBTQ+ rep wasn't shoved in my fave and was more of an underlying character trait for Goldie.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and my time reading it. Can't wait for book 2!
smlunden's review against another edition
3.0
lots of good content and lead roles inclusive of a variety of people. i felt the mystery was a bit simplistic for the length of the book. charming though.
rsngphoenix's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
askiddo's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
3.0
This is a cute book that was a fun little mystery, I wish these were published when I was a kid because I would have eaten this whole series up.
savgulick's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
2.75
lileuw's review against another edition
3.0
Ok, listen. This book isn't for me. The writing style is way too graphic (ha!) for me. You can tell it's based on a comic and that's just not for me. HOwever, I am keeping this book in my collection because I believe the children in my life WOULD enjoy it, and that's the actual demographic, so it's way more important! And I'm looking into getting the actual comics, because I feel like I would highly enjoy those.
lightlessxo's review against another edition
2.0
This fails to capture the charm of the comics and Goldie comes off as too arrogant and unlikable.
rynstagram's review against another edition
3.0
This was really fun and cute! I wish I would have read the graphic novels first, because I have a feeling I would have gotten to know the characters better. And I really want more Goldie and Diane content. Adorable. Goldie keeps saying how cool Diane is and it’s so wholesome to see her simp over the record store girl.
My main gripes with the book are that it relies on the comics to flesh out the characters and that Goldie rarely stops to consider how others might be affected by her actions. She acts like forcing her friends to help her is a Ferris Bueller thing, but it just comes across as inconsiderate.
All in all, though, Goldie Vance is the queer, biracial Black Nancy Drew we all need when the uncomfortable 1930s bigotry gets to be too much. Highly recommend for middle grade readers!
My main gripes with the book are that it relies on the comics to flesh out the characters and that Goldie rarely stops to consider how others might be affected by her actions. She acts like forcing her friends to help her is a Ferris Bueller thing, but it just comes across as inconsiderate.
All in all, though, Goldie Vance is the queer, biracial Black Nancy Drew we all need when the uncomfortable 1930s bigotry gets to be too much. Highly recommend for middle grade readers!
lostbetweenpages's review against another edition
3.0
2.75*
Cute middle grade!
(Although I'm not sure why the main character is 16... it still reads like a middle grade though!)
Cute middle grade!
(Although I'm not sure why the main character is 16... it still reads like a middle grade though!)
lebron_librarian's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-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
4.0