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mg_in_md_'s review
4.0
Nominated for the 2017 Agatha for Best Children's/YA novel, this was a delightfully, fun romp sure to appeal to mystery-loving kids. The story centers on young Toby Montrose, who lives with his detective uncle on Detectives’ Row. Toby works as an assistant at his uncle’s detective agency, but he’s not sure he’s even very good at that. He sees a chance to prove himself when the famed Hugh Abernathy announces a contest to choose the World’s Greatest Detective. But when what was supposed to be a game turns into a real-life murder mystery, Toby and his friend Ivy must work quickly to crack the case.
graggirl's review against another edition
4.0
Read as a read aloud and plowed through the last hundred pages when the kids were very sick. Fun murder mystery for kids. My five year old enjoyed it. We enjoyed trying to figure out who did it along with the detectives. The setting is a bit ridiculous, a city where everyone loves murder, but the plot is fun. This book talks a lot about about appearances can be deceiving. In the end good prevails, and you are only mildly feel bad for the murder victim.
rollinginbooks's review
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
whitneydrew's review against another edition
4.0
Just finished reading this one with my kids tonight. I love when we find a book where they beg for “just one mire chapter”. This book delivered that. It also inspired them to delve deeper into detective mysteries, so we will be continuing on that path for a bit.
mattyb's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent
Moderate: Medical content, Death, Gun violence, and Murder
Minor: Toxic friendship
johannawilbur's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
thedizzyreader's review
5.0
Murder, mystery, money... So much is at stake in this riveting middle grade novel! I absolutely adored Ivy and Toby. Perfect pace and plot, couldn't put it down!
booksandpops4000's review against another edition
3.0
I found this book to be an adorable read. I really loved how this book dived into the mystery element for a middle grade set. It reminded of the feel of like a sherlock holmes book but more hands on and effective for middle school kids. I also really liked the mystery at the heart of the story. I also really loved the time period as well, i wish it would have been clearer about what time period it was. Will def check out more books by this author in the future.
whitneydrew's review against another edition
4.0
Just finished reading this one with my kids tonight. I love when we find a book where they beg for “just one mire chapter”. This book delivered that. It also inspired them to delve deeper into detective mysteries, so we will be continuing on that path for a bit.