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carolynaugustyn's review against another edition
3.0
This really is Charlie and the Chocolate Factory meets Clue- mystery and a kind of contest and lots of twists and turns. I don't want to give too much away since this is really a book that has lots of mysteries that are fun to discover. I mostly enjoyed the story but I didn't love it- partially because I had guessed most of the secrets early on in the book. Since I'm a bit older than the intended audience, I won't hold the predictability against the book, I'm sure young readers will be truly shocked by some of the surprises. I also wasn't crazy about the level of violence in this book, it was a little much, I thought, for a middle grade book. However, overall, this is a fun read and certainly a good mystery. The illustrations are great and sprinkled throughout the book. The characters are fun and mostly likable. I enjoyed the creepy country mansion setting.
moonbites's review against another edition
3.0
Liked the writing style, but for me it’s a forgettable story. I wasn’t keen on the use of certain plot devices, which can be attributed to my personal pet peeves. Therefore, knowing my own bias, I gave this a three stars even though I wavered on a two.
pandacat42's review against another edition
3.0
I'll admit that a younger me would have given this book a 4 or a 5. However, the me now has a hard time suspending reality and believing everything could happen so coincidentally.
elinacre's review against another edition
5.0
such a fun read! refreshing writing, well-developed (if sometimes stereotypical) characters, and a great mystery! loved it!
szaibol's review against another edition
5.0
The best middle-grade mystery I have read so far!
The characters are great, and the story kept me hooked from beginning to end where the twists and turns brought a satisfying closure. I highly recommend it!
The characters are great, and the story kept me hooked from beginning to end where the twists and turns brought a satisfying closure. I highly recommend it!
mallorykjorgensen's review against another edition
4.0
Hints of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory combined with a Sherlock Holmes style feeling.
wombat_88's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
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
missmeganmann's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
It was a call back to regency and Victorian mystery novels, but for kids. It had a mysterious invitation from a mysterious recluse, murder, intrigue, mistaken identity, orphans, and a rather large sum at stake. It’s not my preference, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
readinglover22's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0