Middle Grade Review: The Sherlock Society

* First in the new series * 

Zoe and Alex, sister and brother, are supposed to get a job this summer. They veto baby-sitting, dog walking, and lawn mowing. Instead, they decide to open their own detective agency. Two friends of Alex's join them. As they'll need an adult to drive them places, they coerce their grandfather to help. 

Their grandfather worked for years as a reporter. They go through his old case files to discover a cold case to work on. They vote on the cold case of Al Capone and the missing million dollars. As they attempt to uncover the treasure, they stumble upon an illegal dump site of contaminated waste.

The team decides to switch gears and focus on who is dumping the waste. After getting stone-walled, they need to come up with a better way to uncover the truth. But can they root out this conspiracy?

My Thoughts: I'm a huge fan of the City Spies series so I was super happy to receive this ARC. I loved the sibling relationship. Zoe wasn't thrilled with her summer plans, but I think the summer turned out better than expected. I loved how the grandfather and his "old school" ways. I loved how they had to research everything before taking action. I admired their problem-solving skills. I really liked the lawyer mother in this one. She had a few tricks on her sleeve. I also enjoyed the nerdy moments. Lots of action and danger in that kept me turning the pages. This is a great start to a new series; I can't wait to see what happens next. 

Cover Thoughts: Love it

Source: ARC sent for review

Published Date: September 3rd

Library Recommendation: James Ponti is a favorite author at my library. This is a must have book for school and public libraries. 

Author Interview: Fleur Bradley

I'm chatting today with Fleur Bradley, the author of Midnight at the Barclay Hotel. 

This book was a delightful read. Check out reasons it should be on your radar.

Would you spend a night in a haunted house? And do you believe in ghosts?

I would absolutely spend the night in a haunted house! Honestly, I’m a deep sleeper, so I’d probably sleep through any haunted activity… I’m not sure if I believe in ghosts. I’ve never seen one, though I have heard noises in our house I can’t explain. I really hope I see a ghost someday…

Do you have a favorite mystery you read as a kid?

There were a few—I loved Enid Blyton books (the Secret Seven series), but otherwise there weren’t a whole lot of mysteries in the children’s section when I was growing up (in the Netherlands). I ended up moving on to Agatha Christie books when I was about twelve, and absolutely fell in love with the mystery genre. Midnight at the Barclay Hotel is a bit of an ode to Agatha Christie.

Have you ever solved a mystery in real life? Or would you make a good detective?

Other than solving DIY problems around the house, I’m not much of a detective. I think I could make a good detective in real life, though… I’m pretty tenacious and curious. And I love a good puzzle. I watch my share of true crime TV, and I’m always fascinated by detective work, and the dedication it takes to solve a crime.

What book have you read recently and loved?

I loved Keep This to Yourself by Tom Ryan, a YA mystery I recently picked up. In middle-grade, I loved American As Paneer Pie by Supriya Kelkar and A Home for Goddesses and Dogs by Leslie Connor—both not really mysteries, but great summer reading.

What's your favorite writing snack?

Peanut M and Ms! But since that’s not the healthiest snack, I divert to baby carrots—not as fun, but better for me. When I really, really get wrapped up in my writing, I sometimes forget to eat… That’s when I know I’m on a roll.

Anything else you want to share about the book?

Midnight at the Barclay Hotel is a great introduction for kids to the traditional mystery: it even goes over investigative techniques, like how to determine motive, means, and opportunity for each suspect. The book is really an ode to those Agatha Christie mysteries I love so much—but in a safe, kid-friendly way.

For teachers, I have a teacher guide and info on Zoom/Skype visits at www.ftbradley.com. I hope everyone enjoys Midnight at the Barclay Hotel as much as I enjoyed writing it!

About Fleur Bradley:

Fleur is passionate about two things: mysteries and getting kids to read, and she regularly speaks at librarian and educator conferences on reaching reluctant readers. Originally from the Netherlands, Fleur now lives in Colorado Springs with her husband and two daughters, and entirely too many cats.

For more information on Fleur and her books, visit www.ftbradley.com, and on Twitter @FTBradleyAuthor.

About Midnight at the Barclay Hotel:

Hunting ghosts and solving the case before checkout? All in a weekend's work.

When JJ Jacobson convinced his mom to accept a surprise invitation to an all-expenses-paid weekend getaway at the illustrious Barclay Hotel, he never imagined that he'd find himself in the midst of a murder mystery. He thought he was in for a run-of-the-mill weekend ghost hunting at the most haunted spot in town, but when he arrives at the Barclay Hotel and his mother is blamed for the hotel owner's death, he realizes his weekend is going to be anything but ordinary.

Now, with the help of his new friends, Penny and Emma, JJ has to track down a killer, clear his mother's name, and maybe even meet a ghost or two along the way.

Want More? Follow along with the Midnight at the Barclay Hotel blog tour:

Aug. 3^rd: Book review at Always in the Middle

Aug. 11^th: An interview at MG Bookvillage

Aug 14^th: Book review at Charlotte’s Library

Aug. 16^th: Guest post: Fleur talks about reaching reluctant readers at Unleashing Readers

Aug. 17^th: Review at Secret Files of Fairday Morrow blog

Aug. 18^th: Review and giveaway at MG Mojo

Aug. 19th.: Interview and giveaway at From the Mixed-Up Files

Aug. 21^st: Book review at Our Thoughts Precisely.

Aug. 23^rd: Interview and giveaway at Spooky MG

Aug. 25^th: Writer’s Digest Author Spotlight

Sept. 4^th : Fleur talks about getting out of your comfort zone on Kirby Larson’s blog

Sept. 8^th: Fleur outlines how to develop a compelling MG concept at Writer’s Digest

Review: Serious Moonlight

After an awkward first encounter, Birdie and Daniel are forced to work together in a Seattle hotel where a famous author leads a mysterious and secluded life in this romantic contemporary novel from the author of Alex, Approximately.

Mystery-book aficionado Birdie Lindberg has an overactive imagination. Raised in isolation and homeschooled by strict grandparents, she’s cultivated a whimsical fantasy life in which she plays the heroic detective and every stranger is a suspect. But her solitary world expands when she takes a job the summer before college, working the graveyard shift at a historic Seattle hotel.

In her new job, Birdie hopes to blossom from introverted dreamer to brave pioneer, and gregarious Daniel Aoki volunteers to be her guide. The hotel’s charismatic young van driver shares the same nocturnal shift and patronizes the waterfront Moonlight Diner where she waits for the early morning ferry after work. Daniel also shares her appetite for intrigue, and he’s stumbled upon a real-life mystery: a famous reclusive writer—never before seen in public—might be secretly meeting someone at the hotel.

To uncover the writer’s puzzling identity, Birdie must come out of her shell…discovering that the most confounding mystery of all may be her growing feelings for the elusive riddle that is Daniel. - Summary from the Publisher

My Thoughts: I really liked this book. I loved the references to Clue, Mystery Mansion, and Nancy Drew. I love how the mystery brought Birdie and Daniel together. I enjoyed the moments in the diner and of course my mouth drooled while they were eating pie. I liked how their relationship started off quickly but then they became friends and shared confidences. But they both held back from each other - emotionally and with secrets that of course eventually came out. I love how Birdie gained independence. I loved her attempts at swearing. I enjoyed the different family dynamics and how that made the characters more fleshed out. I loved Mona and her relationship with Birdie. A sweet romance with a side of mystery. 

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation:  Grab this one for your romance collection, but hand it out to your mystery readers too. 

Upcoming Review: The Great Shelby Holmes Meets Her Match

 * Book 2 in the Shelby Holmes series * 

It's a new school year and John is a bit nervous. As Shelby and John walk down the hallway, Shelby mentions everyone's summer failures from her observations. When they meet the new teacher, Shelby realizes that he's acting suspicious.

Upon digging deeper, Shelby and John uncover his secret. He's being blackmailed. About Shelby. Shelby can't wait to uncover the truth. The case leads her and John to her old school where one girl takes responsibility.

But that girl is also one step ahead of Shelby and John the entire time. Has Shelby finally met her match or will she and John save the day once again?

My Thoughts: I really liked this book. I loved seeing these characters again. They're super great - smart, nice, and entertaining. I like how they balance each other out. I enjoyed the first day of school an Shelby knowing everything about everyone. I liked how she knew something was off with the new teacher. I enjoyed the case - and the one-upmanship. I felt bad for John's mother and how she was left in the dark. I loved Shelby's attempt at friendship and how she feels it's exhausting. She's right; it can be. Another solid case that leaves me excited for more Shelby Holmes adventures. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: BEA (Signed copy)
Release Date: September 12, 2017

Library Recommendation: Perfect for both middle school and public libraries - highly recommended. 

Teen Review Thursday

Here's what teens are reading and talking about this summer in Norwich. I love seeing what teens think about the books they're reading. This week, they're talking about mysteries...

Sprinkle with Murder: 5 stars

Sprinkle with Murder was a perfectly sweet mystery novel. It kept my attention with suspense and new clues up to the very end when the murderer was revealed and the two love interests got together.

Fatally Frosted: 5 stars

This murder mystery was very interesting to read. It captivated my attention with the perfect mixture of sweets, recipes, romance and of course suspense and mystery! I really enjoyed it.

Death by Bikini: 5 stars

A great mystery novel full of romance and escape tactics that every teenage girl is sure to love.

What's On My Hold List (51)

My Librarian friend Jess from I Read to Relax came up with a great idea.  It's to highlight the books on hold 

Because BEA was last week, I don't have too much this week and I won't be putting too much on hold in the near future. But here's what I do have...

 I haven't been reading enough mysteries.

Good, the Bad, and the Witchy: Really enjoy this series - looking forward to the celebration turned deadly.

Diva Frosts a Cupcake: So curious to where this book is going after the last one! Love this series.

Gluten for Punishment: 1st in a new series which features a bakeshop!

Mysterious Saturday Review: Lies that bind

 *2nd in the Liar Society series, read my review of book one*

Kate knows what happened to Grace and she's still trying to deal with the aftermath. There's a dedication to Grace at the school and afterwards, Kate receives a message.

That night at the Obsideo, the students say goodbye to Grace, the same way they've been saying goodbye to all the other students who have died over the years.

At first, Kate isn't planning to go, but after a series a strange circumstances, she changes her mind. She arrives with Liam and deals with the student body as best she can, through avoidance and snark.

A scream echoes through the night air and a girl goes missing. Kate's convinced it's the same people who messed with Grace. Kate's still curious about the secret societies and has vowed revenge. Her quest for revenge creates havoc in her personal relationships. She's desperately trying to hold everything  together, but she's running out of time. Can she help save Bethany?

My Thoughts: The second book is just as good as the first, leaving you breathless for more, once again. Kate's vow for revenge leads her to make poor decisions that constantly put her life in danger. I hate how she's put into a position where she's making people in her life unhappy because of her choices, however, I can't imagine her NOT making those choices. I love that she's willing to help a girl who's been horrible to her because she can't stand the thought of anyone else going through the same pain she went through. It shows her determination, her loyalty, and that she has a good heart.

My heart hurts for all the pain she's going through and how hard she's trying to pick up the pieces of her life, but how it's impossible to go back to the way things were. I like the addition of her former best friend, who's going through her own troubles. I like how they could remember Grace together, it showed a new side of Grace. For most of the book, I felt like Kate, floundering at all the possibilities and secrets the school holds. The action and danger kept me guessing until the end of book.

Cover Thoughts: I love the hair and that hat! It matches perfectly with the first cover in the series.
Source: My Library

Review: Nancy Clancy Super Sleuth

Nancy and her best friend Bree want to be detectives. Nancy's worried that nothing will ever happen in their sleepy little town and no one will need Partners in Crime.

However, before she knows it, Nancy has two cases.  Bree overheard the twins talking about a secret from Nancy. Now Nancy can't help but imagine the worse. What are her friends keeping from her?

There's also a thief in her classroom! Nancy and Bree are determined to solve the mystery of the missing marble. Someone stole the marble during their Family Day. Luckily Bree took photos during the day. They might help create a timeline and provide clues.

My Thoughts: I'm a big Fancy Nancy fan! I adore the pictures books and have read them all. I was so happy to hear about this new chapter book. I liked it. It was cute, funny (I loved that the class hamster's name is Eric Clapton), and enjoyable. It expands upon our favorite characters without loosing the charm from the picture books. I don't think I've ever read where the character goes from picture book to easy reader to chapter book. I think Fancy Nancy will capture even more readers.  Nancy and Bree have a great friendship, great imaginations, and great ideas. I'm looking forward to more of these books. I hope one day Bree will have her own book, and maybe Jojo too.


Cover Thoughts: Cute! And I like how illustrations are throughout the book. I think it bridges all the Fancy Nancy books together.


Source: Inter-Library Loan

Mysterious Saturday: Mysteries I'm Dying to Read

I haven't finished any mysteries this week - though I have a bunch waiting for me on my shelf. Instead of a review, here's a look at a few I can't wait to read

Grace Interrupted: I LOVE Julie Hyzy - this is the 2nd book of the Manor of Murder series. This one deals with Civil War re-enactors, which the historical buff in me loves. GoodReads - out June 7th

Cookie Dough or Die: The start of a new series about a cookie bakery - The Gingerbread House and murder! GoodReads - out April 5th (I actually just purchased this and start it, it's quite good!)

PS: Don't these two covers look VERY similar (and gorgeous) with the chairs and windows.

Lost and Fondue: The second book in the Cheese Shop series where the cheese shop mixes with a winery for a fundraiser. The winery is rumored to have buried treasure hidden among the winery. GoodReads - out May 3rd

A Pizza to Die For: The third book in the pizza shop mysteries with two sisters track down clues to solve murders. GoodReads - out May 1st


Sheetcake Named Desire: First in a new series. There's no information about this series, but the cover looks great. It comes out in August. Goodreads

Evil Eclairs: The 4th in the Donut Shop series, which I love and always make me crave donuts. Goodreads - out at the end of April

Books Can Be Deceiving: The first in a new series about a director of a library - as a librarian makes me very happy. Jenn also writes the Cupcake Bakery Mystery series. Goodreads Out July 5th

Murder Under Cover: The 4th book in the fascinating series, sounds spicy! Goodreads Out May 3rd
Sweet Revenge: The first in a new series where a Lady poses as a chef to find her father's murder - in Regency England. I Adore Regency novel! GoodReads - out now.

Let's Play Dead: The second in the Museum mysteries, where the death takes places at a children's museum. GoodReads - Out July 5th
House to Die For: Somehow I missed this one when it first came out, but the second one Killer Listing caught my eye. I have to go back and read the first. GoodReads out now/ GoodReads out now
Diva Haunts a House: The 5th in this fabulous series where Sophie attends Natasha's Halloween party only to discover a body amongst the decorations GoodReads - Out September 6th

Bitter Harvest: The 5th book about Meg and her inherited apple orchard- after the harvest she's enjoying some down time until someone decides to play tricks. GoodReads - Out August 2nd
Pie a La Murder: The 4th in the Della Cooks series, Della must deal with a massive secret from a loved one. GoodReads - Out July 5th

Skirting the Grave: The 4th book in the Vintage Magic Mystery series. I think Maddie's shop sounds awesome - I'd love to shop there! GoodReads - Out July 5th

Murder by Mocha: Even though I'm not a coffee person, I love this series. The 10th book revolves around a love potion - Mocha Magic Coffee. GoodReads
Out August 2nd

Ten Things: Adult Romantic Mysteries

As you know, I'm a huge mystery reader. I read mostly cozies and love the splash of romance in them. Here's a few of my favorite romances in mysteries/thrillers

Stephanie Plum series: I'm a Ranger fan, but I love the choice between him and Joe
Truly Madly: I love the idea of the cupids in this series and that fact that Lucy doesn't have the gift. She still manages to snag Sean's attention.
How to Murder a Millionaire: the Blackbird Sisters series: I love the pull between Nora and Michael. Plus Michael's family connections make it all the more interesting.
Hannah Swensen Mysteries: The choice between Mike and Norman doesn't seem that hard - until life gets in the way.
Some Girls Bite: A paranormal mystery, but I love the tension between Merit and Ethan
Size 12 Isn't Fat: Heather relies on Cooper more than she realizes
Savannah Reid mystery: It's not an entirely romance relationship but the banter and the potential between Savannah and Dirk are amazing.
Domestic Bliss Mystery: What starts as immediate dislike could grow into to something more between Erin and Steve. I love their banter and all the design talk.
Givenchy Code: A strange deadly game brings Melanie into the arms of a handsome strange.
Coffeehouse Mystery: I love the smell of coffee you can sense all through this series. I like how Clare can't keep her thoughts to herself. Mike Quinn definitely gets under her skin

What about you?