Guest Review: Middle Grades Pick: Who Killed Darius Drake?

Who Killed Darius Drake?
by Rodman Philbrick
The Blue Sky Press
2017
192 pages
ISBN: 9780545789783

Available September 26, 2017

Professional Reviews: 

"A smart and worthy mystery."--Kirkus Reviews 

"Dropping tantalizing hints of grisly events to come, Philbrick leads readers to a melodramatc denouement. 

An artful mix of clues, cons and violence with prizes at the end that glitterr both literally and figuratively." --Booklist

Guest Reviewer Julia Evans, librarian at Hueco Elementary in El Paso, Texas. Follow Julia on Twitter @jevens_hes

Guest Review:

What reader can resist a mysterious letter written in BLOOD? Philbrick dangles this enticing carrot in front of middle grade readers and every reader will be up for the mystery.

Bully for hire Arthur Bash agrees to help genius orphan Darius Drake uncover the culprit behind the bloody letter, and he agrees to join the hunt for the price of two mere candy bars. Little do the boys know that they are about to uncover a perilous secret from the past. Darius's grandfather was involved in the disappearance of a priceless diamond necklace. The boys decide to become sleuths and find the necklace themselves. They are not the only ones looking for the loot.

As the duo uncovers clues and unearths secrets, they are in danger. Someone is watching their every move. They discover the car accident that killed Darius's parents was no accident at all. They were murdered and the murderer is still out there.

The boys learn more about themselves as the delve deeper. Arthur is a big presence due to his size but his body hides his inner fraidy cat. Scrawny Darius hides a massive brave lion. Together they are unstoppable.

This fast paced read drops clues like breadcrumbs for hungry readers. Who Killed Darius Drake? has it all: mystery, murder, theft, buried secrets, treasure, jewels, and an unlikely friendship.

Highly recommended grades 3-7.

FTC Required Disclaimer: I received the ARC from the publisher. I did not receive monetary compensation for this review, nor did Julia Evans.

Action Adventure Pick: The Sultan's Tigers

The Sultan's Tigers
by Josh Lacey
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company
2013
298 pages

Fast-paced, high octane, perilous action will thrill teen readers who love an action adventure story with a gritty young hero. The plot rollicks on at a breakneck pace. VOYA says, "Non-stop action...This is a fine choice to add to a 'Guys Read' list."

Tom Trelawney's family tree is not impressive, in fact, he states, "...I come from a long line of liars, cheats, crooks, bandits, thieves, and smugglers." From the opening line, this book draws you in, hook, line and sinker. When Tom is held captive and threatened, he decides to find the secret hidden somewhere in his grandfather's house. He remembers a visit when his grandfather showed him a hiding place. Sure enough, Tom finds a secret cache of letters.

He realizes that one of his ancestors hid a great treasure in India and left clues how to find it. Tom enlists the help of his slightly unbalanced Uncle Harvey and off they jet to India. They are looking for the last of the "Sultan's tigers," a statue encrusted with jewels that will make them both rich. That's the trouble with treasure, the more it's worth, the more people are willing to kill for it.

The Sultan's Tigers is a great book for reluctant readers. It will keep them entertained and reading, wondering what will happen next. When they're up against a vicious mercenary who will stop at nothing and an ego-maniac billionaire who plans to horde all the tigers, Tom comes up with a plan to steal the tiger and help others.

Don't worry though. Tom doesn't become a "goody two shoes," soon he's sneaking out of the house and looking for trouble.

Highly recommended for anyone who loves a fast-paced adventure with globe-trotting appeal. For grade 7-up.

FTC Required Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. I did not receive monetary compensation for this review.

This review has been posted in compliance with the FTC requirements set forth in the Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising (available at ftc.gov/os/2009/10/091005revisedendorsementguides.pdf)