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retiredlibrarylady's review
3.0
2nd in the Mister Max trilogy. Max is a Solutioneer; he gets hired to solve problems. I really enjoyed this once I got into it; it would have helped if I had read the first one first, but I bought this for $1 at the Dollar Tree so I just read it anyway. Good news ... I have gotten the first one from the library. And I have always loved Voigt's writing.
jtlars7's review
Fun continuation of the series as Max builds his team. I grew up reading Cynthia Voight's novels. While her characters are always unique, there are aspects of Max and his grandmother that recall other beloved characters. I've read most of her other books multiple times, so it's fun to read this series for the first time and have it feel both new and familiar.
thedizzyreader's review
2.0
That was a whole lot of filler to swallow. Well written and sometimes interesting filler, but still very slow and rather pointless feeling in regards to the plot. 2.5/5 stars.
yapha's review
4.0
This second Mister Max book picks up right where the first one left off. It does not go into much detail about the events in the first book that put him into this situation, so it is important to read the books in order. Mister Max, the Solutioneer, is hard at work in this book. With the help of Pia, Ari, and his Grammie, he solves a variety of cases (or jobs, as he would correct) around town. They range from the very small, to a large case that has the mayor and the police baffled. All of the solutions are clever and well thought out, as Max changes from one costume to another. The ending sets up the reader for the third book, with the biggest case of all -- Max's parents. I look forward to the final installment. Recommended for grades 3-6.
mon_ique's review
5.0
Just as good as the first one, a little slow in the beginning, but by the end, I'm just looking for the next one. :) :) :) :) :)
I love the intricate stories, how two or three plots submerge and weave an addicting and well-crafted tale of a young boy named Max. The only problem: He's 12, yet some take him to be a man at times depending. I just wish the age was a little more believable for someone to take him as one in his twenties or thirties. I imagine while reading that he's like 14 or 15.
I love the intricate stories, how two or three plots submerge and weave an addicting and well-crafted tale of a young boy named Max. The only problem: He's 12, yet some take him to be a man at times depending. I just wish the age was a little more believable for someone to take him as one in his twenties or thirties. I imagine while reading that he's like 14 or 15.
rfulleman's review
4.0
The Book of Secrets (Mister Max #2) by Cynthia Voigt was an entertaining read. The interweaving of the various plots is interesting. I'm surprised that I don't mind the verbose descriptions, as I seem to have gotten used to it.
Like so many others who have reviewed this book, I do agree that the protagonist should have been older. It's difficult to imagine that someone mistakes him for an adult, and particularly his assistant, who is younger than he is. I also agree with those who have said the books need to be read in order. The reader will get so much more out of them that way.
Otherwise, I enjoy the use of various disguises and particularly how Max uses his head to figure out the solutions to the problems that come his way.
Definitely, a series that I can recommend.
Like so many others who have reviewed this book, I do agree that the protagonist should have been older. It's difficult to imagine that someone mistakes him for an adult, and particularly his assistant, who is younger than he is. I also agree with those who have said the books need to be read in order. The reader will get so much more out of them that way.
Otherwise, I enjoy the use of various disguises and particularly how Max uses his head to figure out the solutions to the problems that come his way.
Definitely, a series that I can recommend.
bookworm_baggins's review
5.0
Read aloud with Martin. This is shaping up to be a fantastic series. Martin thought this one was better than the first, but I liked that there were more hidden parts of the plot in the first. I figured out one big part before the main character and before Martin in this one as well. Really well written, exciting and interesting, and it's going to be a LONG wait for the next book!
amalyndb's review against another edition
4.0
Even better than the first! Max's cases get more serious when the mayor asks to meet him. A rash of fires at small shops in Old Town, with none of the shop owners complaining, right before the King's visit puts Max on the case. Meanwhile, news of his parents arrive, in a coded letter.
Perseverance is a major theme, as well as tackling a puzzle or conundrum from multiple different angles. Max and his friends are a terribly interesting bunch, very personable and a delight to read about.
Perseverance is a major theme, as well as tackling a puzzle or conundrum from multiple different angles. Max and his friends are a terribly interesting bunch, very personable and a delight to read about.
booksandbosox's review against another edition
2.0
I find it increasingly difficult to believe that a 12-year old boy can pass in all the situations Mister Max finds himself in.