Scan barcode
juani's review against another edition
hopeful
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
4.5
froggylibrarian1's review against another edition
4.0
This is another book I was able to read on NetGalley. I do like being able to get books from them even though I still prefer print books.
Max is the son of two famous stage actors. When his parents receive a mysterious letter inviting them to preform exclusively in India. Unfortunately they only receive two tickets. While Max is told a ticket will be waiting for him at the dock he finds that a boat (not the right one) has already left (early) with his parents on it.
Max goes back to his grandmother's house and together they try to piece together the mysterious letter left by Max's father. Max also has to find a way to support himself and finds that he has a knack for solving problems. In the course of the book he figures out why people are interested in his house, finds a missing dog, finds a missing antique spoon and as a result sets things right in an old family and helps a young woman get back on her feet. Because he is the son of actors Max is good at disguises which helps him become a solutioner.
This was a fun read. There were several threads running throughout that connected and were solved by the end. The biggest mystery, that of his parent's disappearance, is only partially solved. For that, readers will have to wait for the sequel.
Max is the son of two famous stage actors. When his parents receive a mysterious letter inviting them to preform exclusively in India. Unfortunately they only receive two tickets. While Max is told a ticket will be waiting for him at the dock he finds that a boat (not the right one) has already left (early) with his parents on it.
Max goes back to his grandmother's house and together they try to piece together the mysterious letter left by Max's father. Max also has to find a way to support himself and finds that he has a knack for solving problems. In the course of the book he figures out why people are interested in his house, finds a missing dog, finds a missing antique spoon and as a result sets things right in an old family and helps a young woman get back on her feet. Because he is the son of actors Max is good at disguises which helps him become a solutioner.
This was a fun read. There were several threads running throughout that connected and were solved by the end. The biggest mystery, that of his parent's disappearance, is only partially solved. For that, readers will have to wait for the sequel.
lazygal's review against another edition
3.0
Max is one of those people able to blend in, taking on whatever appearance he wants. I don't mean this in a magical sense, I mean in that "you look vaguely familiar but I'm pretty sure I've never see you before" sense. His only distinguishing feature is his eyes, a browny-grey (or is that grey-brown?). His parents are actors, invited on some sort of Shakespeare Wallah-esque trip to India... except the ship they were supposed to leave on never existed, and they refuse to actually show the invitation to anyone. Left behind, sort of under his grandmother's care, Max starts to search for them and some form of employment to keep things together until they return. His ultimate job? Solutioneer. Not quite in the same realm as Lemony Snickett, but definitely in the neighborhood. Middle grade readers will enjoy meeting Max... and I'm looking forward to the sequel.
ARC provided by publisher.
ARC provided by publisher.
daisycakesco's review against another edition
4.0
4 for the audio; think it would be 3 if I had read it rather than listened. The narrator's voice certainly added to the appeal, and there were passages during which I thought if I were reading this I would have skimmed.
alissabar's review against another edition
4.0
Great beginning to a series. I look forward to the next book. I loved the author's different, unique descriptions of Max's eyes every time he met a new person. I know that sounds random, but I thought it was fun.
thedizzyreader's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars. Because Grammie is an awesome librarian.
This was my first Cynthia Voigt, so I wasn't sure what to expect going in. It's definitely on the slow side of middle grade mysteries, but still enjoyable. I do think Voigt could have done a bit better with Max's parents... Although their disappearance is the main mystery in the book, I frankly cared so little for their characters that I couldn't understand why Max was bothered. Also, the situation with the Long Ears was resolved far too tidily and quickly for my taste.
On to see what the sequel offers!
This was my first Cynthia Voigt, so I wasn't sure what to expect going in. It's definitely on the slow side of middle grade mysteries, but still enjoyable. I do think Voigt could have done a bit better with Max's parents... Although their disappearance is the main mystery in the book, I frankly cared so little for their characters that I couldn't understand why Max was bothered. Also, the situation with the Long Ears was resolved far too tidily and quickly for my taste.
On to see what the sequel offers!
dannb's review against another edition
3.0
Entertaining. My only "complaint" is it jumps a little too much.
yapha's review against another edition
4.0
Max is fun and clever in this first book in a new series. Max's parents have left him behind while they set sail on an adventure to India. Unfortunately, the boat they were to have sailed on never existed. While Max and his Grammie try to solve this dilemma, Max searches for a way to keep himself occupied. Luckily for him, he has his father's trunk of costumes and the ability to take on just about any appearance. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. Recommended for grades 3-6.
eARC provided by publisher.
eARC provided by publisher.
ciska's review against another edition
4.0
*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book on Netgalley from the publisher in return for an honest review*
Author
Cynthia Voigt is an American author of books for young adults dealing with various topics such as adventure, mystery, racism and child abuse.
Review
I have to get this of my chest. This book has an open end and I HATED IT, the open end that is. I read a lot of books by Cynthia Voigt when I was younger and seeing this book pop up I was wondering if it would still be the same magic and it is. I enjoyed reading this book so much. The boyish adventure, the imagination, the simple solutions to world problems. Well at least in Max his world.
Max is an adventurous boy who had a very interesting youth for sure. In the way he makes decisions and the things he does it is clear he did not have your average parents guiding him. It is really funny to read about a boy of twelve just doing thing as Max does. I only see them sitting with phones and lap tops in my mind and wish there are still boys out there with such vivid imagination.
The story line itself is a bit weird. In Max his situation I guess I would have done other things and Grandma is not always making adult decisions either. Still it does make all the adventures fun and unexpected. I will definitely be on the look out for the following books in the series.
Author
Cynthia Voigt is an American author of books for young adults dealing with various topics such as adventure, mystery, racism and child abuse.
Review
I have to get this of my chest. This book has an open end and I HATED IT, the open end that is. I read a lot of books by Cynthia Voigt when I was younger and seeing this book pop up I was wondering if it would still be the same magic and it is. I enjoyed reading this book so much. The boyish adventure, the imagination, the simple solutions to world problems. Well at least in Max his world.
Max is an adventurous boy who had a very interesting youth for sure. In the way he makes decisions and the things he does it is clear he did not have your average parents guiding him. It is really funny to read about a boy of twelve just doing thing as Max does. I only see them sitting with phones and lap tops in my mind and wish there are still boys out there with such vivid imagination.
The story line itself is a bit weird. In Max his situation I guess I would have done other things and Grandma is not always making adult decisions either. Still it does make all the adventures fun and unexpected. I will definitely be on the look out for the following books in the series.