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3.93 AVERAGE
3.93 AVERAGE
I let myself be swayed by the rating for this one especially because it's a mystery. As much of a bookworm as I am, I prefer my mysteries on the screen rather than on the page. I had to force myself to finish it. It was a slog but I made it.
Contextually, it was a decent novel. Two main characters, while they don't have a lot of page time, are of color. Mai is Vietnamese and Gus is Sudanese. The two protagonists are also different than the usual YA sort. Rachel and her family are poor and Mycroft is an orphaned eccentric genius. While the plot is completely unbelievable, it does create a level of entertainment that I would be happy to see on the screen if properly done.
Here are my issues, though. Rachel and her family lost their farm and moved to the city where Rachel became the de facto homemaker. She goes to school, then directly home to do homework, study, make dinner, do laundry and clean. While all families have chores, and rightfully so, Rachel's parents seem to take her maturity for granted. There's no appreciation shown for all the work she's putting in, no acknowledgement that she's only 17 and instead of being out having a bit of fun, she's home doing the majority of the heavy lifting. She lives under strict rules. Yes her parents work hard, but so does Rachel.
My other issue is that Rachel constantly extends her maternal streak to her neighbor/crush, Mycroft. She feeds him, reminds him to sleep, cleans up after him, and lets him drag on her whatever crime solving spree if feels the need to pursue. He's not that good of a best friend. There's eccentric and then there's self involved. Again, she's only 17. It's not her responsibility to take care a fully grown human being.
Again, perhaps my I'm much harsher because mysteries aren't my jam. This book just wasn't for me. I'm glad that this one reads as a stand alone because I don't feel the need to finish the trilogy.
Contextually, it was a decent novel. Two main characters, while they don't have a lot of page time, are of color. Mai is Vietnamese and Gus is Sudanese. The two protagonists are also different than the usual YA sort. Rachel and her family are poor and Mycroft is an orphaned eccentric genius. While the plot is completely unbelievable, it does create a level of entertainment that I would be happy to see on the screen if properly done.
Here are my issues, though. Rachel and her family lost their farm and moved to the city where Rachel became the de facto homemaker. She goes to school, then directly home to do homework, study, make dinner, do laundry and clean. While all families have chores, and rightfully so, Rachel's parents seem to take her maturity for granted. There's no appreciation shown for all the work she's putting in, no acknowledgement that she's only 17 and instead of being out having a bit of fun, she's home doing the majority of the heavy lifting. She lives under strict rules. Yes her parents work hard, but so does Rachel.
My other issue is that Rachel constantly extends her maternal streak to her neighbor/crush, Mycroft. She feeds him, reminds him to sleep, cleans up after him, and lets him drag on her whatever crime solving spree if feels the need to pursue. He's not that good of a best friend. There's eccentric and then there's self involved. Again, she's only 17. It's not her responsibility to take care a fully grown human being.
Again, perhaps my I'm much harsher because mysteries aren't my jam. This book just wasn't for me. I'm glad that this one reads as a stand alone because I don't feel the need to finish the trilogy.
Cute and well-executed Sherlock Holmes modernization. Don't let the bad cover and flap copy deter you!
More of a 3.5. Loved the Aussie-speak and the kissing scenes, though.
A teenage Sherlock, his best friend, and a suspicious death that isn't getting quite the attention they feel it deserves. Romance, mystery, plenty of school and family drama... and danger.
Really liked this - will look into the rest of the series.
My review disappeared...or maybe I made a mistake? Good chance. Either way, I really enjoy this YA spin on the Sherlock/Watson dynamic and look forward to the next two books in the series. I didn't find the romance a distraction but a nice addition to the story. Kudos.
Another take on the Sherlock/Watson dynamic but with teens in Australia. Non-linear storytelling throws you right into the action so it takes a little while to catch up but I thought this was a fun and fast YA read.
This was just super cute! I was really into both Rachel and Mycroft and their relationship, and I almost always really love friends-to-lovers development, so that was great. I don't know that I really need more books in this series, but I'll probably read them at some point.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes