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Friday, September 1, 2017

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.


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