Fb2 Mystery of the Martello Tower, The ePub

The Mystery of the Martello Tower by Jennifer Lanthier comes recommended to me by somone in my Write4Kids' writing group since I'm working on a YA manuscript. They thought it would give me a good feel for dealing with a mystery plot. It did that, and some.

Although there was something in the prologue that made me think it might be a fantasy, it turned out to be a story about an unconventional family (a very real possibility these days) and the bizzare connections that can happen between family members and loved ones. So, truthful fiction.

On the back cover, one reviewer considers it a nice alternative to Nancy Drew. (I loved Nancy Drew, enough to not remember how many books I read.) What was particularly refreshing was the update in cultural references, not to mention the way Ned and Hazel were handled, almost like adults. As much as their dialogue made me feel they were overly sophisticated for 9- and 12-year-olds respectively, I had to admit that kids do know a thing or two about chocolate croissants and building web pages, now. And by 12, they know if they are bored with reading too much e-mail, etc.

As for the story, it was well paced and kept me moving from one chapter to the next, compounding in interest and intrigue--the inexplicable skull-duggery, family secrets, and art dealing. This book would be a good addition to any middle school book list (ages 8-12) as it would incite all basketball fanatics to read. Their sport plays a definite role in the story. For instance, we discover what a little godzilla Hazel is when she challenges some neighborhood bullies to a match at dusk, hurting her wrist in the process.

It would have been nice to know more about the secretive dad (what did he look like; how was he feeling about being in prison in Turkey), or what happened to his assistant Frankie, but then it's always good to leave a little mystery in the mystery, and perhaps a new future for Hazel and Ned.

"The Mystery of the Martello Tower" tells of a sister and brother who embark on an odyssey rich in discovery and mischief. There are layers of mystery which young Hazel and Ned must uncover, from an international art theft scandal to the enigmas of their own past. I was reminded a little of old fairy tales, such as Hansel and Gretel, in which children would find themselves in a desperate situation but escape through their wits and ingenuity. Hazel and Ned leave the big city, where they are being raised by a single parent in rather isolated circumstances. They journey to the region of the Thousand Islands and encounter a lively extended family. The bringing together of the long lost relatives is the catalyst for mysteries being solved, as well as for the healing of old wounds and memories.

The characters spring to life in the first few paragraphs as the story moves rapidly along into danger and intrigue. The author is able to deftly see the world from a youthful point of view, conveying the fears, the hopes and the boundless energy of that brief time in life. Recommended for ages ten through fourteen, it is a grand book to bring along on a summer adventure.

Hazel and Ned are in for the summer of their lives. Just days after their return from boarding school their father disappears without a trace. If that wasn't enough to send the kids into a fury they soon find out that two people in particular, Richard C. Plevit and Clive Pritchard, have been harassing their good-friend and babysitter Frankie. When Frankie is asked to go to New York she knows she can't refuse because if she does she will surely lose her job. Hours after Frankie leaves Hazel and Ned walk into their father's study to find it devoid of everything. They instantly know its been burglarized and they lock themselves in Frankie's apartment to brainstorm ways in which all the mysterious events are connected and who's behind them. After a couple of days it becomes evident to Hazel and Ned who is behind all of their trouble. It's none other than the mysterious thugs Richard C. Plevit and Clive Pritchard. In an attempt to escape these nasty thugs Hazel tells Ned about an email she found on her father's computer from a family member. This comes as a shock to Ned as their father has always told them they have no family. Ned, being the genius he is, finds the number to these long lost relatives. Before they know it the siblings are on their way to an isolated, but charming island to meet their long-lost relatives. Here they are greeted by their four cousins and are finally able to breathe a sigh of relief as it seems they have finally been able to get rid of the thugs on their tail. Their moment of relief soon comes to an abrupt end when the kids catch sight of Clive Pritchard. Hazel and Ned clue their cousins in on their situation and all six cousins band together to help solve the mystery. While figuring out this mystery many secrets of Hazel and Ned's past are uncovered, including those that involve their mother's death. Will the siblings be able to figure out why these mysterious people have been following them?

Wow! This book was great. I am always up for a good mystery and this book definitely satisfied my appetite. From the moment I cracked the spine of the book I was pulled into the mystery surrounding Hazel and Ned. The author had the right mix of suspense and adventure to make this book great. I also loved how there were a couple different mysteries surrounding the siblings throughout the book. This made the book move really fast and never left the reader bored, which I think is really important. I was always on the edge of my seat intrigued as to what was happening and questioning what could possibly happen next. The characters in the book were so real. I felt like I instantly connected with Hazel and felt her fear, excitement, and sorrow right along with her. I am anxiously anticipating more books by Jennifer Lanthier and finding out if Hazel and Ned make a habit out of sleuthing. Any fan of Nancy Drew, the Hardy Boys, or just plain mysteries, will love The Mystery of the Martello Tower