FFB Review: Swan’s Landing: A Web Sawyer Mystery by Douglas Quinn

From the magnificently massive archive here at Casa Tipple and Home Eatery Library in NE Dallas…

 

It is fall on the Outer Banks of North Carolina and the tourists with their frenetic energy and electronic devices have all gone back to wherever it is they came from. The peace and quiet has been restored and Webb Sawyer is very glad. Webb Sawyer isn't a slave to technology and is a man of simple pleasures and tastes. The plan he had for this particular Sunday seems to have blown up thanks to various women and their agendas.

One of the three women who changed Webb’s plans for the day is Sunshine Bledsoe. She has a major problem--- her mother is missing. Webb knows Sunshine a bit as she used to date Webb's son Preston. They no longer date with Preston being in New Zealand and all, but Webb still cares about her. Sunshine is very upset as there has been no sign from her Mom in two weeks and Sunshine is sure that her Mom is in danger. Mom’s name is Isabeau Bledsoe and she has a very checkered past. Supposedly, according to her boss and landlord, Isabeau is on a two week vacation to parts unknown. It seems she just up and left without talking to anyone and just left a note behind. Sunshine is terrified something bad has happened and wants Webb’s help. With some urging by Nan, Webb eventually agrees to go with Sunshine and check out her mother's apartment and the diner she worked at over in Hertford. Doing both leaves them with far more questions than answers.

Third in the Webb Sawyer Mystery Series, Swan's Landing is solidly good. Blending in small amounts of romance, a twisting multiple mystery plot line, and plenty of suspense, this latest in the series is another good one. While Webb may have the devil of a time figuring out the minds of the women in his life, he has a nose for trouble and he knows when he is being lied to. His problem, among several, is that nearly everyone in this far reaching tale is lying for various reasons. Well worth your time, Swan's Landing: A Webb Sawyer Mystery can be read as a stand-alone if you have not read the earlier books in the series.

 

 

Material supplied by Publicist Donna Higgins Colson last November in exchange for my objective review.

 

Kevin R. Tipple ©2013, 2022

FFB Review: The Adventures of the Quinn Higgins Boy Detective: The Case of the Lost U-Boat by Douglas Quinn

I don’t know about you, but reading for me has been hard these past few days. It seemed like a good idea to remind you of a great series for kids. Today I am running my repeat review of The Adventures of the Quinn Higgins Boy Detective: The Case of the Lost U-Boat by Douglas Quinn. This is just one of a number of great books in this series. Make sure you check out the reading suggestions from Patti Abbott and Aubrey Hamilton. Have a great weekend!

 

Reggie, Vaughn, Demian, and the Boy Detective, Quinn Higgins, like to pal around at school and at home. They call themselves “Quinn and the Three Musketeers.” Thanks to Demian they learn that there is a new kid in school. The 11-year-old boy is from Chicago and just got to North Carolina and that means that Demian can happily give up his title of the “new kid.”

 

The new kid is Frederick Cullen and he is living with his grandfather out on Big Flatty Creek.  Word is that his mom is dead and his father died fighting in Afghanistan. Since Frederick wants to learn how to fish and Quinn is good at it that becomes a natural way to start talking to Frederick. The plan is to make friends with Frederick and bring him into the group.

 

When Quinn and the others aren’t making instruments for the upcoming talent show the boys try to figure out ways to help Frederick as his rather rude grandfather makes it clear that no one is welcome at their home. The boys, who have been on more than one adventure, suspect that the elderly man is hiding something. It could be something very important and may have links back to World War II. A secret that boy detective Quinn Higgins is determined to discover in The Adventures of the Quinn Higgins Boy Detective: The Case of the Lost U-Boat.

 

From the first book The Case of the Missing Homework through this, the fifth book in the series, readers have been treated to Quinn Higgins, a fun-loving kid growing up in North Carolina. An active kid who would rather spend time with his friends outdoors than inside playing video games, Quinn has an innate curiosity which can put him in sticky situations such as in this book. For us readers of a certain age, these books are very reminiscent of the classic Encyclopedia Brown series.

 

This read is fast moving, solidly good, and engages the interest of kids and adults as do the other books of the series. While a mystery is at the core of the book, the read is also about exploring one’s own talents as well as helping others as relationships matter. Sometimes things don’t work out exactly as expected and this life lesson comes through clearly at the end of the story. This is a series that works for kids and parents.

 

This latest good book in the series is also complimented by four pages at the end of the book detailing how the instruments are made that the boys use in their talent show. The four instruments are things for the kid in all of us to consider making.

 

  

The Adventures of the Quinn Higgins Boy Detective: The Case of the Lost U-Boat

Douglas Quinn

http://obxwriter.webs.com/

AAS White Heron Press (Via CreateSpace)

ISBN #978-1492974215

November 2013

Paperback

132 Pages

$7.95

 

 

Material supplied by the author in exchange for my objective review.

 

Kevin R. Tipple ©2013, 2021

Review: The Adventures of Quinn Higgins Boy Detective: The Case of the Secret of Crater Lake by Douglas Quinn

As The Case of the Secret of Crater Lake begins, it is late summer and just a few weeks after The Case of the Gray Ghost’s Belt Buckle. In a few more weeks, Quinn Higgins will be entering the fifth grade at Churchland Elementary back home, but right now he is in Oregon. It is the start of a glorious three week period with his Dad at his home near the Oregon National Forest. This also means he is also going to be able to see his friend, Charlotte “Little Dove” Evans who is a year younger than Quinn Higgins.

A year ago Quinn, known to one and all as “The Boy Detective,” and Little Dove had spent a lot of time searching and exploring in The Case of Big Foot on the Loose. If either of the parents had known what the kids had been up to at the time, they never would have been allowed to go anywhere and do anything on their own ever again. This year, at least for the first week of Quinn’s vacation, they will be supervised as plans have been made.

Quinn and his dad as well as Little Dove will be going to see and stay with Little Dove’s grandparents. Quinn’s dad has a one week teaching deal lined up at the Klamath Reservation. While his dad is teaching his seminar, Quinn and Little Dove will spend time with her various relatives including a cousin Joseph who is close to Quinn’s age. Joseph likes to fish and knows some good spots so at least part of the time they will be spending their time fishing. It should be a fun time at the Klamath Reservation and educational for Quinn.

It is also going to be educational in a way the adults involved never expected. Quinn, Joseph, and Little Dove will learn exactly what is going on at Crater Lake and the meaning of the odd noise and strange underwater light.

As always in this series, author Douglas Quinn blends in some history into the mystery at work in the read. The Adventures of Quinn Higgins Boy Detective: The Case of the Secret of Crater Lake is another solidly good book in this highly entertaining series. Plenty of educational material about the Klamath and other related tribes is present in the read while not detracting from the primary mystery. The kids are smart, as are the caring adults in their lives in direct contrast to how adults are often portrayed as in various media forms today. The mystery itself has a sense of wonder to it, which often happens in these tales.  

As a result, The Adventures of Quinn Higgins Boy Detective: The Case of the Secret of Crater Lake is another fun and educational read in the series. Plenty of action and character interaction keeps the book moving forward educating readers young and old along the way. While this is one of those series, you can safely let your kids read without checking it first to clear it; you ought to read it as well. They are just flat out fun books. 

The Adventures of Quinn Higgins Boy Detective series in order are:

The Case of the Missing Homework

The Case of Bigfoot on the Loose (reviewed December 2010)

The Case of the Haunted House (reviewed April 2012)

The Case of Blackbeard’s Treasure (reviewed June 2012)

The Case of the Lost U-Boat (reviewed December 2013)

The Case of the Grey Ghost’s Belt Buckle (reviewed October 2014)

The Case of the Secret of Crater Lake (you are here)

The Adventures of Quinn Higgins Boy Detective: The Case of the Secret of Crater Lake

Douglas Quinn

http://obxwriter.webs.com/

AAS White Heron Press (Via CreateSpace)

ISBN #978-1539572305

November 2016

Paperback

164 Pages

$7.95

Material supplied by the author in exchange for my objective review.

Kevin R. Tipple ©2017

Review: "Gracie The Undercover Beagle and her sidekick Boston Blackie: Ghost of the Forest" by Douglas Quinn

The latest mystery involving Gracie The Undercover Beagle finds her morning eggs in jeopardy in Ghost of the Forest.  Henny Penny, Chief Chicken and the head of the hen house, saw something in the nearby woods late one night. She wanted Gracie to investigate it, but Gracie’s sidekick Boston Blackie refused to wake her up. All the barnyard animals know not to disturb Gracie when she is sleeping all tucked in under the covers.

The next morning the autumn air is a bit chilly but Gracie feels better once she has had her usual breakfast of scrambled eggs and bacon. Henny is still agitated as she is sure she saw a ghost wandering around in the forest. Gracie isn’t interested and the other barnyard criminals treat the whole thing as a joke because they never saw anything. Frustrated, Henny throws down an ultimatum. She threatens to withhold Gracie’s eggs.

Gracie does love her morning eggs. With great reluctance and some coaxing from Boston Blackie, Gracie begins to do a little investigating. She soon proves that Henny did see something. There is a rational explanation as it was not a ghost.

The secret of what she found as well as a small dictionary of a few new words brings this charming small book to a close. Sadly, while the real life inspiration for this series crossed the rainbow bridge some time ago, the spirit lives on in these short tales. Following The Egg Thief and Little Miss Stinky the latest read for small children, Ghost of the Forest continues the tradition of a gentle and compassionate short mystery tale with plenty of illustrations. All is well that ends well in each book of the series and that very much continues here in the latest read by author Douglas Quinn. 

Gracie The Undercover Beagle and her sidekick Boston Blackie: Ghost of the Forest (a Little Book for Little Readers)

Douglas Quinn
AAS White Heron Press

May 2016

ISBN# 978-1530979691

Paperback

68 Pages

$7.95

Material supplied by the publicist in exchange for my objective review.

Kevin R. Tipple ©2016

Review: "Gracie The Undercover Beagle and Her Sidekick Boston Blackie: Little Miss Stinky (A Little Book for Little Readers)" by Douglas Quinn

The Undercover Beagle known as Gracie is back in Little Miss Stinky. Gracie has her morning routine that she goes through each day at the farm. She checks around the hen house, then moves to the barn which she checks inside and out, and then she moves to the edge of the nearby woods. She goes up and

down the edge of the woods making sure everything is also okay there. It is while she is there that she is alerted to a horrible smell. A smell that not only Gracie smells, but one that Red the Rooster, the dog Boston Blackie, and others all notice and comment upon.

The search for the source of that smell as well as the hunt for a missing animal are the storylines of the latest adventure Little Miss Stinky. Latest in the line of books in the A Little Book for Little Readers by Douglas Quinn is another good. This book features another charming tale as well as short word list to help young readers build vocabulary. There is a certain melancholy to the read for those of us who are aware that the real life inspiration for the series passed while the author was working on this book.

Little Miss Stinky which is part of the Gracie Undercover Beagle and Her Sidekick Boston Blackie series is another good one. Interesting at times and plenty of illustrations make the read a good one not only for kids but the adults in their lives. 

Gracie The Undercover Beagle and Her Sidekick Boston Blackie: Little Miss Stinky (A Little Book for Little Readers)

Douglas Quinn

http://obxwriter.webs.com/

AAS White Heron Press (Via CreateSpace)

ISBN #978-1515139089

August 2015

Paperback

60 Pages

$7.95

Material supplied by the author in exchange for my objective review.

Kevin R. Tipple ©2015

Review: "Charles and Hero: The Dreadmen" by Douglas Quinn

After his adventure in the Isle of Mists Charles knew that the Dreadmen might be a serious problem. He decided that he had to find their homeland which is known as “The Fjord of Karlsgaard.” While Charles had no idea where the place would be thanks to Hero, his purple dragon, he has found it. He has also found at least some of the Dreadmen who are attempting to learn how to fly from the tall cliff walls above the fjord.

It looks like these are some of the warriors from the nearby village. Despite the heights involved and the certainty of death should something go wrong, Charles and Hero watch as one after another takes the leap and relies on some sort of wing contraption that is harnessed to their bodies.  When it works they can achieve a flight reminiscent of birds as the soar down the fjord and then circle back to land on the beach far below. Despite the actions of Dreadmen they have encountered in the past when one begins to plummet towards a definite horrible death, Charles and Hero manage to save him seconds before impact.

Their rescue action leads to a far more dangerous situation all the while the intentions of the Dreadmen became increasingly clear in Charles and Hero: The Dreadmen.

The latest in the series that began with Charles and Hero: Charles of Colshire Castle-The Purple Dragon is another very good tale. Charles is a wonderful role model for the children readers the book is aimed for as he always sees the best in others. Even when pushed by negative forces or less than trustworthy characters, Charles manages a way to not only do the right thing, but show compassion to his adversary. Then there is Hero, the purple dragon. His thinking may be a little bit more black and white as to how he sees things, but a flying dragon is just flat out cool.

The result is another great book from talented author Douglas Quinn. No matter the series, and he has several for different age groups, the book is always a positive read full of fun and adventure. Such is the case with Charles and Hero: The Dreadmen as well as the many other books author Douglas Quinn has out there for kids and the adults in their lives. 

Charles and Hero: The Dreadmen

Douglas Quinn

http://obxwriter.webs.com/

AAS White Heron Press (Via CreateSpace)

ISBN #978-1502978325

November 2014

Paperback

128 Pages

$7.95

Material supplied by the author in exchange for my objective review.

Kevin R. Tipple ©2015

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Review: "The Adventures of Quinn Higgins Boy Detective: The Case of the Gray Ghost's Belt Buckle" by Douglas Quinn

As the 5^th book in this excellent series begins, it is spring break for young Quinn Higgins. It has been several years since he last saw his cousins Austin and Mathew. Because Aunt Judy is on her way home after a business trip, she can swing by with her van and get him so that he can come for a visit.

Aunt Judy and her sons Austin and Mathew live in Manassas, Virginia. The boys are eager to see Quinn as well as show him a civil war musket ball they just found. A musket ball they might take over to the museum at the Manassas National Battlefield Park to have somebody verify their find as the real deal. It also gives Quinn the opportunity to checkout the place as he has been studying the Battles of Bull Run in school and is very interested.

That trip to the museum will also lead Quinn and his cousins into a dangerous situation as there is a reason why his friends call Quinn “The Boy Detective.” It is a good thing that at least one adult is paying attention to what Quinn says or the results could be disastrous.

Reminiscent of the great Encyclopedia Brown series I devoured in my youth, the ongoing adventures of Quinn Higgins are powered by the same idea that observation of little things is very important. Small details do not escape the young teen's attention even if he isn't sure why something seems a bit off. That attention to detail as well as an appreciation of history are nearly always present in these books.

Thanks to the skills of author Douglas Quinn, children are taken on a read that blends mystery along with some history making the books serve a dual purpose of escapism as well as teaching. Along the way a value or two is imparted that manages to reinforce both the history as well as the mystery and yet at the same time never lectures the young reader. The result is a very good read whether it is the Charles and Hero series, The Adventures of Summer McPhee series or any of the author's other projects including The Adventures of Quinn Higgins Boy Detective series, parents can be assured of clean language, some life wisdom, and a tale very much worthy of reading. The Adventures of Quinn Higgins Boy Detective: The Case of the Gray Ghost's Belt Buckle is another excellent read.

The Adventures of Quinn Higgins Boy Detective: The Case of the Gray Ghost's Belt Buckle  
Douglas Quinn

http://obxwriter.webs.com/

AAS White Heron Press (Via CreateSpace)

ISBN #978-1501009389

September 2014

Paperback

130 Pages

$7.95

Material supplied by the author in exchange for my objective review.

Kevin R. Tipple (c) 2014

Review: "Solstice The Determined Beagle: The Long Journey Home" (A Little Book for Little Readers series) by Douglas Quinn

Solstice, a beagle, was raised to be a hunting dog, but she never liked doing that. She has friends that do. One sunny day she decided to go see her hunting dog friends Brownie, Winky and Blinky who lived at an old farmhouse far from Solstice’s home. To do that she hitched a ride on a human’s truck.

Soon while the mom, Brownie, stays back at the farmhouse, Winky, Blinky, and Solstice go exploring and having fun in the nearby woods. They get separated which is okay at first. It is not long before Solstice is very much lost in the woods. If that was not bad enough, the beagle also has to deal with a storm, three hungry coyotes, and other problems. Solstice is known for being The Determined Beagle and is going to make The Long Journey Home.

Along with a short glossary of words at the back for young readers this cute book tells a great tale of courage and preservance. Part of a series of A Little Book for Little Readers by author Douglas Quinn, Solstice The Determined Beagle: The long Journey Home takes readers young and old on quite an adventure. One that is sure to end well and one the little ones in your life will enjoy again and again.

 
Solstice The Determined Beagle: The Long Journey Home (A Little Book for Little Readers series)

Douglas Quinn

http://obxwriter.webs.com/

AAS White Heron Press (Via CreateSpace)

ISBN #978-1500589745

September 2014

Paperback

64 Pages

$7.95

Material supplied by the author in exchange for my objective review.

Kevin R. Tipple ©2014

Review: "The Adventures of Summer McPhee of Ocracoke Island: The Pink Lady" by Douglas Quinn

The latest in the series The Adventures of Summer McPhee of Ocracoke Island: The Pink Lady finds Summer happily enjoying what she calls “The Big Break.” It is the summer time and with no school she can sleep late or get up early and go fishing on and around the outer banks. In fact, she can do about anything including spending some time feeding the ducks out at Silver Lake Harbor.

That was her plan for this day until, as she rode her bike past him, she was flagged down by Sheriff Caswell. He seems to be a nice enough guy though he is dating her widowed mom and Summer isn't sure just yet what she thinks about that. It is a little weird though he does seem to make her mom happy. It is also a bit weird what Sheriff Caswell wants her to do instead of feeding the ducks. He wants her to watch a certain boat at one of the docks. He wants her to watch it for the next three hours and keep track of who is on board and what they are doing. If she agrees to help him out Sheriff Caswell will pay her 21 bucks and call her mom to let her know what is going on.  Summer has something in mind for the money so she is quite eager to do the job.

Watching a boat where absolutely nothing is going on is boring---even if the boat is painted a very bright pink. Everything seems boringly normal and then Ellie Antonelli shows up. She lives on the boat as the girls get to talking it doesn't take long for Summer to realize Ellie is in some kind of trouble and needs help. Not just because Hurricane Angela is headed toward Ocracoke Island as Ellie's mom and step-dad are not the best parents in the world by a long shot.

As in earlier books in this very well done series, interspersed with the mystery are lessons about caring about others and doing the right thing. The nuances with both are subtle and the characters involved don't preach--- they show by action what it means to be a responsible caring person. The mystery is also well done as Summer works to help Ellie while the adults in her life work to not only protect Summer and Ellie, but to make things safer for all. It’s another good read from the talented author Douglas Quinn and, like the others from this author, a good book you can allow your child to read without worrying about the content or language issues.

The Adventures of Summer McPhee of Ocracoke Island: The Pink Lady

Douglas Quinn

http://www.obxwriter.webs.com

AAS White Heron Press

June 2014

ISBN# 13-978-1499746235

Paperback

132 Pages

Material supplied by the author in exchange for my objective review.

Kevin R. Tipple ©2014

My Writing Process Blog Tour

Today is my day for this and I am still not sure why I agreed to do it. Prolific author Douglas Quinn invited me to follow his effort last week here. Douglas is writing books for multiple series for readers of all ages. If you are not familiar with his stuff, you really need to check his books out.

What are you working on?

I should be working on my murder mystery novel or something for the many market calls I see in various places. I have not been working on my own fiction for quite some time due to various events here in recent years. It is now four years since I got sick with whatever this thing is that has me in its grip. Thanksgiving will mark three years since cancer was first diagnosed in Sandi.  My father passed away, my mom is not doing well, and there have been major health issues and other things with the boys, and much, much more. In short--life happened and it has been very hard. To say the last few years have not been kind would be an understatement.  Other than reviews and blog pieces about various things I have not been writing much at all--let alone my fiction.

Occasionally I look back over a published short story of mine and it is like I never saw it before. I’m amazed that I ever wrote that piece and can’t contemplate being that good ever again. It is very difficult to put into words how empty I feel inside or how that creative person seems to be gone.

Sandi blames the constant stress we have been under and says it will come back. She just wants me writing again. She could be right. Even so, on some level, it feels very selfish to wander off by myself and try to fill the blank page when we all know her time is short.

How does your work differ from others of its genre?

I don’t know that it does. In a sense nobody’s work really differs from others in the genre. Everybody is writing using the same basic ideas and themes. It is how those are spun toegtehr that makes some works stand out.

Why do I write what I do?

Part catharsis, part inspiration, and part something else that isn’t easy to define or explain. I have never been one of those writers who could write for a specific market or age group. Instead, something triggers a thought, an image, or whatever and the result gradually spills out. Sometimes it comes really fast and I can fly along putting the words out there and other times it just barely flows or not at all.

How does your writing process work?

I can’t outline at all. I am pantser. No matter what I am writing, I write out longhand first and then type things into the computer. Either Sandi or Scott type my reviews for me while making guesses at what my handwriting was intended to mean, but the fiction stuff I have always done myself.

Next week -- Earl Staggs. You may have heard of him. If not, Earl Staggs earned a long list of Five Star reviews for his novels MEMORY OF A MURDER and JUSTIFIED ACTION and has twice received a Derringer Award for Best Short Story of the Year.  He served as Managing Editor of Futures Mystery Magazine, as President of the Short Mystery Fiction Society, and is a frequent speaker at conferences and seminars.  Email: earlstaggs@sbcglobal.net Website: http://earlwstaggs.wordpress.com

Review: "Charles and Hero: Isle of Mists" by Douglas Quinn

It began in Charles of Colshire Castle and continues after a brief recap in the Isle of Mists. Charles and his purple dragon, Hero, don't feel they can yet return home. It has been two months and they have been on their own flying along the coast and exploring. Hero has developed a taste for fish and that has led them to a group of small buildings nestled against the mountains along the coast.

The place is very colorful and appears to be very tranquil place. Charles hasn't seen colors like this since he was at Colshire Castle. He also notices that to sea, off in the distance, there is a layer of clouds that don't rise very high into the air or seem to be moving. The people are moving though and like others before them are terrified as the dragon and its young rider approach and land on the pebble covered beach.

Charles and Hero don't know it yet, but they have arrived at Howth Head. And while the residents don't trust the strangers, especially a dragon, who have arrived that is just one of their problems. There is something out in mist that is preventing them from going about their normal activities. Some of the fishermen are missing and they need help. Somebody who can ride a dragon ought there to be able to help them.

This is a fun fantasy tale that subtly works in themes of understanding and accepting the differences of others. Filled with adventure and possibility, Charles is a character living the dream of nearly every kid. Who didn't think it would be so cool to have a flying dragon as a friend growing up? Author Douglas Quinn taps into that magic and spins a tale of adventure where it is not only okay but perfectly normal to be a bit scared at times. The story is a blast and sure to delight young readers.

Charles and Hero: Isle of Mists

Douglas Quinn

http://obxwriter.webs.com/

AAS White Heron Press (Via CreateSpace)

ISBN #978-1493542888

November 2013

Paperback

122 Pages

$7.95

Material supplied by the author in exchange for my objective review.

Kevin R. Tipple ©2014

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Review: "Gracie The Undercover Beagle and Her Sidekick Boston Blackie: The Egg Thief" (A Little Book for Little Readers) by Douglas Quinn

Gracie, known to all as “The Undercover Beagle” has no desire to get up. Red Rooster gets going at the crack of dawn and this morning is no exception. Gracie hopes to go back to sleep once Red

Rooster is finished, but that isn't to be. Gracie's friend, Boston Blackie, brings word of a major problem-- they can't have scrambled eggs for breakfast. They can’t because somebody stole all the eggs out of the hen house.

Gracie and Boston Blackie lead the charge to solve the case in this charming children's book aimed at young readers. Black and white illustrations help to bring this short clever tale to life. A nice touch is the short section of word definitions at the back of the small book to help readers ages four to six years old.

This 50 page read is a delightful story and sure to please little ones as well as their parents and guardians. It's a treat and serves as a very nice introduction to the many stories from author Douglas Quinn.

Gracie The Undercover Beagle and Her Sidekick Boston Blackie: The Egg Thief (A Little Book for Little Readers)

Douglas Quinn

http://obxwriter.webs.com/

AAS White Heron Press (Via CreateSpace)

ISBN #978-1492942405

November 2013

Paperback

50 Pages

$7.95

Material supplied by the author in exchange for my objective review.

Kevin R. Tipple ©2014

Review: "The Adventures of Summer McPhee of Ocracoke Island: Kilroy Was Here" by Douglas Quinn

Cousin of Quinn Higgins, Summer McPhee, has plenty of adventures in her own right. She is also well known for helping people. The idea that she needs to help someone is not the first thought that crosses her mind when she is asked to report to the office.

The receptionist, Mrs. Salter, paged for her to come to the school office as she wants her help.  A new student, Jimmy Wade, is being assigned to her class at Ocracoke School. Jimmy is in a wheelchair permanently because of some health issues when he was born. Issues that, over the years, have caused some people to treat him poorly out of ignorance or a lack of understanding.  He and his dad have had some tough times and are hoping for a fresh start in all aspects on the island off the North Carolina coast. Since Jimmy is an expert maybe he can help with the school’s suddenly malfunctioning computer system and the strange message “Kilroy was here.”

The latest in this series for kids is another good one. In the style of the Quinn Higgins Boy Detective series important issues such as compassion, tolerance, and understanding of others are interwoven subtly into a mystery appropriate for young readers as well as adults. This book and series gently makes important points-- “teaching moments” in the popular phrase of the day-- while entertaining readers.  The action moves quickly forward in a matter of fact way while the characters get to know others and develop a greater understanding of why people act the way they do. This leads into understanding how at times they can help. The Adventures of Summer McPhee of Ocracoke Island: Kilroy Was Here by Douglas Quinn is another good one in the series where the titles can be read in order or as a stand alone.

The Adventures of Summer McPhee of Ocracoke Island: Kilroy Was Here

Douglas Quinn

http://obxwriter.webs.com/

AAS White Heron Press (Via CreateSpace)

ISBN #978-1493507047

November 2013

Paperback

128 Pages

$7.95

Material supplied by the author in exchange for my objective review.

Kevin R. Tipple ©2014

Shop Amazon - Gift Ideas in Books