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Book Review: Cast of Criminals

Title: Cast of Criminals
Author: Franklin W. Dixon
Genre: Mystery
Rating: 2 out of 5
Reviewer: Julia

In this mystery novel, the Hardy brothers, Joe and Frank, are helping out with the local play when suspicious events begin to occur. The mysterious happenings involve Frank's girlfriend, Callie, and her stolen "costume" tiara. Despite the danger surrounding them, the play must go on, even if Callie's life is in danger. Hopefully she won't have the same fate as her character in the play...

I have read several books in the Nancy Drew series. In the back of the books, they always advertised other books in the series and in another series: The Hardy Boys series. I never thought of reading any of The Hardy Boys series books until Em got me #97 in the series: Cast of Criminals. (She has been getting me these books that our library is giving away. Cast of Criminals is one of them.)

You are probably wondering why I said that this book deserves a 2 out of 5. "Perhaps this is a mistake," you might say. I must tell you that, while it hurts me to give a book this low of a rating, it is no mistake and is entirely intentional. For one thing, I did not enjoy the writing style of the book. It did include some descriptions, but the author continued to use phrases such as "what-do-you-mean" to describe some actions rather than using adjectives and allowing readers to figure it out themselves.

Speaking of readers figuring things out on their own, I was able to "solve" the mystery early on. While I did not have the complete story, I had most of the idea down, and my theory was only strengthened as more clues were given in the book. I don't know about you, but solving the mystery much before it is solved by the characters in a book always makes mysteries less exciting for me. Especially when the detectives are confused and you find yourself shouting at them because you know the answer.

Furthermore, the author didn't make me really care about the characters in the book, which is especially bad when one might die. I also did not like the way the author ended the book. It was a little silly, if you ask me.

Still, this book did accomplish one thing. It made me more interested in reading mysteries again. I can't believe that I forgot the fun of reading mystery novels. However, for my next mystery, I think I'll stick to Nancy Drew.



Looking for a better mystery? Then check out "Book Review: Wink Poppy Midnight".
"Wink Poppy Midnight is very interesting to read, and while you may think that you know what is going on in the book, trust me: you don't. There is more going on then you'll think.

This novel is told from three characters' points of views: Wink, Poppy, and Midnight. Wink is the girl who lives on the farm with her many siblings and mother, and believes in spirits and readings and doesn't care much about what others think. Poppy is the beautiful girl whom almost everyone--including herself--loves. However, she is "ugly on the inside". Midnight is the boy who moves across the street from Wink and is caught in the middle of it all. In the middle of what, you ask? Well..." Read more

Comments

  1. I can see why you gave the book only 2 out of 5 stars. Mysteries are no fun if you can figure it out too early in the book!

    ReplyDelete

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