reviews
Mar 01, 2010
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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Jan 30, 2012
I think the part where Samantha's Grand father had gotten secrets from celebrities wasn't really good. It should have more been a shocking thing. The part where they had to find all the clues wasn't really good. I thought that the clues were even more harder. I found out where the manuscript was hidden after reading all the clues and not even a single clue of Samantha's clues. I think the part where they had to find the truth was fantastic. Samantha tricked the celebrities which does not really
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Apr 20, 2011
I'm trying to make an attempt to add everything? (eek!) I have ever read onto Goodreads. This will be an interesting exercise, to say the least. I picked this book since I have read it so many times and I can see it from my bed.
Nixon always does an excellent job of drawing in the reader, making her feel for the protagonist. I can't really remember if I solved the mystery when I first read the book, but it is an interesting little puzzle. And the murderer is unexpected as well. Som More...
Nixon always does an excellent job of drawing in the reader, making her feel for the protagonist. I can't really remember if I solved the mystery when I first read the book, but it is an interesting little puzzle. And the murderer is unexpected as well. Som More...
Nov 29, 2009
Unlike the other Joan Lowery Nixon book I read, The Other Side of Dark, the Name of the Game was Murder was an excellent read. It was interesting, fast-paced, and was enjoyable to read. If you were to chose from those 2 books, read The Name of the Game was Murder. Samantha wants to be a big-time author, just like her uncle who is extremely famous for his books. When she goes to visit her aunt and uncle, Sam finds that her uncle is not as he seems. Her cruel, cold-hearted uncle has set up a
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Aug 11, 2011
Some YA novels are completely enjoyable for adults. This wasn't. I saw it as a watered-down Agatha Christie. I didn't find the protagonist completely believable: she'd have to be in at least 10th grade but a lot of her comments and actions made her sound more like 12. I also didn't like her superstitious fear of the urn or her whispering to its possible ghost as if placating it or praying to it. That said, there was no bad language, and young readers could understand the various motivation
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Feb 03, 2011
One thing I'll give this book is that it was very addicting. I couldn't keep my nose out of it, I couldn't focus on my studies without thinking, "Who was the murderer?!" I have to say, as I was expecting, there was a very big twist in the end, but it was the twist I wasn't expecting. I kept thinking it would be Thea, but nope. It was a shocker to know who really murdered Augustus. It was shocking. But I loved the book. Too short for me, though. If it had been longer, I would ha
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Sep 22, 2008
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Sep 13, 2009
Mystery book for teens consisting of a whodunnit on an isolated private island, when the host of a strange game is suddenly murdered. The teen protagonist and aspiring writer Samantha must investigate and solve the crime.
Apr 02, 2009
I absolutely loved this book. This was a real mystery to me. I liked how Joan Lowery Nixon never game a hint towards who the murdered was. I didn't even have a clue that it was...........................
Jun 01, 2008
*I read this to see if I want to use it in my freshman classes.*
Here's a possibility for mystery-themed differentiated literature circles. I'd use this for the above-average readers.
The fact that the main character is a teenager would be engaging for high school-aged readers. She solves it, too, which would appeal to them.
There's a lot of opportunity for extended learning activities. I'd probably bring in some cryptograms, and perhaps try to encourage the s More...
Here's a possibility for mystery-themed differentiated literature circles. I'd use this for the above-average readers.
The fact that the main character is a teenager would be engaging for high school-aged readers. She solves it, too, which would appeal to them.
There's a lot of opportunity for extended learning activities. I'd probably bring in some cryptograms, and perhaps try to encourage the s More...
Feb 08, 2012
I am quite sure I read this book many years ago. I've been stumped on the authors name for months. I remembered both mysteries and a historical fiction series which is her Ellis Island trilogy.
Jan 30, 2012
This was my very first mystery read. My middle school librarian recommended me to this author; starting with this book. I instantly became obsessed and have loved mysteries ever since.
Oct 13, 2011
Another good mystery of Joan Lowery Nixon. Suspense, intrigue, a cute cozy mystery. Once again, Nixon provides a lot of detail and imagery, enhancing the plot of the novel. The mysterious plot seemed to me a bit obvious and a little predictable compared to Nixon's other novels. The Name of The Game Was Murder was a bit light-hearted compared to the others as well. Nevertheless, a nice mystery for young readers on a rainy day!
Apr 28, 2009
I had to read a mystery for school... This book was incredibly slow reading, and I had figured out the ending way before the main character.
Nov 08, 2011
Really cute book. The characters and plot was fun. Keeps you guessing till the end. Nice old fashion murder mystery. Recommend.
Aug 31, 2011
VERY COOL! I liked this because in the end ( Not going to say who did it ) They did it because they felt bad for someone..
Mar 08, 2011
I used to read Joan Lowery Nixon's mysteries like they were the daily news. I am sensing a need to go back and reread!
Jun 24, 2009
This book was not as scary as it's name suggests, but still quite thrilling! A book for Mystery lovers!
May 23, 2011
I found this book quite boring. The plot was weak and the ending was horrible. Also, the riddles were not well-thought out.
Oct 09, 2008
ok so this is another way good mystery not as good as Westing Game but it was still good. if u have ever seen the movie Clue (no not the game the movie) it is a lot like that but anyway i dont know y but i have really been into mysteries lately. as i was writing that last sentence i thought to myself y do u care if im into mysteries but u know what i dont care that u dont care anyway this is a really good book
Feb 22, 2010
this book keeps you on your feet just waiting what will happen next, this book is amazing.who ever reads this book will be outstanded by the detail.
Sep 14, 2008
It was an okay book, but there are books in which I'd liked better to occupy my time. It was one of those mysteries where you are WAY ahead of the main character. (The cover gives away the hiding spot.) Sometimes I ended up skimming because I was so eager to get to the end. Sort of slow moving.
Jul 01, 2010
young girl finds herself knee deep in a bona fid murder mystery when she visits her eccentric uncle augustus' and aunt thea's mysterious island home. everyone must participate in a vicious game set up by the host that unexpectedly brings on murder. has a nice atmosphere.
Aug 16, 2008
Read for YA Lit. class. Borderline book for children's and YA age group. Can go for either. A good mystery. Not gory or gruesome but still enough to be a bit edge-of-your-seat. At least, for the age group intended.
Apr 18, 2008
i have only read three Joan Lowry Nixon and The Name of the Game Was Murder was one of them. i dont think this particular book was the best out of the three i have read. the book was too predictable
Jun 23, 2008
This book is an awesome read! Even if you aren't a mystery lover, like me! Actually, I can't stand mysteries. But I stayed up late just to figure this one out!
