Alexandra Fry, Private Eye: The Curse of the Lion's Heart

Alexandra Fry, Private Eye #1

by Angella Graff

Alexandra Fry is just your average seventh-grader. Or is she? Starting a new school, Alexandra hopes to leave her old life, and old reputation of “Loopy Lexi” behind. But it’s not so easy when Alexandra is the kind of girl who sees ghosts. And not just any ghosts, but history’s most famous. They come to her to solve mysteries, when things from their past life fall into the wrong hands.

Desperate to be normal and make some friends, Alexandra is devastated to be visited by none other than Queen Elizabeth the First during a lesson in school. But Queen Elizabeth doesn’t just have your average, run of the mill problem. The thing that was stolen was a locket– a cursed locket, and if it’s not returned to the museum, the entire world will be in danger. It’s up to Alexandra and her new friends Penelope and Jack, to find out who took the locket and why. Ducking security guards, breaking and entering, and finding out someone isn’t who they said they were is just your average day for this seventh grade girl.

One hundred percent of the proceeds for Alexandra Fry, Private Eye series will be donated to the Tucson Alliance for Autism. The Tucson Alliance for Autism is a wonderful organization helping parents and kids with all levels and types of autism. They provide services, counseling and peer support. My twelve-year-old son is Autistic, and when he was younger, I wasn’t sure what to do. But the Tucson Alliance for Autism provided me with so much material and support that my son is now a flourishing sixth-grader with friends, activities, and he’s even joined the band at his new middle school– something I thought he would never do. I’m thrilled and excited to help give-back to my community and this wonderful organization that has helped so many people here in Arizona.

Thank you in advance for your purchases and support of this amazing cause, and for any information please visit their website at www.tucsonallianceforautism.org

Genres: Mystery, Young Adult, Amazon, Middle Grade, Adventure

Paperback

First published June 1, 2013

About the author

Angella Graff was born and raised in the desert city of Tucson, Arizona. She married and became a mother very young, and after getting started with her family, began her University studies where she found her passion for creative writing, history and theology.

She now resides in Tucson with her husband, three children, one dog, and four cats. When not writing, Angella works as an editor and maintains a small shop on etsy.

Reviews

[Christoph Fischer · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Alexandra Fry, Private Eye: The Curse of the Lion's Heart” by Angella Graff is an excellent fun read with depth and a wonderful message between the lines. As written for children and/or young adults it was a book that I was reluctant to review since it is a move away from Graff’s usual genre and I couldn’t see her doing a book for children/ teenagers as well as her Urban Fantasy series “The Judas Curse”.

To me the young adult genre is inundated with unbelievable super heroes and the title implied to me this would be just that. I was hugely relieved when it turned out that Alex is neither the super human heroine nor the bullied and neglected girl on a soapbox.

Alex is a superbly created middle-of-the-road character who is new in school and who has some issues settling in but her situation is not hopeless.
You feel sorry for her at times but she isn’t perfect herself and learns from her mistakes, which makes her a fantastic real role model for kids and a likeable, interesting and real character.

Well, it is a children’s book and not surprisingly these days of course there is a supernatural twist after all, however this is done humorously rather than action-heroine like. Alex is on a mission to locate said treasure from the title and receives help from the ghost of Queen Elizabeth, the odd British Aristocrat out of time and dimension, which, as a UK resident was very entertaining for me and I hope will translate to readers in the US equally well.
Graff did a great job combining the ghost part with the mystery-solving and the teenage / school drama. Genre blending makes stories so much more interesting and this unusual combination worked really well in my view. The ghost takes her focus of unpleasant parts of her life, which makes her less vulnerable to bullying and more intriguing to the other kids in school. The most central message in the book for me was her independence. Instead of crying over her initial isolation she turns the situation round in her favour by solving the mystery. The friends then come naturally.
I enjoyed the read and was drawn into it easily. The book, although for young adults, was really cute and parents are going to like this, too. There is some romance or chemistry aspect between Alex and one of the boys but it is long before the erotic love stage and I found this to be another aspect that was well handled.
I can't say I was surprised by the ending or by who the bad guys were in the end but the mystery story is just part of what Alex has on her plate in the book.
I think for me it was important that Alex was no annoying or overly-done stereotype but the average kid with a little bit of self-esteem issues but capable and willing to learn. Self-esteem issues of course are common for the age but Alex’s attitude may not be.
The book cover looks fantastic and is in my view a good impression of the contents.
50% of the proceeds go to the Autism Alliance, but this is not the only reason to buy this wonderful book.

[Jessica Adkins-Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexandria Frye see ghosts. Neat, right? Not so much when they are visiting you in the shower or in the middle of class. Middle school is hard enough without the other students thinking that you are a completely freak who talks to herself.

Between making friends and trying to survive a new school, Alexandria manages to get on the case of Queen Elizabeth's missing locket. Finding it will be no easy task, but for Alexandria, the ghostly private eye, she has no other choice but to solve the case and end the start of the locket's curse.

Alexandria Frye, Private Eye: The Curse of the Lion's Heart is a great book for young adult readers. Situations that a lot of teens face on a daily basis - making friends, new schools, popularity - help teens to relate to the book. Solving cases and ghostly ones at that hold a young reader's interest.

I recommend this book for all YA readers and will be recommending the book to my local library.

[Pauline Creeden · Rating 5 out of 5]

*This book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.*
A very fun mystery. This one will keep you guessing until the end, but the author did a great job of leaving subtle clues along the way. The characters are memorable and easy to relate to, and the twisty plot is top notch.

Alexandra is an outcast, who struggles to belong somewhere, but she is certifiably special and believes she'll never find someone who accepts her as she is. She is bullied, but remains strong and true to herself, which is all that matters. I believe this excellent middle grade novel will touch young readers and give them the wherewithal to just be themselves, too. Highly Recommended, 4.5 Stars.

***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng ***

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually really enjoyed this story. I liked the characters, liked the fact that there were ghosts, and the mystery was pretty cool.

[Jess at Such a Novel Idea · Rating 5 out of 5]

To read more, including an interview with the author, visit my blog Such A Novel Idea

Why You Should Buy It

This book of a seventh-grade girl who sees ghosts is clever, funny, and well written. The book, which is the first of six in a series, is Nancy Drew meets Harry Potter and is perfect for young adults and the young at heart.

My Thoughts

*I received this e-book in exchange for an honest review.*

I have to admit that when the author approached me for this book my first thoughts were that it would be too young for me. I tend to read older young-adult books, but the synopsis was too tempting to not check out. And boy, was I glad I did!

This book follows Alex as she navigates a new school, tries to make friends and finally not be “Loopy Lexi”, and of course, as she helps a ghost find something missing. In this case, the ghost is Queen Elizabeth.

I loved the back and forth between Alex and the ghost. She manifested as a young girl, probably to identify better with Alex, which I found interesting. Most ghosts in books look like they did when they died. This was something that was unique to the series, and something that I think will appeal to young girls (and boys!) reading the book.

I read the book in just a few short hours — saying I consumed it would be an understatement. From the first page I was sucked in to Alexandra’s world. Even though it has been 16 years, I was right back in that lackluster middle school hallway with her. As someone who moved the summer after 6th grade, I identified with Alexandra. As an oddball (even when she tried SO HARD to blend in), I felt a kinship with the girl. Now, as for seeing ghosts — I can’t say that was something we had in common.

The book doesn’t focus on romance, but friendships. There is her new best friend — Penelope and the mysterious boy who may or may not be the culprit — Jack. I think the fact that this girl who feels so ostracized by her eccentricities (she loves zombies and doesn’t care about fashion) and her oddity of speaking with ghosts (because will they leave her alone during school hours? Of course not!) is able to find people who like her just for being her is a great message for kids.

In fact, there are SO many great messages in this book — be who you are, do the right thing even when it’s hard, and my favorite: history can be FUN! Alex is smart, funny, creative, and a young role model. If you have a young girl (or boy!) who is in 6th through 9th grade, this is the PERFECT series to share with them! Even if you aren’t so young, this book is a fun ride. This Nancy Drew meets Harry Potter series will be a fast favorite with anyone who picks it up!

I cannot recommend this book enough, and also cannot wait to read more!

Overall

Five out of Five Stars

[Barbara Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Book One of the Alexandra Fry detective series. Angella is a pretty ordinary twelve year old, who is nervous about starting the first day of seventh grade in a new middle school. She shares time with both of her divorced parents. At the beginning of the tale, readers are introduced to Alexandra’s unique talent. She is able to see the ghosts of famous historical persons, who ask her help in solving mysteries. Alexandra has assisted Magellan in finding his lost compass and Abraham Lincoln in finding his stolen top hat. As if the first day in a new school isn’t difficult enough, Alexandra is contacted by Queen Elizabeth I of England, who insists that if the family locket is not located, a curse will be visited upon the current community. Her classmates and teachers think that she is talking to herself.

Fortunately for Elizabeth, her dad works in the City Museum. Her ability to gain easy access has helped her solve many cases in the past. In this mystery, she will be able to enlist the aid of a new friend, Penelope, and an eighth grader named Jack who at first appears to be more of a suspect than a friend. Alexandra must face the same issues most preteens face: bullying, fitting in with the crowd, negotiating their way with adults and asserting their independence. The author narrates a plot that has lots of twists and turns and combines elements of paranormal, history, mystery and adventure. Characters are believable and use authentic dialogue. The text is easy enough for preteens, but also is sophisticated enough for a young adult or adult reader. I was totally drawn into the mystery and felt empathy for the young characters.

Readers age eight and older who enjoy history, mystery, detective, paranormal and coming of age books will all find something here to their liking. Look forward to the rest of the series.

[Bookmom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alexandra Fry is in a truly awkward position. On her first day in 7th grade at a new school, the ghost of Queen Elizabeth the 1st shows up during class, demanding that she pay attention to her to help her find a missing locket that if unfound, will result in a plague. Alexandra had been hoping to avoid that type of encounter in class as all of the kids in her old school thought she was a freak.

Yep, Alexandra can see ghosts, and the ones that show up asking for her help are well-known people who are somehow tied to an object that belonged to them that has now been stolen. Experience has taught her that she can’t tell anyone, including her parents, because no one believes her. So to find the object, often finds herself being in places she shouldn’t be. This is an investigative mystery with some history thrown in.

I went ahead and grabbed this when it was available for free. As an adult reading this I’d give it a 3.5 but I could easily see how someone quite a bit younger would have more empathy for Alexandra and be captivated by her investigation and the situations she finds herself in. And for that reason I’m giving it a higher rating if it’s to be read by the target audience.

The characters and situations are interesting and the writing is good; and I found less editing/grammatical errors than most of the self-published books I’ve read.

[T.E. Shepherd · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's very fitting that half the proceeds of this book are going to the Tucson Alliance for Autism as people with Aspergers or Autism often find it hard to fit in, and are picked out as odd-balls and 'different' by their contempories at school.

Alexandra Fry is just such an 'oddball' (if you want to use that word, and I don't, because being something of an oddball myself, its also what makes you special). Alexandra is friendless and alone when she starts at new school but soon befriends Penelope, the child of the most popular teacher in school, and Jack, the out-cast English boy with no parents. Alexandra can also see ghosts and its these ghosts that get her in mischief and help her solve crimes and mysteries.

I read this book in one day, as it was quite simply, unputdownable. I loved reading it, and no amount of words in a review are going to be able to make me put that across, so just down well make this the next book you read.

Myself, I'm going to look forward to the next in the series. There better be a next in the series!

[Chris Merlo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't say this often, though I wish I could, but this was a spectacular book! It may not be a lengthy novel or a serious epic, but this is an extremely satisfying creation. The author manages to hit every key part and every high note in her writing to combine into this cohesive piece, which includes the fact it's a YA novel, though it's not written like a little kids book; Alexandra, the main character, is extremely likeable and personable, and all of her whimsical wording is so charming and humorous and the reader really feels a bond and relation with her; the happenings at her school and with her family, friend Penelope, and the ghosts combine for an alluring and charming story; the flow, style, and dialogue are all top notch and hooks you in with flair; the characters are likable, human, and well depicted. I really got a sense of my own days in junior high as I read this, and when a YA novel can do that with an adult, you've got yourself a nostalgic piece that transcends just simple reading.
I happily award this book FIVE STARS. Loved it!

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

**DISCLOSURE: I received a free copy from the author**

I really did enjoy reading this. I'll preface this with saying that I don't usually read kid's books these days unless it has to do with Dr. Seuss or the alphabet. It was a nice change of pace.

After reading Angela's adult books/series, it reads as the genre that it was meant for: YA. And even though fantasy (namely ghosts) was weaved inside the story, it felt like a normal anxious just-turned pre-teen working through the horribleness of middle school.

It is a smart and fast-paced story that keeps you interested. Maybe a bit two fast-paced. I must not be used to the length of the younger YA books these days, because it seemed to be over way too fast. There was a satisfying conclusion and great future-story potential, but it happened way too quickly and I was looking for more (not that I need more closure with the story, but that I was looking for a bit more content).

Overall a great book, and so awesome that it was written for a great cause.

[Alisha Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know, I had a grin on my face the entire time I read this book. Alexandra Fry is so cute! I immediately fell in love with her as I followed her along on a paranormal adventure of solving a mystery for a very old and somewhat transparent friend.

The dialogue between Alexandra and her friends was very believable, something I think a lot of authors who pen YA books have a hard time grasping. Her character rang true as she dealt with being the new kid, her parents' divorce, and a boy at school who seemed to be keen on her.
I did find it a bit hard at times to stay engaged during the action bits, but the rest of the book was so well written I didn't mind. If you know of a kid who is looking for another great adventure, I highly recommend Alexandra Fry, Private Eye!

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm always on the look out for a good mystery that isn't gory. More often than not that falls into the tween category. I'm not ashamed.

Alexandra can speak to ghosts, and they come to her to solve their problems. They don't care that their problems get her in trouble, they just want their problem solved. This time it is a young Queen Elizabeth and her locket the Lion's heart has been stolen.

Alexandra along with her new friend Penelope are on the case. Also they are trying to figure out if Jack is trustworthy or actually the thief.


The quest gets some pretty high stakes with the curse from the locket, and some super bad guys who mean business.


In the end it turns out just fine, and leaves the story wide open for many more mysteries.

[Allyson Abbott · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written story about a young girl, Alexandra who gets herself into a lot of trouble by have a special gift of finding things lost by dead people. Usually she finds herself marginalised at school and was not looking forward to starting a new school, but went in with a good frame of mind. She settles well and finds friends that seem to like her for who she is.
A good book for middle graders and the more studious child, who will probably appreciate the topics and the troubles.

[Sandy Bartles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book. As an older adult, I can say that it will interest adults as well as Tweens and teenagers. Alexandra is a seventh grader at a new school who can see ghosts. These ghosts come to her for help finding their lost or stolen possessions. Unfortunately they often come at the most inopportune times. You will love this book. I couldn't put it down.

[Lesley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a cute, middle-grade semi-fantastical mystery. I liked some things about this book. The main character is appealing enough, but the supporting cast is pretty one-dimensional. The actual mystery gets solved a bit too quickly and easily, and characters make questionable choices without really good reasons (of course, they're in middle school, so maybe that's plausible).

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute! Quite fast-paced, no lagging spots where you just wished the people would "get on with it." Enjoyable, believable characters. Interesting history aspects, not sure if the facts are true or not but do make the story of the locket more important.

[E. Sabbag · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely enjoyed this teenage sleuth. Ms. Graff combines history, a mystery, the paranormal and just enough teen aged angst to make it interesting without bogging it down. A good read for adults as well as young readers.

[M.L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

If this was available when I was a young teen, it would have been one of my favorite books! Great reading for the YA crowd with a spunky heroine, ghosts and a fun mystery.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Curse of the Lion’s Heart is a cute story. I wasn’t expecting the end to go quite how it did. It could use some light editing, however. I recommend it for middle schoolers.