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Amanda Lester, Detective #2
Amanda Lester and the Orange Crystal Crisis
If only Sherlock Holmes's great-great-grandson weren't such a dork . . .
There’s a new student at the Legatum Continuatum School for the Descendants of Famous Detectives and Amanda is supposed to work with him. Scapulus Holmes is a descendant of the great Sherlock and he’s crazy about her. Unfortunately she thinks he’s a dork and would rather die than have anything to do with him.
But when the kids discover a dead body encrusted with strange living crystals, Amanda realizes she needs Holmes’s help. If the crystals fall into the wrong hands they could be used for nefarious purposes, and only he knows how to protect them.
Can the detectives keep the bad guys from learning the crystals' secrets? It would help if they could figure out who the dead body is too. Only if Amanda and Holmes can find a way to work together can they prevent a disaster, and it isn’t looking good.
There’s a new student at the Legatum Continuatum School for the Descendants of Famous Detectives and Amanda is supposed to work with him. Scapulus Holmes is a descendant of the great Sherlock and he’s crazy about her. Unfortunately she thinks he’s a dork and would rather die than have anything to do with him.
But when the kids discover a dead body encrusted with strange living crystals, Amanda realizes she needs Holmes’s help. If the crystals fall into the wrong hands they could be used for nefarious purposes, and only he knows how to protect them.
Can the detectives keep the bad guys from learning the crystals' secrets? It would help if they could figure out who the dead body is too. Only if Amanda and Holmes can find a way to work together can they prevent a disaster, and it isn’t looking good.
- GenresMiddle GradeMystery
399 pages, ebook
Published September 15, 2015
About the author
Paula Berinstein
66 books359 followersPaula Berinstein is the author of the Amanda Lester, Detective middle-grade/YA series, which features a descendant of the Sherlock Holmes character Inspector Lestrade and is set in the English Lake District.
She is also the author of the Indigo (time travel) and The King's Alchemist (historical fantasy) series for adults.
From 2005 to 2012, Paula produced and hosted the popular podcast The Writing Show (http://www.writingshow.com). She holds degrees in English literature and librarianship from UCLA.
She is also the author of the Indigo (time travel) and The King's Alchemist (historical fantasy) series for adults.
From 2005 to 2012, Paula produced and hosted the popular podcast The Writing Show (http://www.writingshow.com). She holds degrees in English literature and librarianship from UCLA.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 2, 2016
Amanda Lester and the Orange Crystal Crisis is a great sequel to the first book. Not only introduces it a new mystery for Amanda and her friend to focus on, it also continues a few plot lines from the first book, introduces the reader to a new character and has more of the same awesomness of the first book. The mystery aspect is very well done and I like how you can really follow the thinking steps of the characters and see how they come to certain conclusions. I did predict what the missing item was already before the characters figured it out though, but I didn't mind that as I only figured it out shortly before they did.
The mystery is one of my favourite aspects of this series, there are multiple things going on and it's unclear whether they are related or not and what's going on and then as the story progresses we find out more and things start falling on it's place. Beside the mystery there are also enough other sub plots going on, like relationships between characters, Amanda her e-mails with her film idol Darius Plover, Amanda her parents etc. I like how there is so much going on, but it's still easy to keep track of everything. It makes for an interesting story and there isn't a dull moment.
In this book a lot focusses on the orange crystals, the concept of the orange crystal was kinda fun and original, but I didn't like the science behind it. There is a reasoning about how they came into being and it just didn't make any sense and contradicts with what we currently know in science. I prefer it when things make sense and while I know it's fiction I still prefer things to make sense and this didn't. That explanation bothered me and got me out of the story for a bit. And knowing what they are, there is still scene towards the end involving the crystals, which made a feel a bit queasy. The big end scene also felt a bit anti-climactic for some reason, but I can't really point out why.
The characters all seem to act a bit off in this book, there are things going, secrets and other things they don't tell the others, but slowly we figure out what's going on with the characters. It did feel a bit strange at times how some characters would act a bit out of character, but eventually it will make sense once you find out the reasoning behind it. I liked learning a bit more about all the familiar characters and the new characters in this book. Ivy continues to be one of my favourite side characters, but I also came to like Simon a lot more in this book. Simon is really smart and he and Amanda work together a bit more in this book and they become good friends. Holmes added some interesting tension to the situation and while I liked him, he also seemed a bit too perfect at times, although that changes later in the book.
Amanda has a lot to deal with in this book and she's struggling a bit with all that's going on. Her father isn't the same after what happened in the first book, Darius Plover is e-mailing her and needs her help, the mysteries going on and then the new kid is the descendant of Holmes and that brings all her issues with Holmes into the spotlight again. She still struggles with some of her flaws and while she thought she solved some of them, these stressful situations bring them to the surface again. I thought it made her feel like a real character and I like that, she isn't perfect and has her flaws, but overall she is a nice person who does her best. The only thing that bothered me a bit was the complete change in opinion she made about someone towards the end of the book. Her change seemed a bit too quick.
To summarize: this was a great sequel with both new plot lines and in a sense a continuation of the plot lines from the first book. I really liked the mysteries in this book and figuring out what's going on and if and how things tie together. I did figure one thing out shortly before the characters did, but I didn't mind that. It's fun to feel like I am alongside the characters figuring things out. The focus in this book is n the orange crystal and while I kinda liked the concept, I didn't like the scientific explanation behind it as it made no sense. And a scene towards the end felt a bit off to me due to what the orange crystal are and how they got used. I liked meeting some of the new characters in this book and getting to know the familiar ones more. Amanda is a great main character and she struggles with a lot of things in this book. There is a change in her attitude towards someone at the end that bothered me a bit as it felt too quickly. All in all this is a great series with enough interesting plot lines, mysteries and more personal things that are going on. I am looking forward to read the next book.
The mystery is one of my favourite aspects of this series, there are multiple things going on and it's unclear whether they are related or not and what's going on and then as the story progresses we find out more and things start falling on it's place. Beside the mystery there are also enough other sub plots going on, like relationships between characters, Amanda her e-mails with her film idol Darius Plover, Amanda her parents etc. I like how there is so much going on, but it's still easy to keep track of everything. It makes for an interesting story and there isn't a dull moment.
In this book a lot focusses on the orange crystals, the concept of the orange crystal was kinda fun and original, but I didn't like the science behind it. There is a reasoning about how they came into being and it just didn't make any sense and contradicts with what we currently know in science. I prefer it when things make sense and while I know it's fiction I still prefer things to make sense and this didn't. That explanation bothered me and got me out of the story for a bit. And knowing what they are, there is still scene towards the end involving the crystals, which made a feel a bit queasy. The big end scene also felt a bit anti-climactic for some reason, but I can't really point out why.
The characters all seem to act a bit off in this book, there are things going, secrets and other things they don't tell the others, but slowly we figure out what's going on with the characters. It did feel a bit strange at times how some characters would act a bit out of character, but eventually it will make sense once you find out the reasoning behind it. I liked learning a bit more about all the familiar characters and the new characters in this book. Ivy continues to be one of my favourite side characters, but I also came to like Simon a lot more in this book. Simon is really smart and he and Amanda work together a bit more in this book and they become good friends. Holmes added some interesting tension to the situation and while I liked him, he also seemed a bit too perfect at times, although that changes later in the book.
Amanda has a lot to deal with in this book and she's struggling a bit with all that's going on. Her father isn't the same after what happened in the first book, Darius Plover is e-mailing her and needs her help, the mysteries going on and then the new kid is the descendant of Holmes and that brings all her issues with Holmes into the spotlight again. She still struggles with some of her flaws and while she thought she solved some of them, these stressful situations bring them to the surface again. I thought it made her feel like a real character and I like that, she isn't perfect and has her flaws, but overall she is a nice person who does her best. The only thing that bothered me a bit was the complete change in opinion she made about someone towards the end of the book. Her change seemed a bit too quick.
To summarize: this was a great sequel with both new plot lines and in a sense a continuation of the plot lines from the first book. I really liked the mysteries in this book and figuring out what's going on and if and how things tie together. I did figure one thing out shortly before the characters did, but I didn't mind that. It's fun to feel like I am alongside the characters figuring things out. The focus in this book is n the orange crystal and while I kinda liked the concept, I didn't like the scientific explanation behind it as it made no sense. And a scene towards the end felt a bit off to me due to what the orange crystal are and how they got used. I liked meeting some of the new characters in this book and getting to know the familiar ones more. Amanda is a great main character and she struggles with a lot of things in this book. There is a change in her attitude towards someone at the end that bothered me a bit as it felt too quickly. All in all this is a great series with enough interesting plot lines, mysteries and more personal things that are going on. I am looking forward to read the next book.
December 9, 2015
Paula
Berinstein the author does it again! She entertains her readers with
pizazz and keeps the pace going hard and strong! Not once were my
homeschoolers ever bored while I read this story aloud to them. I
just love that face that when I got ready to read this one, my kids
would automatically settle down and tune in. This is what I
absolutely adore about her writing! What mom wouldn't be pleased? She
really keeps the reader entertained and never did the boys want me to
put the bookmark inside. That means that it was time up and they were
never ready. I must say that the characters are just as well written
and in depth as the first book in this spectacular series.
I
recommend this book for all of you out there that LOVE a super middle
grade read! I did and I am sure you will too!
I
rate this book FIVE Stars and CAN'T WAIT to read the next one!
September 25, 2015
"Amanda Lester and the Orange Crystal Crisis" the second book in the "Amanda Lester Detective Series" combines mystery and adventure that begins after Nick Muffet dies in a fiery explosion and the Moriartys are imprisoned. In her second term at Legatum Continuatum the School for the Descendants of Famous Detectives, Amanda Lester heartbroken by Nick's betrayal has been assigned to work on a special project with a new student Scapulus Holmes, the descendant of the renowned super sleuth she despises. Her irrational dislike of Sherlock Holmes and her wariness after being hurt spills over on to Scapulus, until Amanda and her friends need his help to unravel the mystery of a skeleton covered in sentient crystals that was hidden in the school basement.
The action never stops in an adventure that has Amanda and her friends uncovering candy and skateboard stashes, love letters , and a hidden skeleton covered in weird and wonderful apricot-coloured crystals after an earthquake rocks the foundation of the school. Cleverly Paula Berinstein builds intensity and suspense as Amanda and her friends not only unravel clues to the "whatsit" which has been lost by her teachers and could bring disaster to the school but she has to cope with unknown relatives from Liverpool, her father's strange behaviour after a kidnapping fiasco, and her friend Editta's peculiar mood swings. But it's all in a day's work for the intrepid young sleuth who can't forget the boy who betrayed her, while learning to appreciate the genius who adores her.
Amanda's adventure, and her up and down romance with Scapulus enliven the mystery with witty banter and humorous incidents. With twists and turns, and the odd dash of science the reader is captivated from the first page to the last as events progress to a confrontational encounter and a climax that begs for a third book.
I loved the complex quirky personalities of the characters who fuel this story with passion, excitement and drama. Amanda Lester the descendant of Detective G. Lestrade can be impulsive, bossy and stubborn, but is a clever filmmaker and dedicated sleuth. Feisty and irritable in her interaction with Scapulus, she takes her anger at Nick's betrayal and dislike of everything Sherlock Holmes out on him. But Scapulus Holmes is even-tempered, smart and perceptive. He adores Amanda's spirit and creativity and is rewarded when she begins not only to trust him but return his feelings.
Among Amanda's friends are the annoying and argumentative Simon Binkle; the frank and temperamental Amphora Kapoor; the practical and intuitive Ivy Halpin as well as her stalwart guide-dog Nigel who's loyal and affectionate. The school troublemaker David Wiffle is competitive, sarcastic, insulting and a braggart while his best friend Gordon Bramble is a follower who shows signs of becoming independent and resourceful.
I loved the adventure and mystery in "Amanda Lester and the Orange Crystal Crisis" as Amanda and Scapulus learn to work together to avert another Moriarty crisis. I rate it highly and can't wait to see what's in store for Amanda and her friends next.
The action never stops in an adventure that has Amanda and her friends uncovering candy and skateboard stashes, love letters , and a hidden skeleton covered in weird and wonderful apricot-coloured crystals after an earthquake rocks the foundation of the school. Cleverly Paula Berinstein builds intensity and suspense as Amanda and her friends not only unravel clues to the "whatsit" which has been lost by her teachers and could bring disaster to the school but she has to cope with unknown relatives from Liverpool, her father's strange behaviour after a kidnapping fiasco, and her friend Editta's peculiar mood swings. But it's all in a day's work for the intrepid young sleuth who can't forget the boy who betrayed her, while learning to appreciate the genius who adores her.
Amanda's adventure, and her up and down romance with Scapulus enliven the mystery with witty banter and humorous incidents. With twists and turns, and the odd dash of science the reader is captivated from the first page to the last as events progress to a confrontational encounter and a climax that begs for a third book.
I loved the complex quirky personalities of the characters who fuel this story with passion, excitement and drama. Amanda Lester the descendant of Detective G. Lestrade can be impulsive, bossy and stubborn, but is a clever filmmaker and dedicated sleuth. Feisty and irritable in her interaction with Scapulus, she takes her anger at Nick's betrayal and dislike of everything Sherlock Holmes out on him. But Scapulus Holmes is even-tempered, smart and perceptive. He adores Amanda's spirit and creativity and is rewarded when she begins not only to trust him but return his feelings.
Among Amanda's friends are the annoying and argumentative Simon Binkle; the frank and temperamental Amphora Kapoor; the practical and intuitive Ivy Halpin as well as her stalwart guide-dog Nigel who's loyal and affectionate. The school troublemaker David Wiffle is competitive, sarcastic, insulting and a braggart while his best friend Gordon Bramble is a follower who shows signs of becoming independent and resourceful.
I loved the adventure and mystery in "Amanda Lester and the Orange Crystal Crisis" as Amanda and Scapulus learn to work together to avert another Moriarty crisis. I rate it highly and can't wait to see what's in store for Amanda and her friends next.
May 15, 2016
I was pleased and surprised when the author of this books asked if I’d like to review more of the Amanda Lester series. So here’s my review for Book 2, Amanda Lester and the Orange Crystal Crisis.
The story picks up at the beginning of the second half of Amanda’s first year at Legatum Continuatum. Right off, she’s paired up with the new kid, Scapulus Holmes. Everyone loves him, but Amanda can’t stand him, making that unintentionally clear the very first time she sees him.
What I liked most about this story is that it’s fun to read. The orange crystals aren’t just some interesting thing; they are alive, and they aren’t necessarily harmless. The decorating gremlins also make the story a hoot. In the first book, they didn’t really have a face, but in this one, we see a lot of them as witnessed by the students, and they are pretty funny.
There’s also plenty of detective work, though I thought everything seemed rather close in delivery to Harry Potter, even with in-story references and comparisons to those books and a few of its characters. Instead of magic wands, there are evidence kits. Instead of magic items, there are mysterious, coded secrets, a special item upon which the fate of the school rests, and some technology that, although inspired by something real, seems almost magical in how it works in the story.
As for what I didn’t like. I’m not sure about Amphora in the story. She’s, what, twelve? Utterly boy crazy. And her crushes and such aren’t limited to the boys her age. She flirts like crazy, and while some girls are like that, it isn’t a good thing. Still, I liked hers and Simon’s relationship arc. He, at least, is her age.
As for Amanda’s relatives, well, I didn’t get them. They’re in your face, unlikeable, and I thought for a bit that they were part of some sort of conspiracy to lure Amanda into danger. Had they been, it would have made more sense, but nope, they’re just there being annoying and weird. This and a few other things gave me the impression that the plot and delivery weren’t quite as solid as in the first one, though the overall quality is good.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story. Folks who enjoy tween-aged detective stories with some danger, a fair share of technology, and plenty of crushes and rivalry will likely enjoy this book.
I received the review copy of this book from the author.
The story picks up at the beginning of the second half of Amanda’s first year at Legatum Continuatum. Right off, she’s paired up with the new kid, Scapulus Holmes. Everyone loves him, but Amanda can’t stand him, making that unintentionally clear the very first time she sees him.
What I liked most about this story is that it’s fun to read. The orange crystals aren’t just some interesting thing; they are alive, and they aren’t necessarily harmless. The decorating gremlins also make the story a hoot. In the first book, they didn’t really have a face, but in this one, we see a lot of them as witnessed by the students, and they are pretty funny.
There’s also plenty of detective work, though I thought everything seemed rather close in delivery to Harry Potter, even with in-story references and comparisons to those books and a few of its characters. Instead of magic wands, there are evidence kits. Instead of magic items, there are mysterious, coded secrets, a special item upon which the fate of the school rests, and some technology that, although inspired by something real, seems almost magical in how it works in the story.
As for what I didn’t like. I’m not sure about Amphora in the story. She’s, what, twelve? Utterly boy crazy. And her crushes and such aren’t limited to the boys her age. She flirts like crazy, and while some girls are like that, it isn’t a good thing. Still, I liked hers and Simon’s relationship arc. He, at least, is her age.
As for Amanda’s relatives, well, I didn’t get them. They’re in your face, unlikeable, and I thought for a bit that they were part of some sort of conspiracy to lure Amanda into danger. Had they been, it would have made more sense, but nope, they’re just there being annoying and weird. This and a few other things gave me the impression that the plot and delivery weren’t quite as solid as in the first one, though the overall quality is good.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story. Folks who enjoy tween-aged detective stories with some danger, a fair share of technology, and plenty of crushes and rivalry will likely enjoy this book.
I received the review copy of this book from the author.
June 23, 2017
This is a new series that definitely requires checking out, if you haven't. It is a good mystery series that might have a few fantastic unique inventions but it's not a fantasy. The author also shows a great sense of humor. This is book #2. Amanda Lester, who fancies herself a film-maker, despite the fact that she is just turned 13 in this book, attends an exclusive boarding school in Windermere, England. Oh no, it isn't a usual boarding school. In order to attend you have to be descended from a famous detective- any detective. That's where the fun comes in; where the series mixes reality with fiction. Amanda, unfortunately, is descended from Inspector Lestrade, the bumbling Scotland Yard detective who tangled with Sherlock Holmes. She feels shamed by this.
So now in the second semester she finds herself being paired with a new student: Scapulus Holmes, who is a relative of you know who. If it's anybody that Amanda hates worse than Lestrade, it's Sherlock Holmes.
There's a lot of action in this book. Amanda and her friends hear the teachers talking about something very important that is missing. What is it? They decide to look for this unknown item that they call a "whatsit". An uncommon earthquake hits the Windermere area and it the aftershocks cause a lot of damage to the school. Amanda and her friends find a skeleton that has been walled up. Around it are beautiful apricot colored crystals. Extensive testing by the kids turns up some very surprising properties. I thought it was very ingenious and imaginative on the author's part. And of course, we did not see the end of the Moriarity clan in the last book. They're baaaack! And I suspect will appear in the next book too.
I loved everything about this book: the strange names of the teachers and some of the other students and the "gremlins" who change the complete decor of the common room very frequently to name a few.
At first I was disappointed with the ending but then when I thought about it, all of the immediate points were explained. The ones that were not will be continued in the next book, I have no doubts.
So now in the second semester she finds herself being paired with a new student: Scapulus Holmes, who is a relative of you know who. If it's anybody that Amanda hates worse than Lestrade, it's Sherlock Holmes.
There's a lot of action in this book. Amanda and her friends hear the teachers talking about something very important that is missing. What is it? They decide to look for this unknown item that they call a "whatsit". An uncommon earthquake hits the Windermere area and it the aftershocks cause a lot of damage to the school. Amanda and her friends find a skeleton that has been walled up. Around it are beautiful apricot colored crystals. Extensive testing by the kids turns up some very surprising properties. I thought it was very ingenious and imaginative on the author's part. And of course, we did not see the end of the Moriarity clan in the last book. They're baaaack! And I suspect will appear in the next book too.
I loved everything about this book: the strange names of the teachers and some of the other students and the "gremlins" who change the complete decor of the common room very frequently to name a few.
At first I was disappointed with the ending but then when I thought about it, all of the immediate points were explained. The ones that were not will be continued in the next book, I have no doubts.
December 13, 2015
Cover:
Amanda Lester and the Orange Crystal Crisis introduces an all new stunning front and back covers again. Like in the first book, you can have a glimpse of some of the moments happened in the book. When I showed it to my friends, they were as amazed as I was!
Characters:
In my opinion, this book has a bunch of lovable and cool characters. I think they were able to perfectly portrayed their respective roles. They acted how they should really act at their certain age which made them believable. I loved how each of them deal with each of the situation they faced.
Story:
The book has a fast-paced story and it is well-written. There was a budding romance happening between our main character, Amanda, and Scapulus Holmes, the new student at the Legatum Continuatum School for the Descendants of Famous Detectives and a descendant of Sherlock Holmes. I don’t really know how to react with this but I’m pretty sure that I’m a little bit disappointed because I really want Amanda to end up together with Nick.
By this time, readers are pretty sure that this series is a great one, worth reading. Readers will definitely enjoy every adventure, action and mystery the characters are get involved into.
Overall, this book totally met my expectations and made me crave to read more! It’s very interesting enough that even my grandma asked me to let her borrow the book once I finished reading it! She told me that this sounds like a great and fun read so she wants to read it, too! Well grandma, you are 100% correct with that!
**Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.**
Amanda Lester and the Orange Crystal Crisis introduces an all new stunning front and back covers again. Like in the first book, you can have a glimpse of some of the moments happened in the book. When I showed it to my friends, they were as amazed as I was!
Characters:
In my opinion, this book has a bunch of lovable and cool characters. I think they were able to perfectly portrayed their respective roles. They acted how they should really act at their certain age which made them believable. I loved how each of them deal with each of the situation they faced.
Story:
The book has a fast-paced story and it is well-written. There was a budding romance happening between our main character, Amanda, and Scapulus Holmes, the new student at the Legatum Continuatum School for the Descendants of Famous Detectives and a descendant of Sherlock Holmes. I don’t really know how to react with this but I’m pretty sure that I’m a little bit disappointed because I really want Amanda to end up together with Nick.
By this time, readers are pretty sure that this series is a great one, worth reading. Readers will definitely enjoy every adventure, action and mystery the characters are get involved into.
Overall, this book totally met my expectations and made me crave to read more! It’s very interesting enough that even my grandma asked me to let her borrow the book once I finished reading it! She told me that this sounds like a great and fun read so she wants to read it, too! Well grandma, you are 100% correct with that!
**Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.**
March 11, 2016
I have already read the first book in this series, and although I'd recommend starting with book one, it's no problem to dive into Amanda Lester's adventures with book two. In other words, this can be read as a stand alone.
The first pages already had me smiling. In the beginning scene, Amanda finds out that there might again be trouble at the Legatum Continuatum School for the Descendants of Famous Detectives, and her first thought--instead of jumping excitedly into another mystery--is to run away. I don't blame her, and this reaction alone shows how human and realistic she can be.
Amanda is not the average detective. She might have a knack for it, but it's not her favorite thing in the world. And this slightly negative attitude sets the stone for her delicious personality which is sometimes sweet, sometimes kind but full of prickly faults too. She's out-spoken, opinionated, a little dramatic and simply goes over board at times. It's exactly these things which make her so much fun and easy to relate to. I appreciated the fact that although she believed to have over-come some of her faults in book one, suddenly finds herself battling with the same problems all over again. It was great to see that things don't change that easily.
There isn't a character in the book which lacks personality, though. Although there are many friends, enemies, classmates, teachers and others involved in Amanda's life, none of them is like the other and each has obvious flaws and oddities. It makes each one stick out in their own way and adds a lot of color to the story, not to mention that it makes it that much easier to remember who was who. . .something which is always important in a mystery, especially one with multi-layers.
The plot is not a simple one and neither are the secrets Amanda faces. Clues are hard to sort out and nothing is necessarily as it seems, which makes finding out the true facts behind the mystery as difficult as sorting out a bowl of sticky spaghetti. To add more depth, Amanda must take on other problems from all directions of life--sub-plots upon sub-plots. At one point in the book, she admits that there's more going on than she can handle, and this reflected my own feelings at times. I was very captured by this story and found myself drawn in, but after about three-quarters the way through, I simply had to take a break as everything began to feel a little mumble-jumbled. When I picked the book back up, I was completely drawn in again.
There's never a boring moment as Amanda is pulled from one situation into the next. Her relationship with Holmes was sweet and complicated. His personality isn't any simpler than her own, and I'm looking forward to seeing much more of him in the books to come.
Although this series is deemed for young adults, the writing and content feels more like an upper middle grade/tween mystery to me. The characters are on the younger side, and even their behavior and reactions hit this slightly younger group nicely. The logic behind a large point, the crystals, leans heavily toward fantasy, which would be more appreciated by younger audience. However, even as an adult, I was caught up and enjoyed the story completely.
At over 400 pages, this isn't a novel for lazy readers, but the plot definitely needs the length. As said, there is a lot going on and even with the larger word amount, the last big scene as well as the ending seemed to be wrapped up a little too rushed and neatly to me. Still, the ending was surprising, and I can't wait to dive into the next book to see what happens with Amanda and her friends next.
Summed up, this is a mystery packed full of so many good things. The characters are a sheer delight and there are unexpected surprised at every turn. I highly recommend this to readers ages 10 and up who love mystery, adventure and a lot of fun mixed in.
The first pages already had me smiling. In the beginning scene, Amanda finds out that there might again be trouble at the Legatum Continuatum School for the Descendants of Famous Detectives, and her first thought--instead of jumping excitedly into another mystery--is to run away. I don't blame her, and this reaction alone shows how human and realistic she can be.
Amanda is not the average detective. She might have a knack for it, but it's not her favorite thing in the world. And this slightly negative attitude sets the stone for her delicious personality which is sometimes sweet, sometimes kind but full of prickly faults too. She's out-spoken, opinionated, a little dramatic and simply goes over board at times. It's exactly these things which make her so much fun and easy to relate to. I appreciated the fact that although she believed to have over-come some of her faults in book one, suddenly finds herself battling with the same problems all over again. It was great to see that things don't change that easily.
There isn't a character in the book which lacks personality, though. Although there are many friends, enemies, classmates, teachers and others involved in Amanda's life, none of them is like the other and each has obvious flaws and oddities. It makes each one stick out in their own way and adds a lot of color to the story, not to mention that it makes it that much easier to remember who was who. . .something which is always important in a mystery, especially one with multi-layers.
The plot is not a simple one and neither are the secrets Amanda faces. Clues are hard to sort out and nothing is necessarily as it seems, which makes finding out the true facts behind the mystery as difficult as sorting out a bowl of sticky spaghetti. To add more depth, Amanda must take on other problems from all directions of life--sub-plots upon sub-plots. At one point in the book, she admits that there's more going on than she can handle, and this reflected my own feelings at times. I was very captured by this story and found myself drawn in, but after about three-quarters the way through, I simply had to take a break as everything began to feel a little mumble-jumbled. When I picked the book back up, I was completely drawn in again.
There's never a boring moment as Amanda is pulled from one situation into the next. Her relationship with Holmes was sweet and complicated. His personality isn't any simpler than her own, and I'm looking forward to seeing much more of him in the books to come.
Although this series is deemed for young adults, the writing and content feels more like an upper middle grade/tween mystery to me. The characters are on the younger side, and even their behavior and reactions hit this slightly younger group nicely. The logic behind a large point, the crystals, leans heavily toward fantasy, which would be more appreciated by younger audience. However, even as an adult, I was caught up and enjoyed the story completely.
At over 400 pages, this isn't a novel for lazy readers, but the plot definitely needs the length. As said, there is a lot going on and even with the larger word amount, the last big scene as well as the ending seemed to be wrapped up a little too rushed and neatly to me. Still, the ending was surprising, and I can't wait to dive into the next book to see what happens with Amanda and her friends next.
Summed up, this is a mystery packed full of so many good things. The characters are a sheer delight and there are unexpected surprised at every turn. I highly recommend this to readers ages 10 and up who love mystery, adventure and a lot of fun mixed in.
October 28, 2015
"Amanda Lester and the Orange Crystal Crisis" the second book in the "Amanda Lester Detective Series" combines mystery and adventure that begins after Nick Muffet dies in a fiery explosion and the Moriartys are imprisoned. In her second term at Legatum Continuatum the School for the Descendants of Famous Detectives, Amanda Lester heartbroken by Nick's betrayal has been assigned to work on a special project with a new student Scapulus Holmes, the descendant of the renowned super sleuth she despises. Her irrational dislike of Sherlock Holmes and her wariness after being hurt spills over on to Scapulus, until Amanda and her friends need his help to unravel the mystery of a skeleton covered in sentient crystals that was hidden in the school basement.
The action never stops in an adventure that has Amanda and her friends uncovering candy and skateboard stashes, love letters , and a hidden skeleton covered in weird and wonderful apricot-coloured crystals after an earthquake rocks the foundation of the school. Cleverly Paula Berinstein builds intensity and suspense as Amanda and her friends not only unravel clues to the "whatsit" which has been lost by her teachers and could bring disaster to the school but she has to cope with unknown relatives from Liverpool, her father's strange behaviour after a kidnapping fiasco, and her friend Editta's peculiar mood swings. But it's all in a day's work for the intrepid young sleuth who can't forget the boy who betrayed her, while learning to appreciate the genius who adores her.
Amanda's adventure, and her up and down romance with Scapulus enliven the mystery with witty banter and humorous incidents. With twists and turns, and the odd dash of science the reader's kept enthralled from the first page to the last as events progress to a confrontational encounter and a climax that begs for a third book.
I loved the complex quirky personalities of the characters who fuel this story with passion, excitement and drama. Amanda Lester the descendant of Detective G. Lestrade can be impulsive, bossy and stubborn, but is a clever filmmaker and dedicated sleuth. Feisty and irritable in her interaction with Scapulus, she takes her anger at Nick's betrayal and dislike of everything Sherlock Holmes out on him. But Scapulus Holmes is even-tempered, smart and perceptive. He adores Amanda's spirit and creativity and is rewarded when she begins not only to trust him but return his feelings.
Among Amanda's friends are the annoying and argumentative Simon Binkle; the frank and temperamental Amphora Kapoor; the practical and intuitive Ivy Halpin as well as her stalwart guide-dog Nigel who's loyal and affectionate. The school troublemaker David Wiffle is competitive, sarcastic, insulting and a braggart while his best friend Gordon Bramble is a follower who shows signs of becoming independent and resourceful.
I loved the adventure and mystery in "Amanda Lester and the Orange Crystal Crisis" as Amanda and Scapulus learn to work together to avert another Moriarty crisis. I rate it highly and can't wait to see what's in store for Amanda and her friends next.
The action never stops in an adventure that has Amanda and her friends uncovering candy and skateboard stashes, love letters , and a hidden skeleton covered in weird and wonderful apricot-coloured crystals after an earthquake rocks the foundation of the school. Cleverly Paula Berinstein builds intensity and suspense as Amanda and her friends not only unravel clues to the "whatsit" which has been lost by her teachers and could bring disaster to the school but she has to cope with unknown relatives from Liverpool, her father's strange behaviour after a kidnapping fiasco, and her friend Editta's peculiar mood swings. But it's all in a day's work for the intrepid young sleuth who can't forget the boy who betrayed her, while learning to appreciate the genius who adores her.
Amanda's adventure, and her up and down romance with Scapulus enliven the mystery with witty banter and humorous incidents. With twists and turns, and the odd dash of science the reader's kept enthralled from the first page to the last as events progress to a confrontational encounter and a climax that begs for a third book.
I loved the complex quirky personalities of the characters who fuel this story with passion, excitement and drama. Amanda Lester the descendant of Detective G. Lestrade can be impulsive, bossy and stubborn, but is a clever filmmaker and dedicated sleuth. Feisty and irritable in her interaction with Scapulus, she takes her anger at Nick's betrayal and dislike of everything Sherlock Holmes out on him. But Scapulus Holmes is even-tempered, smart and perceptive. He adores Amanda's spirit and creativity and is rewarded when she begins not only to trust him but return his feelings.
Among Amanda's friends are the annoying and argumentative Simon Binkle; the frank and temperamental Amphora Kapoor; the practical and intuitive Ivy Halpin as well as her stalwart guide-dog Nigel who's loyal and affectionate. The school troublemaker David Wiffle is competitive, sarcastic, insulting and a braggart while his best friend Gordon Bramble is a follower who shows signs of becoming independent and resourceful.
I loved the adventure and mystery in "Amanda Lester and the Orange Crystal Crisis" as Amanda and Scapulus learn to work together to avert another Moriarty crisis. I rate it highly and can't wait to see what's in store for Amanda and her friends next.
May 13, 2016
"An Advanced Review Copy Provided by the Publisher via NetGalley in Exchange for an Honest review".
5 Star Rating
"Amanda Lester & the Orange Crystal Crisis" is the second book of the "Amanda Lester Detective Series" . The first book of the series is "Amanda Lester & the Pink Sugar Conspiracy" . I recommended to read the series of its regular order.
Oh, my gosh.....!!! SURPRISES! SURPRISES! SURPRISES!
This story contained loads of surprises to me.
*Relationship between Amanda Lester & Scapulus Holmes.
*Escape of the Blixus & Mavis Moriarty.
*Nick's reappearance.
*Mysterious murder of the Wink Wiffle, father of the David Wiffle.
*Editta's odd behavior.
*Kid's who turned to Moriarty's side.
Absolutely brilliant & stunning story! This one able to shocked me with the surprises. I'm not a verily fan of detective genre stories, though after reading this stunning narrative, I became a huge fan of the detective genre stories. Yeah, I'm addicted to detective genre stories, indeed. Thanks to the author Paula Berinstein.
I'm not like the way that Amanda ended up the relationship between she & Holmes with the sudden reappearance of Nick. Though I hope it'll be change in the third book of the stories.
5 Star Rating
"Amanda Lester & the Orange Crystal Crisis" is the second book of the "Amanda Lester Detective Series" . The first book of the series is "Amanda Lester & the Pink Sugar Conspiracy" . I recommended to read the series of its regular order.
Oh, my gosh.....!!! SURPRISES! SURPRISES! SURPRISES!
This story contained loads of surprises to me.
*Relationship between Amanda Lester & Scapulus Holmes.
*Escape of the Blixus & Mavis Moriarty.
*Nick's reappearance.
*Mysterious murder of the Wink Wiffle, father of the David Wiffle.
*Editta's odd behavior.
*Kid's who turned to Moriarty's side.
Absolutely brilliant & stunning story! This one able to shocked me with the surprises. I'm not a verily fan of detective genre stories, though after reading this stunning narrative, I became a huge fan of the detective genre stories. Yeah, I'm addicted to detective genre stories, indeed. Thanks to the author Paula Berinstein.
I'm not like the way that Amanda ended up the relationship between she & Holmes with the sudden reappearance of Nick. Though I hope it'll be change in the third book of the stories.
July 26, 2016
Amanda Lester and the Orange Crystal Crisis is a delightful book continuing the adventures of teen sleuth Amanda Lester and her friends at the secret school Legatum Continuatum which trains the descendants of famous detectives. While we are introduced to all of the key players of the series in book #1, Orange Crystal Crisis delves much deeper into their personalities, particularly Miss Lester. We see Amanda not only being the plucky detective but also grieving at the loss of a character from the first book and annoyed at Scapulus Holmes, a descendant of the great Sherlock Holmes who is also her partner in a school video project. In addition, we have a much better sense of the world of Legatum Continuum which comes across as a magical place, but the author ensures that all that is seemingly unbelievable is grounded in real science. In fact, unlike Harry Potter's Hogwarts which is fantasy which cannot happen, the wonderful aspect of Legatum is that it is a place in which the fantastic of our own world takes place.
I highly recommend this book to fans of Sherlock Holmes, Harry Potter, Nancy Drew, and other teen sleuths. In addition, I recommend this book to lovers of science, especially young lovers of science. Lastly, I recommend this book to tween girls. Amanda Lester is a character they can relate to. She is a hero, no doubt, yet she struggles, makes mistakes, and grapples with her own emotions especially when it comes to romance. As rational as Miss Lester is as a detective, like most of us, she often follows her heart even when her mind is screaming at her not to. How refreshing it is to see such a three dimensional character come alive on the page.
Currently, there are four books in this astounding series. I hope Paula Berinstein continues to add more volumes of Amanda's amazing adventures!
I highly recommend this book to fans of Sherlock Holmes, Harry Potter, Nancy Drew, and other teen sleuths. In addition, I recommend this book to lovers of science, especially young lovers of science. Lastly, I recommend this book to tween girls. Amanda Lester is a character they can relate to. She is a hero, no doubt, yet she struggles, makes mistakes, and grapples with her own emotions especially when it comes to romance. As rational as Miss Lester is as a detective, like most of us, she often follows her heart even when her mind is screaming at her not to. How refreshing it is to see such a three dimensional character come alive on the page.
Currently, there are four books in this astounding series. I hope Paula Berinstein continues to add more volumes of Amanda's amazing adventures!
January 27, 2016
Amanda's reaction when she first sees Scapulus Holmes, Sherlock's great-great-grandson, is hilarious. In typical fashion, she makes a complete fool of herself and has to backpedal, which I just love. Flawed characters are the absolute best.
One thing I really like about Paula's books is the science she infuses throughout them. No, it isn't completely accurate, but that's okay. The point is that it's fun. Who wouldn't love an acoustic levitator that lets you lift things without touching them? (And yes, there is such a thing, although as Paula points out in her interview in the back of the book, she's exaggerated what it can really do.) And as for the crystals, I don't want to spoil anything, but they are both powerful and cute.
Amanda's cousins, Despina and Hillary Lester, are a hoot. I won't spoil the surprise, so I'll just say that they aren't exactly what they seem. You will love them!
Amanda's blind friend Ivy continues to steal the show, as she alternately worries about something she won't tell anyone about and attempts to keep her friends from bickering.
The finale, which takes place at a quarry, features surprises that will knock your socks off. Not only is there action and conflict, but a few things that happen are so astonishing you will not see them coming.
Anna Mogileva's covers continue to delight. Bright, atmospheric, and dramatic, they are works of art in themselves.
Paula has deliciously set the stage for the next book. I feel such a bond to the characters that I hope Paula writes these books for years to come!
One thing I really like about Paula's books is the science she infuses throughout them. No, it isn't completely accurate, but that's okay. The point is that it's fun. Who wouldn't love an acoustic levitator that lets you lift things without touching them? (And yes, there is such a thing, although as Paula points out in her interview in the back of the book, she's exaggerated what it can really do.) And as for the crystals, I don't want to spoil anything, but they are both powerful and cute.
Amanda's cousins, Despina and Hillary Lester, are a hoot. I won't spoil the surprise, so I'll just say that they aren't exactly what they seem. You will love them!
Amanda's blind friend Ivy continues to steal the show, as she alternately worries about something she won't tell anyone about and attempts to keep her friends from bickering.
The finale, which takes place at a quarry, features surprises that will knock your socks off. Not only is there action and conflict, but a few things that happen are so astonishing you will not see them coming.
Anna Mogileva's covers continue to delight. Bright, atmospheric, and dramatic, they are works of art in themselves.
Paula has deliciously set the stage for the next book. I feel such a bond to the characters that I hope Paula writes these books for years to come!
December 25, 2020
They're twelve year olds for heavens sake.
I enjoy the story of the detective school and the adventures the children go on. I do have exceptions about the faculty though. However, its fits with the unrealistic theme that permeates these books. All the talk about love, and soul mates, and kissing...its just disgusting. They are 12, not 22. Kids that age don't know anything about love and shouldn't be in situations for that type of contact to be permitted. Some very dangerous ideas are being planted in the minds of children and teens who read this and believe they should indulge in this behavior. Won't be keeping these books in my library and certainly won't be reading any more. Sad really since the concept of the detective school could have been awesome.
I enjoy the story of the detective school and the adventures the children go on. I do have exceptions about the faculty though. However, its fits with the unrealistic theme that permeates these books. All the talk about love, and soul mates, and kissing...its just disgusting. They are 12, not 22. Kids that age don't know anything about love and shouldn't be in situations for that type of contact to be permitted. Some very dangerous ideas are being planted in the minds of children and teens who read this and believe they should indulge in this behavior. Won't be keeping these books in my library and certainly won't be reading any more. Sad really since the concept of the detective school could have been awesome.
June 8, 2020
This second book in the Amanda Lester series is a very strong follow up to the first. Having an academy series for the younger readers is wonderful. If you know any middle school aged people, I highly recommend you share it!
Amanda went through a lot in her first semester of detective school. She formed strong friendships, helped solve several mysteries and foiled villains. She also saw someone she cared for turn on her just before he was killed. That is something she is really struggling with. Not knowing if anything about their friendship was real is the hardest part.
Now she is supposed to show a new student around. The problem is that she has things against him before even meeting him. He is a descendant of Sherlock Holmes, the detective she despises more than anyone. Amanda is sure he will be just as smug as the other Holmes.
When she blurts out a rude comment in front of the whole class on first seeing him, it isn’t something she will be able to get over. What is more, everyone else seems smitten with him, even her friends. Has Amanda just found her new rivalry? Will the Summer session go better than the last?
Amanda went through a lot in her first semester of detective school. She formed strong friendships, helped solve several mysteries and foiled villains. She also saw someone she cared for turn on her just before he was killed. That is something she is really struggling with. Not knowing if anything about their friendship was real is the hardest part.
Now she is supposed to show a new student around. The problem is that she has things against him before even meeting him. He is a descendant of Sherlock Holmes, the detective she despises more than anyone. Amanda is sure he will be just as smug as the other Holmes.
When she blurts out a rude comment in front of the whole class on first seeing him, it isn’t something she will be able to get over. What is more, everyone else seems smitten with him, even her friends. Has Amanda just found her new rivalry? Will the Summer session go better than the last?
April 27, 2016
Life was already weird enough at Legatum Continuatum, the secret school for descendants of famous detective, in England's Lake District. After the events of the last few months, including her father's kidnapping, two murders, a teacher's disappearance, an explosions, and a criminal plot to corner the world's sugar market, she was battered, fed up, and downright depressed, especially since one of the kidnappers had turned out to be the boy she thought was her best friend.
Synopsis: As classes resume at Legatum Continuatum after the Spring Holiday, Amanda and her friends are joined by a new student: Scapulus Holmes. Nearly everyone is impressed and/or intrigued by him, much to Amanda's disgust. But she has other things on her mind, too, as she overhears the teachers panicking over a missing object, her filmmaking idol Darius Plover asks for her input on his new film, and one of her classmates is several days late returning from the break. And then there is an earthquake, causing extensive damage and revealing some unusual orange crystals and a skeleton. Amanda and Scapulus are going to have to find a way to work together to keep the crystals out of the hands of the Moriarty gang and maybe help the school recover the mysterious missing object.
Review: The second book in the Nancy-Drew-meets-Harry-Potter-minus-magic series picks up the loose ends from the first volume and weaves them right in to a new adventure. The characters are realistically flawed, and their interactions ring true to anyone who has spent time around tween and early teens. The cast of characters is diverse without feeling forced, which is refreshing. Less refreshing is the fat-shaming that occasionally pops up in the close third-person narration, which generally reads as Amanda's internal voice. All of the characters are facing challenges and hiding secrets, sometimes putting them at odds with each other just when they need to come together, and sometimes making their character development uneven and unconvincing. Berinstein brings in some interesting scientific ideas, taking understandable artistic license, and includes pointers to more information in the Q&A section at the back of the book.
Personal Thoughts: I want to like this book more than I did. At one point, Amanda explains that, "Voiceovers are stupid. You're telling rather than showing the audience what you want to get across." That rather summed up one of my issues with the book, which is that too much is told flat-out in the narration rather than revealed through dialog or action. Still, I like the world and the characters too much to stop reading.
Source: >/b>Kindle e-book courtesy of Lola's Blog Tours
Synopsis: As classes resume at Legatum Continuatum after the Spring Holiday, Amanda and her friends are joined by a new student: Scapulus Holmes. Nearly everyone is impressed and/or intrigued by him, much to Amanda's disgust. But she has other things on her mind, too, as she overhears the teachers panicking over a missing object, her filmmaking idol Darius Plover asks for her input on his new film, and one of her classmates is several days late returning from the break. And then there is an earthquake, causing extensive damage and revealing some unusual orange crystals and a skeleton. Amanda and Scapulus are going to have to find a way to work together to keep the crystals out of the hands of the Moriarty gang and maybe help the school recover the mysterious missing object.
Review: The second book in the Nancy-Drew-meets-Harry-Potter-minus-magic series picks up the loose ends from the first volume and weaves them right in to a new adventure. The characters are realistically flawed, and their interactions ring true to anyone who has spent time around tween and early teens. The cast of characters is diverse without feeling forced, which is refreshing. Less refreshing is the fat-shaming that occasionally pops up in the close third-person narration, which generally reads as Amanda's internal voice. All of the characters are facing challenges and hiding secrets, sometimes putting them at odds with each other just when they need to come together, and sometimes making their character development uneven and unconvincing. Berinstein brings in some interesting scientific ideas, taking understandable artistic license, and includes pointers to more information in the Q&A section at the back of the book.
Personal Thoughts: I want to like this book more than I did. At one point, Amanda explains that, "Voiceovers are stupid. You're telling rather than showing the audience what you want to get across." That rather summed up one of my issues with the book, which is that too much is told flat-out in the narration rather than revealed through dialog or action. Still, I like the world and the characters too much to stop reading.
Source: >/b>Kindle e-book courtesy of Lola's Blog Tours
February 14, 2016
Title: Amanda Lester and the Orange Crystal Crisis - Amanda Lester Mystery 2
Author: Paula Berinstein
Published: 9-15-15
Publisher: The Writing Show
Pages: 424
Genre: Teen & Young Adult
Sub Genre: Mystery and Detectives, Children's Fiction
ISBN: 9789412361008
ASIN: B01251BNSSC
Reviewer: DelAnne
Reviewed For: NetGalley
.
Amanda is back once more and shows she can still put her foot in her mouth when she speaks without thinking. Sherlock Holmes descendant Scapulus Holmes arrives at the Academy and finds Amanda quite intriguing. Amanda thinks he is a know it all and wants nothing to do with him. When Amanda is partnered with Scalpulus she is annoyed to say the least. That is until she and her friend find a skeleton who has its skull covered in a strange orange crystal substance. Amanda finds she does need Scalpulus' help to find out who the skeleton was and what the orange substance is. They discover that that the crystals are a life form and they try to care for them. They most also protect them from those who would use them for their own person gain and power.
This is such a wonderful series and book two is a wonderful as book one. Paula Berinstein has given us characters that we want to know and a place we want to visit. Which we can in our imagination with every book we read. Amanda Lester's adventures appeals to readers of all ages. I have been sharing this series with my twelve year old nephew. He will call me every few days to tell me what he has read and how he feels about it. So far he has loved the first three books in the series, but will be waiting for book 4 - Amanda Lester and the Blue Peacocks' Secret which comes out in March. Your imagination will soar as you follow Amanda Lester on her different investigations.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/review/create-...#
Barnes and Noble link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/amand...
Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
The Reading Room link: https://www.facebook.com/The-Reading-...#
Author: Paula Berinstein
Published: 9-15-15
Publisher: The Writing Show
Pages: 424
Genre: Teen & Young Adult
Sub Genre: Mystery and Detectives, Children's Fiction
ISBN: 9789412361008
ASIN: B01251BNSSC
Reviewer: DelAnne
Reviewed For: NetGalley
.
Amanda is back once more and shows she can still put her foot in her mouth when she speaks without thinking. Sherlock Holmes descendant Scapulus Holmes arrives at the Academy and finds Amanda quite intriguing. Amanda thinks he is a know it all and wants nothing to do with him. When Amanda is partnered with Scalpulus she is annoyed to say the least. That is until she and her friend find a skeleton who has its skull covered in a strange orange crystal substance. Amanda finds she does need Scalpulus' help to find out who the skeleton was and what the orange substance is. They discover that that the crystals are a life form and they try to care for them. They most also protect them from those who would use them for their own person gain and power.
This is such a wonderful series and book two is a wonderful as book one. Paula Berinstein has given us characters that we want to know and a place we want to visit. Which we can in our imagination with every book we read. Amanda Lester's adventures appeals to readers of all ages. I have been sharing this series with my twelve year old nephew. He will call me every few days to tell me what he has read and how he feels about it. So far he has loved the first three books in the series, but will be waiting for book 4 - Amanda Lester and the Blue Peacocks' Secret which comes out in March. Your imagination will soar as you follow Amanda Lester on her different investigations.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/review/create-...#
Barnes and Noble link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/amand...
Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
The Reading Room link: https://www.facebook.com/The-Reading-...#
April 25, 2019
I'm obviously not the target audience for this book, but recently I have been reading some nice middle grade books and I was hoping this would be too. It wasn't. Amanda Lester is such a frustrating character. She talks negatively about everyone including her friends, and I have no idea why she hangs out with them if she dislikes them so much, or why they hang out with her. The principal going to this first year student for help with EVERYTHING was also a bit too much, it's just too unrealistic for me.
September 2, 2016
Amanda Lester and the Orange Crystal Crisis
Picking up shortly after the events described in the Pink Sugar Conspiracy, Amanda and her friends face a new mystery - one that involves orange crystals and a body found in a hidden, underground, room. As the detectives attempt to solve to whom the body belongs, they discover that the orange crystals have a surprise in store. In addition, they are facing increased attacks from the outside as the school’s secrets are in danger. Secrets abound and the detectives are determined to solve the mystery.
The second book in the series provides good, fun, adventure to its readers. The character interplay is wonderful and the interplay between the various detective family lines is interesting. As many of the classic detective characters are still under copyright the author has created a bunch of new “old” detectives for her characters ancestral lines.
Picking up shortly after the events described in the Pink Sugar Conspiracy, Amanda and her friends face a new mystery - one that involves orange crystals and a body found in a hidden, underground, room. As the detectives attempt to solve to whom the body belongs, they discover that the orange crystals have a surprise in store. In addition, they are facing increased attacks from the outside as the school’s secrets are in danger. Secrets abound and the detectives are determined to solve the mystery.
The second book in the series provides good, fun, adventure to its readers. The character interplay is wonderful and the interplay between the various detective family lines is interesting. As many of the classic detective characters are still under copyright the author has created a bunch of new “old” detectives for her characters ancestral lines.
Shelved as 'dnf'
June 19, 2019I love this series; I thoroughly enjoyed the concept and the characters. Even now, 3 years later, I haven't forgotten this series. I hit a time in my life where I couldn't finish reading this series, nor could I read anything at all. Yet while I may have forgotten some of the plot and I'm sure I've forgotten some of the characters, I haven't forgotten how I enjoyed reading this series. I would definitely recommend it as a clean read for any middle grade reader.
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