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True Girls #1
The Mardi Gras Chase
Twelve-year-old Melanie is bored with her little sister and with yet another Mardi Gras in her hometown. But when she notices a secret code built into the floats of a Mardi Gras parade, she realizes that life might have some surprises left.
Melanie and her friends set off to break the Mardi Gras code. They chase clues throughout the season's parades, sneak into forbidden float barns, and even join forces with the intriguing boy who lives down the street.
But when they uncover the final clue, Melanie must decide how much she's willing to risk to learn the secret of the Mardi Gras code. And she may find that the solution to the riddle isn't the biggest reward of the chase...
Melanie and her friends set off to break the Mardi Gras code. They chase clues throughout the season's parades, sneak into forbidden float barns, and even join forces with the intriguing boy who lives down the street.
But when they uncover the final clue, Melanie must decide how much she's willing to risk to learn the secret of the Mardi Gras code. And she may find that the solution to the riddle isn't the biggest reward of the chase...
148 pages, Paperback
First published November 10, 2015
About the author
Maggie M. Larche
9 books74 followersMaggie M. Larche loves to sing, read, and swing right alongside her kids. All of her stories feature courageous, smart, funny kids, because that's who her readers are!
She is the author of the award-winning Striker Jones series, a groundbreaking approach to teach economics to children through mystery stories.
Join her mailing list at www.maggiemlarche.com and get a free download of her new hilarious chapter book, Charlie Bingham Gets Serious!
She is the author of the award-winning Striker Jones series, a groundbreaking approach to teach economics to children through mystery stories.
Join her mailing list at www.maggiemlarche.com and get a free download of her new hilarious chapter book, Charlie Bingham Gets Serious!
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 29, 2015
Living in Mobile, Alabama during Mardi Gras week may sound exciting, but for 12-year-old Melanie ... not so much. But that all changes when she notices something amiss with some letters that appear askew in a series of floats that wander by during a parade that she attends. She surmises that the mis-formed letters are some sort of code, and her curious brain takes over. Enlisting her best friends Faye and Kate, she leaves no stone unturned to figure out what the code could mean.
This book was a very enjoyable and quick read for me, and that is thanks mainly to Ms. Larche's easygoing writing style. The characters were engaging, fun, and relatable, which is a must when writing a whimsical adventure story for preteens.
What ultimately cost the book a fifth star for me was that there wasn't much of a buildup toward the end. Yes, the girls went all-out to try to decipher the code, even going a couple of places they probably shouldn't, but I never got the sense that there was anything sinister or even unpredictable afoot. The ending did indeed provide some measure of satisfaction, but the parts leading up to that did not have me on the edge of my seat.
All in all, though, a very good book for young readers or any lovers of MG fiction.
This book was a very enjoyable and quick read for me, and that is thanks mainly to Ms. Larche's easygoing writing style. The characters were engaging, fun, and relatable, which is a must when writing a whimsical adventure story for preteens.
What ultimately cost the book a fifth star for me was that there wasn't much of a buildup toward the end. Yes, the girls went all-out to try to decipher the code, even going a couple of places they probably shouldn't, but I never got the sense that there was anything sinister or even unpredictable afoot. The ending did indeed provide some measure of satisfaction, but the parts leading up to that did not have me on the edge of my seat.
All in all, though, a very good book for young readers or any lovers of MG fiction.
November 21, 2015
READERS' FAVORITE REVIEW: In The Mardi Gras Chase (True Girls) (Volume 1) by Maggie M Larche, Melanie, Kate and Faye are attending one of the many Mardi Gras parades in Mobile, Alabama that usually lasts for several weeks. Melanie is bored and can’t see what all of the hoopla is about in attending the parade. Faye is unhappy because she never seems to get enough beads in her bag, and Kate is ecstatic because she is quickly filling up her bag with beads. As Melanie is contemplating whether to stay to watch this annual event - which bores her every year - something catches her attention. Melanie sees that the signage themes that precede each parade float has one of the letters upside down in the titles. Why? The Mardi Gras Chase (True Girls) (Volume 1) by Maggie M Larche is ideal for a pre-teen because it not only tells a great story, but helps with cognitive thinking. As Melanie goes through the steps to solve the mystery of the letters R, C, E, N, R, A, P that appear out of sync, the adventure begins.
I loved how Maggie rolls out The Mardi Gras Chase (True Girls) (Volume 1) because she gets the reader immediately involved in the story. Melanie looks for clues beginning with the parade the day before and, upon her investigation, she notices from the photos that the F in the title was backwards. Maggie gets the reader going through the process as they help to discover the clues and uncover the mystery with Melanie and her friends. The Mardi Gras Chase (True Girls) (Volume 1) by Maggie M Larche is not only a great book, but a great way for the reader to process thoughts, create solutions, and complete the puzzles.
I loved how Maggie rolls out The Mardi Gras Chase (True Girls) (Volume 1) because she gets the reader immediately involved in the story. Melanie looks for clues beginning with the parade the day before and, upon her investigation, she notices from the photos that the F in the title was backwards. Maggie gets the reader going through the process as they help to discover the clues and uncover the mystery with Melanie and her friends. The Mardi Gras Chase (True Girls) (Volume 1) by Maggie M Larche is not only a great book, but a great way for the reader to process thoughts, create solutions, and complete the puzzles.
April 22, 2016
There were so many things to like about this book. (I read it to check out for my almost-8-year-old strong reader.) I really liked the three main characters, their personalities and how they worked together yet were different. I liked the family interactions, including realistic relationships with parents and siblings. I liked the quirky mystery (and a great solution) that wasn't ugly, gross, or unrealistic for 12-year-olds to experience or handle.
I do, however, have two complaints. First, the readers were not given the clues along with the characters. The first set of letters are spelled out, but none of the others were included, so it would be impossible for a smart kid to take their own guess to figure it out. Second, I am frustrated reading tween books that include a love interest, even an age-appropriate one. Twelve-year-olds are sometimes interested, but sometimes not, and any younger readers shouldn't be yet, so that makes me really hesitant to recommend these books to anyone younger than middle school. I am disappointed by that, because otherwise it would be a great book for me to recommend to kids!
I do, however, have two complaints. First, the readers were not given the clues along with the characters. The first set of letters are spelled out, but none of the others were included, so it would be impossible for a smart kid to take their own guess to figure it out. Second, I am frustrated reading tween books that include a love interest, even an age-appropriate one. Twelve-year-olds are sometimes interested, but sometimes not, and any younger readers shouldn't be yet, so that makes me really hesitant to recommend these books to anyone younger than middle school. I am disappointed by that, because otherwise it would be a great book for me to recommend to kids!
May 30, 2016
Title: The Mardi Gras Chase
Author: Maggie M. Larche
Source: Received as a gift for an honest book review
My Rating : 5 Stars
After finishing reading The Mardi Gras Chase, I realized how awesome it used to be a kid. It made me think of the books that I’ve read when I was a kid, with one of them being, Time Cat. At least that’s what I think the title was. It was pure pleasure to loose myself in the Children's Middle Grade (ages 8-12) genre. The book should be at the top of the list for any parent.
It is a story about a girl, Melanie, who’s not a fan of Mardi Gras, that is until she realizes that the floats are sending a secret message that needs to be cracked. Melanie, along with her two best friends, Kate and Faye, decide to crack the code… even getting Matt in trouble with the police to do it.
The story is fun to read, fast paced, and interesting. I think the kids would like to see some illustrations, like of the floats, the warehouse, and the cemetery. I know that I would. ;)
I would recommend to anyone to read it who is in the age group of 8-12, and some adults who want to feel like a kid again for a short amount of time.
Author: Maggie M. Larche
Source: Received as a gift for an honest book review
My Rating : 5 Stars
After finishing reading The Mardi Gras Chase, I realized how awesome it used to be a kid. It made me think of the books that I’ve read when I was a kid, with one of them being, Time Cat. At least that’s what I think the title was. It was pure pleasure to loose myself in the Children's Middle Grade (ages 8-12) genre. The book should be at the top of the list for any parent.
It is a story about a girl, Melanie, who’s not a fan of Mardi Gras, that is until she realizes that the floats are sending a secret message that needs to be cracked. Melanie, along with her two best friends, Kate and Faye, decide to crack the code… even getting Matt in trouble with the police to do it.
The story is fun to read, fast paced, and interesting. I think the kids would like to see some illustrations, like of the floats, the warehouse, and the cemetery. I know that I would. ;)
I would recommend to anyone to read it who is in the age group of 8-12, and some adults who want to feel like a kid again for a short amount of time.
November 27, 2015
Loved this fun book that is just perfect for tweens. It really reminded of the mystery books I loved to read as a chid/teen, and I got totally caught up in cracking the mystery code along with the main characters. I enjoyed how well-rounded the girls' characters were, and loved the fact there was such a positive emphasis on friendship and working together. Without giving away any spoilers, I also loved the ending and how the mystery was tied up - along with hinting at more adventures to come! Looking forward to reading more.
May 24, 2017
I got a free ebook version of this book by contacting the author, so many many thanks to Maggie M. Larche for being so open to spreading the love with her book!
This was adorable. I read it in a day, practically. By the end of chapter two, I said out loud to myself, "I'm going to love this." It's a cute, fast read, and refreshing. It was a simple mystery, one that I think could absolutely be expanded on! But I know it's in the low end of middle grade/children's books - age wise - so I can see why it was so simple. I liked its innocence and clean mystery, especially after the last book I read that was anything but! The idea of Mardi Gras has always interested me, and I totally believe this kind of thing could exist! I hope it does.
Check it out if you've got a couple hours to spare!
This was adorable. I read it in a day, practically. By the end of chapter two, I said out loud to myself, "I'm going to love this." It's a cute, fast read, and refreshing. It was a simple mystery, one that I think could absolutely be expanded on! But I know it's in the low end of middle grade/children's books - age wise - so I can see why it was so simple. I liked its innocence and clean mystery, especially after the last book I read that was anything but! The idea of Mardi Gras has always interested me, and I totally believe this kind of thing could exist! I hope it does.
Check it out if you've got a couple hours to spare!
October 29, 2019
This is a cute young reader book. The main character is aged 12 so the whole thing is catered to younger readers. I think its cute, not too much violence no romance which is awesome based off of the age of the characters.
would recommend.
would recommend.
Read
June 3, 201910/10
This book was amazing! It makes me wish I live there and this happened to me. I LOVED this story and the characters. It was really funny too.
This book was amazing! It makes me wish I live there and this happened to me. I LOVED this story and the characters. It was really funny too.
February 18, 2023
A darling story! I really like the details. Children’s ages, parents mannerisms and the explanation of Mobile’s parades. I definitely want to go there someday to see it all.
5 Stars!
5 Stars!
March 9, 2016
A Nice Change From "Mean Girls"
I found this book to be very appealing, but mostly because of the three heroines rather than the mystery plot as such.
As to the plot, we have a mystery involving a secret message hidden in the backwards letters that appear in some of the words on various Mobile, Alabama Mardi Gras parade floats. Our three heroines have to collect all of the letters, (which requires detective work, skullduggery, and some lurking), and then break the code presented by the letters. The solution to the code offers a clue that has to be followed, and that leads to the big mystery reveal.
This is a fine storyline and allows for nice descriptions of Mobile and of the Mardi Gras parades and floats. We get to do internet research, and interview people, and sneak around looking at floats, and so on. There is no implausible action/adventure, but the investigation feels realistic and practical. It has a scavenger hunt sort of feel, and that seems to fit nicely with the target reader audience. It's also a nice change from carelessly plotted middle grade mysteries that turn on coincidences, hunches, overheard conversations, and other shortcuts that many readers consider "mystery cheats". This struck me as pretty fair for a middle grade mystery.
But more importantly, note the subtitle - "True Girls". This is the first of at least three True Girls books by Maggie Larche, (although each book features different girl characters). The True Girl aspect is what grabbed me. Our heroines are all twelve year olds and they are each others' BFF's. They are smart, practical, independent and adventurous. They have different and distinct personalities, but they work together wonderfully as a team. They needle and tease each other, and get exasperated with each other, but are loyal and dependable when the need arises. They are very much straight arrows, but with just enough grit and independence to be interesting. I could see a middle grade reader very much enjoying their company.
So, if you want a briskly paced, atmospheric tale with a decent mystery, a bit of action, and a crew of engaging companions, this could be a nice choice. (Please note that I found this book while browsing kindleunlimited freebies. I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
I found this book to be very appealing, but mostly because of the three heroines rather than the mystery plot as such.
As to the plot, we have a mystery involving a secret message hidden in the backwards letters that appear in some of the words on various Mobile, Alabama Mardi Gras parade floats. Our three heroines have to collect all of the letters, (which requires detective work, skullduggery, and some lurking), and then break the code presented by the letters. The solution to the code offers a clue that has to be followed, and that leads to the big mystery reveal.
This is a fine storyline and allows for nice descriptions of Mobile and of the Mardi Gras parades and floats. We get to do internet research, and interview people, and sneak around looking at floats, and so on. There is no implausible action/adventure, but the investigation feels realistic and practical. It has a scavenger hunt sort of feel, and that seems to fit nicely with the target reader audience. It's also a nice change from carelessly plotted middle grade mysteries that turn on coincidences, hunches, overheard conversations, and other shortcuts that many readers consider "mystery cheats". This struck me as pretty fair for a middle grade mystery.
But more importantly, note the subtitle - "True Girls". This is the first of at least three True Girls books by Maggie Larche, (although each book features different girl characters). The True Girl aspect is what grabbed me. Our heroines are all twelve year olds and they are each others' BFF's. They are smart, practical, independent and adventurous. They have different and distinct personalities, but they work together wonderfully as a team. They needle and tease each other, and get exasperated with each other, but are loyal and dependable when the need arises. They are very much straight arrows, but with just enough grit and independence to be interesting. I could see a middle grade reader very much enjoying their company.
So, if you want a briskly paced, atmospheric tale with a decent mystery, a bit of action, and a crew of engaging companions, this could be a nice choice. (Please note that I found this book while browsing kindleunlimited freebies. I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
September 3, 2016
‘The Mardi Gras Chase’ was a book I was not expecting to like as much as I did. I mean it is for a much younger audience and, at best, I thought I would be amused by their antics. But damn the author has done a brilliant job!
Melanie, Kate and Faye are three friends who study in the same school and live near each other. One day Melanie notices that a letter is upside down on a float in the Mardi Gras parade. She’s curious and starts noting down all the odd looking letters and is determined to crack the code. Her friends initially think that it was just a mistake but her excitement manages to get them interested and soon they’re running all over town, trying to crack the Mardi Gras code.
School, Chores, Family and baby sitting has to be juggled but they work at it until…..well I won’t tell you the ending.
This is reminiscent of ‘The Famous Five’ or ‘The Secret Seven’. I found myself eager to see what was happening next and although I kept putting off reading this for quite a while, when I did get started I was hooked from page three.
It’s very well written with each person’s character and personality clear. I know what Melanie would like and what Faye is like and what Kate will do! It’s great to see such steady clarity in a younger book. I’d always assumed that Enid Blyton was the best that was ever written but it might just to time to admit that there are other books around that are book.
I must admit though that based on the target audience that fact that there’s a love interest actually creeped me out a bit. I removed one star for that. But that was one of the creepiest parts of the book. I kept thinking “These girls sound too young to have a love interest or too stupid for their actual age which is why they seem so young.” I’d suggest checking out that portion if you want to before letting your younger kids read this.
Apart from that one gripe, I’m thrilled with this.
Reviewed by Vicky at www.whisperingstories.com
Melanie, Kate and Faye are three friends who study in the same school and live near each other. One day Melanie notices that a letter is upside down on a float in the Mardi Gras parade. She’s curious and starts noting down all the odd looking letters and is determined to crack the code. Her friends initially think that it was just a mistake but her excitement manages to get them interested and soon they’re running all over town, trying to crack the Mardi Gras code.
School, Chores, Family and baby sitting has to be juggled but they work at it until…..well I won’t tell you the ending.
This is reminiscent of ‘The Famous Five’ or ‘The Secret Seven’. I found myself eager to see what was happening next and although I kept putting off reading this for quite a while, when I did get started I was hooked from page three.
It’s very well written with each person’s character and personality clear. I know what Melanie would like and what Faye is like and what Kate will do! It’s great to see such steady clarity in a younger book. I’d always assumed that Enid Blyton was the best that was ever written but it might just to time to admit that there are other books around that are book.
I must admit though that based on the target audience that fact that there’s a love interest actually creeped me out a bit. I removed one star for that. But that was one of the creepiest parts of the book. I kept thinking “These girls sound too young to have a love interest or too stupid for their actual age which is why they seem so young.” I’d suggest checking out that portion if you want to before letting your younger kids read this.
Apart from that one gripe, I’m thrilled with this.
Reviewed by Vicky at www.whisperingstories.com
February 22, 2016
Title: Masks, Mayhem, Mysteries & More!
“The Mardi Gras Chase” by Maggie M. Larche
Reviewed by B. Smart
2/18/16
4:28 p.m.
Love puzzles, clues, and hidden treasure hunts? The Mardi Gras Chase is a heart-warming story about three friends in Mobile, Alabama who go on an adventure to decipher a mysterious code hidden in the Mardi Gras parades. 12-year-old Melanie Smythurst is bored of her small town and wishes desperately that her life was more interesting. Her dream comes true one night when she notices crooked letters on some of the parade floats. As Melanie and her two friends Faye and Kate collect more clues and delve deeper into the mystery, they uncover one of the biggest secrets they could have ever imagined.
Author Maggie M. Larche tells a wonderfully fun tale filled with humor, heart, and wit. Her characters are endearing, energetic, and clever and the reader roots for them until the very end. It is enjoyable, fast-paced, and a must-read during the Mardi Gras season. The Mardi Gras Chase is a story about the importance of friendship, loyalty, and trust. The three friends stick together in the best of times and the worst of times- even if it means braving a spooky graveyard or sneaking into a sketchy warehouse.
The Mardi Gras Chase tends to be a little under-detailed and dialogue-heavy at times, but this is to be expected for a middle-grade read. Larche’s characters appear goofy and surface-level, but that is part of their charm; they also have immense courage, sharp minds, and kind hearts. Melanie, Faye, and Kate would do anything for the ones they love which sets a great example for children of all ages.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good, wholesome mystery.
I give “The Mardi Gras Chase” 4 out of 5 stars.
Cheers,
B. Smart
www.mcwpub.blogspot.com
“The Mardi Gras Chase” by Maggie M. Larche
Reviewed by B. Smart
2/18/16
4:28 p.m.
Love puzzles, clues, and hidden treasure hunts? The Mardi Gras Chase is a heart-warming story about three friends in Mobile, Alabama who go on an adventure to decipher a mysterious code hidden in the Mardi Gras parades. 12-year-old Melanie Smythurst is bored of her small town and wishes desperately that her life was more interesting. Her dream comes true one night when she notices crooked letters on some of the parade floats. As Melanie and her two friends Faye and Kate collect more clues and delve deeper into the mystery, they uncover one of the biggest secrets they could have ever imagined.
Author Maggie M. Larche tells a wonderfully fun tale filled with humor, heart, and wit. Her characters are endearing, energetic, and clever and the reader roots for them until the very end. It is enjoyable, fast-paced, and a must-read during the Mardi Gras season. The Mardi Gras Chase is a story about the importance of friendship, loyalty, and trust. The three friends stick together in the best of times and the worst of times- even if it means braving a spooky graveyard or sneaking into a sketchy warehouse.
The Mardi Gras Chase tends to be a little under-detailed and dialogue-heavy at times, but this is to be expected for a middle-grade read. Larche’s characters appear goofy and surface-level, but that is part of their charm; they also have immense courage, sharp minds, and kind hearts. Melanie, Faye, and Kate would do anything for the ones they love which sets a great example for children of all ages.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good, wholesome mystery.
I give “The Mardi Gras Chase” 4 out of 5 stars.
Cheers,
B. Smart
www.mcwpub.blogspot.com
November 30, 2015
In The Mardi Gras Chase (True Girls) (Volume 1) by Maggie M Larche, Melanie, Kate and Faye are attending one of the many Mardi Gras parades in Mobile, Alabama that usually lasts for several weeks. Melanie is bored and can’t see what all of the hoopla is about in attending the parade. Faye is unhappy because she never seems to get enough beads in her bag, and Kate is ecstatic because she is quickly filling up her bag with beads. As Melanie is contemplating whether to stay to watch this annual event - which bores her every year - something catches her attention. Melanie sees that the signage themes that precede each parade float has one of the letters upside down in the titles. Why? The Mardi Gras Chase (True Girls) (Volume 1) by Maggie M Larche is ideal for a pre-teen because it not only tells a great story, but helps with cognitive thinking. As Melanie goes through the steps to solve the mystery of the letters R, C, E, N, R, A, P that appear out of sync, the adventure begins.
I loved how Maggie rolls out The Mardi Gras Chase (True Girls) (Volume 1) because she gets the reader immediately involved in the story. Melanie looks for clues beginning with the parade the day before and, upon her investigation, she notices from the photos that the F in the title was backwards. Maggie gets the reader going through the process as they help to discover the clues and uncover the mystery with Melanie and her friends. The Mardi Gras Chase (True Girls) (Volume 1) by Maggie M Larche is not only a great book, but a great way for the reader to process thoughts, create solutions, and complete the puzzles.The Mardi Gras Chase
I loved how Maggie rolls out The Mardi Gras Chase (True Girls) (Volume 1) because she gets the reader immediately involved in the story. Melanie looks for clues beginning with the parade the day before and, upon her investigation, she notices from the photos that the F in the title was backwards. Maggie gets the reader going through the process as they help to discover the clues and uncover the mystery with Melanie and her friends. The Mardi Gras Chase (True Girls) (Volume 1) by Maggie M Larche is not only a great book, but a great way for the reader to process thoughts, create solutions, and complete the puzzles.The Mardi Gras Chase
March 20, 2016
Fast moving middle grade mystery adventure involving three friends, Melanie, Kate, and Faye. While attending one of the mardi gras parades in Mobile, Alabama, the girls notice that some of the letters on the floats are upside down. They copy the letters R.C.E.N.R.A.P. In addition, the strange letters appear only on the high and “poufy” floats. These friends do some internet research, discovering that Mr. Simmingham is their designer. The girls visit the museum to investigate the floats stored from the parade they had missed and vow to attend the rest of the parades during the week to continue the investigation. But the friends must attend a history presentation on Saturday, so they enlist Matt to collect the information. The plot thickens when Matt is arrested; the girls are relieved to find he had already succeeded in his mission. They are unsuccessful in cracking the code until they receive help from an unlikely source. A visit to the cemetery leads to another hair raising adventure and unexpected rewards.
Targeted for a middle grade audience of eight to twelve year olds, the plot moves along quickly. There is probably a bit too much dialogue, but that is appropriate for this age group. Strong female role models, strong family relationships, a tinge of scariness and mystery, plus the unusual Mobile mardi gras setting, set it apart from the typical middle grade adventure tale. First book in a series that will succeed if the characters continue to grow and evolve.
Targeted for a middle grade audience of eight to twelve year olds, the plot moves along quickly. There is probably a bit too much dialogue, but that is appropriate for this age group. Strong female role models, strong family relationships, a tinge of scariness and mystery, plus the unusual Mobile mardi gras setting, set it apart from the typical middle grade adventure tale. First book in a series that will succeed if the characters continue to grow and evolve.
February 26, 2016
Most little kids and teens love a parade. Most grown-ups like them too. Who can resist the music, the treats tossed to the crowd, and the floats?
THE MARDI GRAS CHASE, a novel for middle grade/tween readers by Maggie M. Larche, has parades and a whole lot more. The story opens with Melanie Smythurst and her friends, Kate and Faye, watching the Mardi Gras parade, when Melanie notices that some of the letters on the floats are backwards. She gets to wondering why. Is it a code of some sort, a secret message? There’s one way to find out. So the three girls set out to solve the mystery of the letters and discover a lot more than they anticipated.
Maggie M. Larche has created believable characters that aren’t perfect. The girls make mistakes. They get in trouble. Like normal kids do. They’re ambitious and don’t give up easily when problems arise. THE MARDI GRAS CHASE is a fun story that should appeal to adventuresome young readers, who might even find themselves trying to help Maggie and friends solve the mystery of the letters.
This book would make a nice addition to school libraries, public libraries, and of course your personal library.
THE MARDI GRAS CHASE is the 1st book of the True Girls’ Series.
###
THE MARDI GRAS CHASE, a novel for middle grade/tween readers by Maggie M. Larche, has parades and a whole lot more. The story opens with Melanie Smythurst and her friends, Kate and Faye, watching the Mardi Gras parade, when Melanie notices that some of the letters on the floats are backwards. She gets to wondering why. Is it a code of some sort, a secret message? There’s one way to find out. So the three girls set out to solve the mystery of the letters and discover a lot more than they anticipated.
Maggie M. Larche has created believable characters that aren’t perfect. The girls make mistakes. They get in trouble. Like normal kids do. They’re ambitious and don’t give up easily when problems arise. THE MARDI GRAS CHASE is a fun story that should appeal to adventuresome young readers, who might even find themselves trying to help Maggie and friends solve the mystery of the letters.
This book would make a nice addition to school libraries, public libraries, and of course your personal library.
THE MARDI GRAS CHASE is the 1st book of the True Girls’ Series.
###
May 14, 2016
A fun and easy read about a group of friends attempting to solve a puzzle during Mardi Gras in Mobile. The adventure was age-appropriate and realistic, no super-heroics or implausible lucky breaks required, just persistence and a keen mind (plus a little help from friends, siblings, and even strangers). The girls made good use of the resources at hand, and the puzzle had a satisfying resolution.
The book was well-written and a great introduction to the Mardi Gras tradition for readers who (like me) have never visited the south and experienced the parades first hand. Snippets of Mardi Gras history are elegantly weaved into the narrative in a perfectly natural manner that doesn’t feel the least bit forced.
Both Melanie and her friends are well developed with their own individual characteristics and the surrounding cast contains many interesting characters that one might hope to encounter in later installments in the series. I look forward to getting to know the girls better and tag along on their next adventure.
My one objection is that the readers aren’t given all the clues as the girls uncover them. I would have liked a chance to solve the puzzle along with the girls. (Not that I would have been able to, but still …)
The book was well-written and a great introduction to the Mardi Gras tradition for readers who (like me) have never visited the south and experienced the parades first hand. Snippets of Mardi Gras history are elegantly weaved into the narrative in a perfectly natural manner that doesn’t feel the least bit forced.
Both Melanie and her friends are well developed with their own individual characteristics and the surrounding cast contains many interesting characters that one might hope to encounter in later installments in the series. I look forward to getting to know the girls better and tag along on their next adventure.
My one objection is that the readers aren’t given all the clues as the girls uncover them. I would have liked a chance to solve the puzzle along with the girls. (Not that I would have been able to, but still …)
June 4, 2016
This middle grade mystery was a fun read. It held my attention and I read it in three sittings. I found it relaxing as it kept me turning the pages and wanting to find out how the mystery would be wrapped up. I liked the characters--the three main friends, and also the way Melanie, the main character, interacted with her baby sister. It was sweet and funny and I think Melanie makes a good role model.
I don't really know much about Mardi Gras, and I had no idea Mobile, Alabama had so many parades. It was interesting to hear about the local food and about waiting on the parade sidelines to catch beads and stuffed bears and other giveaways. That part reminded me of Hallowe'en, as kids apparently bring pillowcases to fill up with goodies. What seems normal for Melanie and her friends sounded totally exotic to me. It was great.
The writing is clean, moves quickly, and is easy to read. I would definitely recommend this book to middle grade readers who enjoy mysteries and puzzle solving, and hearing about girls in other cities.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I don't really know much about Mardi Gras, and I had no idea Mobile, Alabama had so many parades. It was interesting to hear about the local food and about waiting on the parade sidelines to catch beads and stuffed bears and other giveaways. That part reminded me of Hallowe'en, as kids apparently bring pillowcases to fill up with goodies. What seems normal for Melanie and her friends sounded totally exotic to me. It was great.
The writing is clean, moves quickly, and is easy to read. I would definitely recommend this book to middle grade readers who enjoy mysteries and puzzle solving, and hearing about girls in other cities.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 21, 2015
The Mardi Gras Chase is a delightful read. It’s well-written, with clean, engaging prose. The three twelve-year-old girls, Melanie, Faye, and Kate are an adventurous band of clever young ladies. Their friendship is solid, their banter is entertaining, and their fun dialogue keeps the story moving smoothly.
I also enjoyed the rich Mobile, Alabama culture. This story is tightly tied to the week-long Mardi Gras celebration. As an anthropologist, I love having the chance to indulge in and learn about someone else’s culture.
The story has great themes, such as the value of friendship, little sisters, and having a little mystery in our lives. It was a fun, easy read with great characters, fun adventure, and rewarding mystery.
I also enjoyed the rich Mobile, Alabama culture. This story is tightly tied to the week-long Mardi Gras celebration. As an anthropologist, I love having the chance to indulge in and learn about someone else’s culture.
The story has great themes, such as the value of friendship, little sisters, and having a little mystery in our lives. It was a fun, easy read with great characters, fun adventure, and rewarding mystery.
November 18, 2015
A fun, realistic mystery for girls seeking adventure!
The Mardi Gras Chase is a clever mystery that builds in intensity and kept me turning pages. I enjoyed following along with this group of smart, curious friends as they enter the intriguing world of code breaking. The characters and their conversations come across as real. Descriptions of Mardi Gras are insightful and an entertaining setting for girls on a mission. This feel-good tale ends with a reveal that is unexpected and engaging. Looking forward to more True Girls adventures!
The Mardi Gras Chase is a clever mystery that builds in intensity and kept me turning pages. I enjoyed following along with this group of smart, curious friends as they enter the intriguing world of code breaking. The characters and their conversations come across as real. Descriptions of Mardi Gras are insightful and an entertaining setting for girls on a mission. This feel-good tale ends with a reveal that is unexpected and engaging. Looking forward to more True Girls adventures!
April 12, 2016
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REVIEW BY: Michaela, age 11 years, 8 months
MAY CONTAIN SPOILER:
This book was pretty good. I do recommend this book to younger readers though because to me it was a little boring, but I think my younger sister would LOVE it.
My favorite character is Kate because she has all brothers, while I have all sisters. I find it interesting that this happens sometimes and it made me giggle out loud when I kept thinking about it!
REVIEW BY: Michaela, age 11 years, 8 months
MAY CONTAIN SPOILER:
This book was pretty good. I do recommend this book to younger readers though because to me it was a little boring, but I think my younger sister would LOVE it.
My favorite character is Kate because she has all brothers, while I have all sisters. I find it interesting that this happens sometimes and it made me giggle out loud when I kept thinking about it!
May 21, 2016
The Mardi Gras Chase is an amazing middle-grade mystery! The team is likeable and spunky, the kind of girls we’d want out daughters to befriend. The mystery is brisk, thought-provoking, and age appropriate.
This is an absolute must on the summer reading list for your 4th-7th grader girls.
I’ll definitely be looking for more books from Maggie M. Larche!
See more at- http://www.hottbooks.com/review-mardi...
This is an absolute must on the summer reading list for your 4th-7th grader girls.
I’ll definitely be looking for more books from Maggie M. Larche!
See more at- http://www.hottbooks.com/review-mardi...
March 17, 2016
A great children's mystery. The kids loved it.
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