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Running On Empty
After getting a video camera for her fourteenth birthday, Kasey Madrid enters a student documentary film contest and chooses her town's 300th anniversary celebration as a subject. Everything is good until the town's time capsule is unearthed empty at the celebration, prompting Kasey to investigate. Things get even stranger when she begins to see someone in her camera no one else can see.
That “someone” turns out to be Marion Gibson, the town's former historian, who went into a coma-like state when the time capsule was buried and whose memories are now trapped in time. Kasey researches the town historians and reveals their 300 year-old secret: a wooden chest that gives them the ability to see other people's memories and visit the past. She also finds that Marion's successor, the real town historian, is missing.
Using her film footage (and with a little help from Marion), Kasey discovers the chest is passed on to each new historian every generation through time capsules. When the chest is stolen, Kasey and her camera go back to save Marion, find the identity of the next historian and solve the mystery of the empty time capsule.
That “someone” turns out to be Marion Gibson, the town's former historian, who went into a coma-like state when the time capsule was buried and whose memories are now trapped in time. Kasey researches the town historians and reveals their 300 year-old secret: a wooden chest that gives them the ability to see other people's memories and visit the past. She also finds that Marion's successor, the real town historian, is missing.
Using her film footage (and with a little help from Marion), Kasey discovers the chest is passed on to each new historian every generation through time capsules. When the chest is stolen, Kasey and her camera go back to save Marion, find the identity of the next historian and solve the mystery of the empty time capsule.
145 pages, Paperback
Published November 1, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
January 10, 2017
A long-celebrated tradition and an empty time capsule. What could be worse for the small town of Chepstow?
This shouldn’t be a big deal for 14-year old Kasey, but yet she can’t help but wonder what happened to her mother’s letter. Things get even stranger when she sees an apparition in her camera view finder. What the? Who was this lady?
“This whole time capsule/historian thing was the weirdest, by far.” (40)
“It is not a matter of where they are, but when.” (49)
Enchanting from the start, story was full of mystery and history. There were a few dry areas here and there, especially as we get knee-deep into the historical facts, but, overall, this was a well-rounded and thoroughly researched story. Kasey was a precocious and inquisitive kid—a suitable hero for today’s YA readers. She was like a combo of Indiana Jones and Marty McFly.
Audiences will cheer on as the heroes trek through clues and “voyage” through time to find the missing memory box.
History, conspiracies, time warps, and ghosts—that’s what you’ll get in this compelling, clever, little tale.
This shouldn’t be a big deal for 14-year old Kasey, but yet she can’t help but wonder what happened to her mother’s letter. Things get even stranger when she sees an apparition in her camera view finder. What the? Who was this lady?
“This whole time capsule/historian thing was the weirdest, by far.” (40)
“It is not a matter of where they are, but when.” (49)
Enchanting from the start, story was full of mystery and history. There were a few dry areas here and there, especially as we get knee-deep into the historical facts, but, overall, this was a well-rounded and thoroughly researched story. Kasey was a precocious and inquisitive kid—a suitable hero for today’s YA readers. She was like a combo of Indiana Jones and Marty McFly.
Audiences will cheer on as the heroes trek through clues and “voyage” through time to find the missing memory box.
History, conspiracies, time warps, and ghosts—that’s what you’ll get in this compelling, clever, little tale.
December 4, 2017
NOTE: The author graciously gave me a copy of this book and asked me to write a review.
The bigger the mystery, the more help a detective is likely to need in solving it. And 14-year-old Kasey Madrid and her friend Paula Nichols have certainly found a weighty mystery to unravel in Running on Empty, the latest entertaining young adult novel from R.M. Clark, namely, a disappearance that seems to be something straight out of David Copperfield or Penn and Teller.
Kasey and her best friend Paula Nichols were introduced to readers in one of Clark's previous books, Dizzy Miss Lizzie, but those who haven't read the earlier book will have no problems following the storyline. They live in a small Massachusetts town that traces its lineage back to the 1600s, and the town’s claim to fame is a time capsule that, for three centuries has been buried and dug up every 30 years. Not only is the capsule buried, but it’s placed under a massive boulder that requires a crane to move. So when the latest unearthing of the capsule reveals nothing inside, Kasey and Paula launch their own investigation, in the guise of filming a documentary (Kasey has a brand new video camera for the purpose) about the mystery. Fortunately for the two sleuths, they do have the help alluded to earlier, that is, once the girls start communicating with the spirits of the town’s historians who have chronicled local history and kept a watch over the time capsule for centuries.
Although Running on Empty is geared towards middle-school-aged children, the central mystery is complex and intriguing enough to capture the interest of older children, and, indeed, adults as well. Because of the intended audience, however, the level of violence and menace (there are some villainous types involved in the disappearance) is somewhat subdued; the bad guys use Tasers instead of Glocks. Plus, the clues tend to fall into place rather conveniently, allowing Kasey and Paula to solve the case in about 150 pages. But author Clark still incorporates enough sophisticated elements: cryptic messages from beyond, coded numbers, and the like, so that the mystery and the quest for its solution are never boring.
Finding that solution, as mentioned earlier, requires some help from beyond. As in several of his other books, author Clark incorporates some supernatural elements in Running on Empty, including having Kasey and Paula take a trip 30 years into the past to witness the last time capsule ceremony. Clark sort of glosses over the explanation of these events, but that shouldn’t present a problem for most readers, especially those in the target audience. The mystery involved, along with the very concept of communicating with a group of the town’s de facto guardians via, of all things, their portraits hanging on a wall, is compelling enough to allow most adults to accept the premise.
One of the strengths of Clark’s earlier book, Running on Empty, was the human element involved, as it revolved to a large extent around the events in Kasey’s own life. That element is not quite present to the same degree here; for the most part, Kasey and Paula are simply bright, likable Nancy Drews of the social media and internet era with parents (or, in Kasey’s case, her father and stepmother) who are conveniently on the sidelines for most of the book. But, there is somewhat of a personal angle involved in Running on Empty as well, since one of the items that disappeared from the time capsule was a letter written 30 years earlier by Kasey’s now-deceased mother, something she really would like to see in order to get a better idea of who her mother was. If Clark does extend this series to additional books, keeping that personal involvement will make for stronger stories.
The mix of teen sleuthing, historical elements, and the touch of the supernatural present in these Kasey Madrid books makes Running on Empty a definite winner for its target audience and an enjoyable read for older readers as well. It’s a fast-paced book with a likable pair of young detectives in Kasey and Paula involved in an engaging mystery. Running on Empty is full of entertainment for young readers.
The bigger the mystery, the more help a detective is likely to need in solving it. And 14-year-old Kasey Madrid and her friend Paula Nichols have certainly found a weighty mystery to unravel in Running on Empty, the latest entertaining young adult novel from R.M. Clark, namely, a disappearance that seems to be something straight out of David Copperfield or Penn and Teller.
Kasey and her best friend Paula Nichols were introduced to readers in one of Clark's previous books, Dizzy Miss Lizzie, but those who haven't read the earlier book will have no problems following the storyline. They live in a small Massachusetts town that traces its lineage back to the 1600s, and the town’s claim to fame is a time capsule that, for three centuries has been buried and dug up every 30 years. Not only is the capsule buried, but it’s placed under a massive boulder that requires a crane to move. So when the latest unearthing of the capsule reveals nothing inside, Kasey and Paula launch their own investigation, in the guise of filming a documentary (Kasey has a brand new video camera for the purpose) about the mystery. Fortunately for the two sleuths, they do have the help alluded to earlier, that is, once the girls start communicating with the spirits of the town’s historians who have chronicled local history and kept a watch over the time capsule for centuries.
Although Running on Empty is geared towards middle-school-aged children, the central mystery is complex and intriguing enough to capture the interest of older children, and, indeed, adults as well. Because of the intended audience, however, the level of violence and menace (there are some villainous types involved in the disappearance) is somewhat subdued; the bad guys use Tasers instead of Glocks. Plus, the clues tend to fall into place rather conveniently, allowing Kasey and Paula to solve the case in about 150 pages. But author Clark still incorporates enough sophisticated elements: cryptic messages from beyond, coded numbers, and the like, so that the mystery and the quest for its solution are never boring.
Finding that solution, as mentioned earlier, requires some help from beyond. As in several of his other books, author Clark incorporates some supernatural elements in Running on Empty, including having Kasey and Paula take a trip 30 years into the past to witness the last time capsule ceremony. Clark sort of glosses over the explanation of these events, but that shouldn’t present a problem for most readers, especially those in the target audience. The mystery involved, along with the very concept of communicating with a group of the town’s de facto guardians via, of all things, their portraits hanging on a wall, is compelling enough to allow most adults to accept the premise.
One of the strengths of Clark’s earlier book, Running on Empty, was the human element involved, as it revolved to a large extent around the events in Kasey’s own life. That element is not quite present to the same degree here; for the most part, Kasey and Paula are simply bright, likable Nancy Drews of the social media and internet era with parents (or, in Kasey’s case, her father and stepmother) who are conveniently on the sidelines for most of the book. But, there is somewhat of a personal angle involved in Running on Empty as well, since one of the items that disappeared from the time capsule was a letter written 30 years earlier by Kasey’s now-deceased mother, something she really would like to see in order to get a better idea of who her mother was. If Clark does extend this series to additional books, keeping that personal involvement will make for stronger stories.
The mix of teen sleuthing, historical elements, and the touch of the supernatural present in these Kasey Madrid books makes Running on Empty a definite winner for its target audience and an enjoyable read for older readers as well. It’s a fast-paced book with a likable pair of young detectives in Kasey and Paula involved in an engaging mystery. Running on Empty is full of entertainment for young readers.
October 19, 2017
Kasey Madrid has just received a video camera for her birthday and can’t wait to use it. She decides to film the opening of the town’s time capsule for the 300th anniversary of the town. Kasey is extra excited since her mother wrote a letter 30 years earlier and put it in the time capsule. But when the time capsule is opened it is empty. Kasey decides to go to the town meeting for answers. But when she sees a strange lady on her camera that is not there she decides to start investigating. Kasey and her friend Paula Nichols start looking into the history of Chepstow and learns the secret of the town historians. The problem is the current town historian is in a coma and her predecessor has disappeared. It’s up to Kasey and Paula to solve this mystery and learn what Kasey’s mother’s letter said.
If you have read Dizzy Miss Lizzie, Kasey and Paula should be familiar to you. Once again it will be up to the girls to dig through history and have another little time traveling trip into the past to learn what really happened. Thankfully they have the help of the former historian to guide them.
This is a wonderful midgrade mystery story that will appease both boys and girls and all ages. It is easy to get draw into the story and hard to put the book aside. This is one to add to your shelves.
I received Running on Empty from the author for free. This has in no way influenced my opinion of this book.
If you have read Dizzy Miss Lizzie, Kasey and Paula should be familiar to you. Once again it will be up to the girls to dig through history and have another little time traveling trip into the past to learn what really happened. Thankfully they have the help of the former historian to guide them.
This is a wonderful midgrade mystery story that will appease both boys and girls and all ages. It is easy to get draw into the story and hard to put the book aside. This is one to add to your shelves.
I received Running on Empty from the author for free. This has in no way influenced my opinion of this book.
February 13, 2017
With logic, thought, curiosity and a perfect dash of magic, this mystery grabs from page one and keeps kids guessing until the very end.
Kasey has her camera ready to catch one of the town's most important events - the opening of the time capsule. But when the bolts are removed, nothing's inside. Curious, Kasey attends the town meeting to see what happened, but instead of answers, she accidentally films a mysterious woman who can only be seen through Kasey's camera.
I've read this author's works before and again, wasn't disappointed. What I love about Running On Empty is the 'Nancy Drew' feel. The plot is built on thought, facts and good old clue hunting, but with a tiny bit of fantasy thrown in. Kasey is a very average girl, who is simply curious. With her best friend, she tries to figure out what is going on, not through any amazing methods, but by every day information gathering, paying attention to details and a sharp sense of logic.
Kasey delves through quiet a bit of historical facts, but the information doesn't really get boring. Subtle clues are peppered here and there, keeping the pace flowing even in slightly 'dryer' areas. There are many layers behind the secrets, which makes it difficult to guess what will happen next or where the mystery is headed. The addition of a little fantasy creates a nice touch without disturbing the realistic setting and gives the whole thing just the right amount off magical flare.
Summed up, this is an intriguing mystery for middle graders. Especially girls will enjoy following Kasey as she uncovers the many secrets, and at 150 pages, it's not the kind of book which will scare more reluctant readers away.
Kasey has her camera ready to catch one of the town's most important events - the opening of the time capsule. But when the bolts are removed, nothing's inside. Curious, Kasey attends the town meeting to see what happened, but instead of answers, she accidentally films a mysterious woman who can only be seen through Kasey's camera.
I've read this author's works before and again, wasn't disappointed. What I love about Running On Empty is the 'Nancy Drew' feel. The plot is built on thought, facts and good old clue hunting, but with a tiny bit of fantasy thrown in. Kasey is a very average girl, who is simply curious. With her best friend, she tries to figure out what is going on, not through any amazing methods, but by every day information gathering, paying attention to details and a sharp sense of logic.
Kasey delves through quiet a bit of historical facts, but the information doesn't really get boring. Subtle clues are peppered here and there, keeping the pace flowing even in slightly 'dryer' areas. There are many layers behind the secrets, which makes it difficult to guess what will happen next or where the mystery is headed. The addition of a little fantasy creates a nice touch without disturbing the realistic setting and gives the whole thing just the right amount off magical flare.
Summed up, this is an intriguing mystery for middle graders. Especially girls will enjoy following Kasey as she uncovers the many secrets, and at 150 pages, it's not the kind of book which will scare more reluctant readers away.
February 7, 2017
Synopsis: "After getting a video camera for her fourteenth birthday, Kasey Madrid enters a student documentary film contest and chooses her town's 300th anniversary celebration as a subject. Everything is good until the town's time capsule is unearthed empty at the celebration, prompting Kasey to investigate. Things get even stranger when she begins to see someone in her camera no one else can see.
That “someone” turns out to be Marion Gibson, the town's former historian, who went into a coma-like state when the time capsule was buried and whose memories are now trapped in time. Kasey researches the town historians and reveals their 300 year-old secret: a wooden chest that gives them the ability to see other people's memories and visit the past. She also finds that Marion's successor, the real town historian, is missing.
Using her film footage (and with a little help from Marion), Kasey discovers the chest is passed on to each new historian every generation through time capsules. When the chest is stolen, Kasey and her camera go back to save Marion, find the identity of the next historian and solve the mystery of the empty time capsule."
My Review: I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I have enjoyed Clark's work in the past and jumped at the chance to read more. I love how this book reminded me of an updated Nancy Drew. There was a lot of fun and mystery involved, a little danger and for the updated part some magic and time travel too. Even the two main characters are girls, I think even young male readers will enjoy the suspense and thought that takes place in the book. It was a little slower moving than I expected but there were a lot of pieces in play throughout the plot. I think this is a great book to introduce young readers to the world of mystery or continue to expand upon their interest.
That “someone” turns out to be Marion Gibson, the town's former historian, who went into a coma-like state when the time capsule was buried and whose memories are now trapped in time. Kasey researches the town historians and reveals their 300 year-old secret: a wooden chest that gives them the ability to see other people's memories and visit the past. She also finds that Marion's successor, the real town historian, is missing.
Using her film footage (and with a little help from Marion), Kasey discovers the chest is passed on to each new historian every generation through time capsules. When the chest is stolen, Kasey and her camera go back to save Marion, find the identity of the next historian and solve the mystery of the empty time capsule."
My Review: I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I have enjoyed Clark's work in the past and jumped at the chance to read more. I love how this book reminded me of an updated Nancy Drew. There was a lot of fun and mystery involved, a little danger and for the updated part some magic and time travel too. Even the two main characters are girls, I think even young male readers will enjoy the suspense and thought that takes place in the book. It was a little slower moving than I expected but there were a lot of pieces in play throughout the plot. I think this is a great book to introduce young readers to the world of mystery or continue to expand upon their interest.
April 20, 2017
This is possibly my favourite book by Clark to date! I loved the whole missing capsule because it instantly gave me a theory about what would happen in the story. I was kind of right too! Kasey is highly likable, with her inquisitive mind and her trusty friend Paula. I've read the first book of their adventures so it felt like I was coming home to friend. They take all the extraordinary occurrences in their strife, not freaking out too much and are determined to find out the truth.
I liked how adults are woven into the storyline -by this I mean some have a positive influence on Kasey, they help her out in situations which in other books would lead to the main characters breaking the law a little to succeed. This is ok in fiction but isn't the best role model for readers, so Kasey having help continues the positive mentality towards adults in the tale. Not all hand out cookies, a couple are distinctly troublesome, but Kasey and her friends find a way to deal with those individuals.
I loved the supernatural element of the tale, it's a clever concept, works well and I hope will feature in another book in the series! It would be so cool to have extra help like that, although it does come with great responsibility. As with al of Clark's other books there's a happy ending!
I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review on my blog Nayu's Reading Corner http://nayusreadingcorner.blogspot.co...
I liked how adults are woven into the storyline -by this I mean some have a positive influence on Kasey, they help her out in situations which in other books would lead to the main characters breaking the law a little to succeed. This is ok in fiction but isn't the best role model for readers, so Kasey having help continues the positive mentality towards adults in the tale. Not all hand out cookies, a couple are distinctly troublesome, but Kasey and her friends find a way to deal with those individuals.
I loved the supernatural element of the tale, it's a clever concept, works well and I hope will feature in another book in the series! It would be so cool to have extra help like that, although it does come with great responsibility. As with al of Clark's other books there's a happy ending!
I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review on my blog Nayu's Reading Corner http://nayusreadingcorner.blogspot.co...
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews