Hey, Sherlock!

The Garvie Smith Mysteries #3

by Simon Mason

Amy Roecastle is beautiful. Selfish. And missing.
Vanished without a trace in the middle of the night, she's taken her ferocious dog - and something else, too. Something deadly.
Amy's best friend is lying to Inspector Singh, who has no leads and no idea. Cue Garvie Smith. Teenage slacker. Undeniable crime-solving genius.
Garvie's one step ahead of the investigation. But there's nothing simple where Amy is involved. And this time Garvie's about to find himself in way over his head.

Genres: Crime, Mystery, Young Adult, Fiction, Contemporary

384 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 5, 2019

About the author

Simon Mason was born in Sheffield, Yorkshire, on 5 February 1962. He was educated at local schools and studied English at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford. He splits his time between writing at home and a part-time editorial position with David Fickling Books, an imprint of Random House and publisher of his 2011 children's novel, Moon Pie.

He is the author of the Quigleys series for young readers: The Quigleys (Highly Commended in the UK's Branford Boase Award), The Quigleys at Large, The Quigleys Not for Sale, and The Quigleys in a Spin. He has also written three adult novels.

Simon lives in Oxford with his wife and two children.

Reviews

[Kadi P · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was certainly a great addition to the Garvie Smith Mysteries series, but still it didn't manage to top Running Girl. The plot came across as a little convoluted despite how unique and completely unexpected the twists and turns were. Coupled with the fact that the ending felt rushed and a little too easy, the plot was just shy of being more than great.

The character dynamics were what really made this book stand out from the previous two. The change in relationship between Garvie, Singh, his mother, Smudge, and new characters were fantastically done. I really hope there will be more books in this series because I definitely want to see more of Garvie solving mysteries and more of these relationships that have only just begun to blossom...

[Caity’s Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy moly - THIS WAS SO SO GOOD!

I honestly don't know why these books don't get more hype, they are probably my favourite murder mystery books ever! I absolutely loved the first book in the series (Running Girl) but didn't enjoy the second on as much. However, this one blew the second one out of the water (possibly even the first as well) and was AMAZING.

The mystery aspect is so enthralling and seeing the way that Garvie's mind works and figures things out so quickly is incredibly satisfying and cool. Apart from the incredible plot twists and the clever and suspenseful mystery aspect, I also loved the character development in this book.

10000% recommend - everyone needs to go and read this series right now!

[Ivana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Garvie at his best!

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Garvie Smith crime buster that delivers in spades. The incorrigible Garvie is just too smart for his trainers. A constant frustration to his mum, and Raminder Singh, the local detective, Garvie has his finger on the pulse, and is invaluable in solving the latest crime, which begins with the disappearance of teenager, Amy Roecastle.
Fast paced and action packed, humorous and realistic, this latest book leaves me wanting another instalment soon.

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant book in the Garvie Smith series. Fabulous writing and action packed story

[Greenglasses · Rating 4 out of 5]

it was good but I had to give it back to my friend, will eventually finish reading it.

dnfed about 30% through

[Wendy Bamber · Rating 4 out of 5]

A welcome crime novel for young people and addition to the Garvie Smith series. Garvie is still incredibly frustrating to those around him, but he’s particularly bright and lazy at the same time, only doing exactly as he likes and with whom he likes. Smoking a bit less weed these days but still probably borderline suitable for my 13 year olds at school. Those I give them to like this series though and come back for more.

[HB · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was fine. There was a complex storyline, and I liked it, but the reason I deducted two stars is I could have done without much of the romance and curses and I also have a suggestion for a future book in this series (if this wasn't brought up by another reviewer and if it was, I'll emphasize it) smoking is bad for you. Why hasn't anyone told Gavie that?

So, acceptable overall but I feel like the author could have done a much better job.

[Frida · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first Garvie smith crime i read. And i really loved it.
All the characters had amazing character development, and really made story what it is. I think the relationship between Garvie and smudge was amazing. They just grew closer as the book goes on, and smudge made Garvie way more likable. This book had the biggest plot with so many connections between characters. I never got bored and tried to solve the crime myself too.

I absolutely recommended it to everyone!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in the Garvie Smith series and it was just as good as the first two. Excellent writing, well paced with a fantastic murder mystery and Scooby Sherlock. Loved it.

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Graine Milner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant addition to this excellent series. Garvie Smith is an entertaining character and the twisty plot will keep you guessing right to the end. Great fun!

[penmumble penmumble · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Garvie Smith novels just get better and better with each instalment.
I adore Garvie. He is such a clever combo of cold harshness with glimpses of a warm centre, arrogance and charm, fierce intelligence and curiosity. With each novel we are given just a little more of his sensitivity, but it’s well hidden, and so well written.
As always, the kind detective Singh shone; his character was so likeable and strong in this novel, and his relationship with Garvie excelled. In this story they almost seemed like, dare I say, friends?? It’s wonderful to read, and the twist regarding their relationship caught me off guard and delighted me!
A fantastic read and an unpredictable mystery. I highly recommend! :)

[Melinda Szymanik · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Its not perfect, but its just such an entertaining and enjoyable read. The writing and plotting are strong, and the characters well fleshed out and interesting. I would like a few more female characters tho, and I'm hoping there will be more Garvie Smith Mysteries to write them into.

[Daisy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing. I picked this book up less than 3 hours ago and it's now nearly 1 in the morning but I couldn't put it down. I remember searching monthly to see if there was another Garvie Smith book and found it but never got round to reading. I love this series and feel somewhat reminiscent of a life I haven't lived when reading them. The book ends openly enough for a fourth installment which I hope for so much. Simon Mason has done it again, outstanding novel with twists and turns throughout until the end. Interesting developments with Singh who I have grown to love too. The way Garvie tells him to watch out for the other copper, could the fourth book investigate his corruption? Without giving too much away, read the blurb and then read the book because you'll be blown away as with the previous two books in the Garvie Smith Mysteries.

[Rob · Rating 3 out of 5]

Top end of 3* again. As enjoyable as the second book but for different reasons which is nice, bit of variety. There was a lot of well written tension in this one which I loved and the dialogue was more quick witted. Different tone to the last book but what let it down was a slightly convoluted plot and not quite as much growth in the character/relationship arc as I'd hoped. There was some strong potential with Garvie/Singh for this series and I just don't think it went big or bold enough. Still a great time and an easy read though. Have enjoyed the series overall :)

[Carys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible!! This one was just as good as the last two!
Simon Mason has come back with something equally amazing yet entirely unique from his previous books.
If possible I love Garvie even more now! And his developing relationship with DI Singh.
As always, I was guessing right until the end and had several audible gasping moments.
Masterfully written, witty and clever- I will read these books forever on repeat!
Desperately hoping there’s a fourth book in the making. 🤞

[. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly, my reading taste has changed a lot over the corse of a year. I absolutely loved the first book, but the series kinda went downhill from then. The plot was still magnificent, but I still wasn’t as invested. It was kinda weird seeing garvie have feelings for someone as we’ve seen him as the “emotionless kid” throughout out the whole trilogy. I still recommend this book and series, I just wasn’t in the right mood to read it at the time.

[Reader · Rating 1 out of 5]

So so bad, there was VERY unnecessary romance and a plot twist that wasn’t impactful at all.
Not only that but the girl gets found like very soon in the book so honestly what’s the point of the book.
I only read this because I was basically forced to but if I could go back and choose another book I definitely would.

[Katelyn Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great story line but a bit slow for me personally compared to some of the other books I have read recently. All I would say is that no matter how many similaire books you have read you will never be able to work out the ending of this!

[Kafl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let's pretend I do - it'll save time...

Great line from Garvie Smith...well used too...
This is the third Garvie Smith mystery, i haven't read the first two yet, but i'll get to them
An enjoyable read about a young observant, utterly annoying and interfering sleuth.

[Bookwormbev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Garvie Smith, crime solving maths genius in his best case yet. These books are brilliant - clever plots, intriguing characters and Garvie being his infuriating yet strangely likeable self.
More, please.

[Sylvie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I reckon this might have been the best one in the whole series. That ending was actually quite sweet. Still perpetuating some mildly problematic stereotypes at times, and in need of a good edit, but sweet.

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quirky tale involving Garvie a savant and a cast of others who he solves, crime either with or despite. Enjoyable read. Complex maths formulas occur but do help the stoeryline along as they are explained.

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the book. Personnaly I love a book with multiple plot twists that are unexpected but yet so logical. In this book every time when you think you solved the case, you actually missed a lot and are far from the thruth.

[Salfaraz · Rating 5 out of 5]

You cant help but like Garvie, this is a good series, fun to read and well thought out. I hope there are more mysteries for Garvie to solve.

[Minou⁷ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best mystery series you can read! Very realistic, enigmatic and unexpected twists. I hope there will be a 4th book in this series!

[caitlin nash · Rating 5 out of 5]

thank you garvie, for recording your conversations. it’s so helpful.

[Jo Hebdon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this ahead of my twelve year old to check for suitability and quite happy to let him go ahead. A kind of teen version of Sherlock Holmes. Haven’t tried the others in the series yet

[thete_xx · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mochte ich sehr, besser als der zweite Teil. Nur habe ich mich spoilern lassen, weil ich den Klappentext gelesen habe und das ärgert mich bis heute XD