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Friday Barnes #9
No Escape
Friday Barnes is back with a new mystery to be solved.
It’s two years later . . .
Friday steps out of prison, a shell of her former self. She’s still wearing the same brown cardigan, but she swears she’s never solving mysteries again! Who is Friday kidding? She can’t suppress her brilliant deductive mind and is soon drawn back into the intrigues of Highcrest Academy.
Then Uncle Bernie rings, pleading with Friday to fly to Italy and help him protect the Uffizi Gallery from a team of art thieves – and she can’t say ‘no’ to family. Even if it means travelling to the city where Ian, her nemesis/ex-boyfriend is living.
Will Friday be able to protect Italy’s finest artworks? Will Melanie stay awake long enough to help her? And will Ian still be as gorgeous as a Greek god and twice as annoying?
It’s two years later . . .
Friday steps out of prison, a shell of her former self. She’s still wearing the same brown cardigan, but she swears she’s never solving mysteries again! Who is Friday kidding? She can’t suppress her brilliant deductive mind and is soon drawn back into the intrigues of Highcrest Academy.
Then Uncle Bernie rings, pleading with Friday to fly to Italy and help him protect the Uffizi Gallery from a team of art thieves – and she can’t say ‘no’ to family. Even if it means travelling to the city where Ian, her nemesis/ex-boyfriend is living.
Will Friday be able to protect Italy’s finest artworks? Will Melanie stay awake long enough to help her? And will Ian still be as gorgeous as a Greek god and twice as annoying?
256 pages, Paperback
Published February 2, 2021
41 people are currently reading
322 people want to read
About the author
R.A. Spratt
46 books364 followersR.A. Spratt is an award-winning author and television writer. She lives in Bowral, Australia with her husband and two daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
April 5, 2021
This is ninth in a series and it's kind of a break from that series as a lot of time and some trauma has happened since the last book. I'd recommend reading at least some of those for the relationship dynamics and to give you a better feel for where the characters are coming from in this story.
So I'll admit that the blurb's second line, "Friday steps out of prison, a shell of her former self." captured my attention and prompted me to buy it rather than put it off until my library acquired a copy. So Friday is fifteen and has spent eleven months in prison for a crime she planned but didn't commit. It turns out that another student in her criminology group was in a terrorist cell and passed one of her assignments off that then resulted in an actual attack. So Friday is more than a little fragile in this story, suffering the opposed emotions of being wrongfully imprisoned (exonerated, but with conditions) and still feeling really, really guilty for the pain and suffering.
And I wondered if this would be a bid to "level-up" Friday into YA rather than MG, but I don't think so. I mean, the same structure exists. And the same relation to reality (tenuous but not recklessly so). And some of the side characters (particularly the villains) get short-shrift in the characterization department. So it's more-or-less the same.
Only the core relationship dynamics are, in fact, leveled-up, I think. I mean, Melanie is more of an actual friend and support system. And Friday and Ian's relationship is more layered. And Uncle Bernie is more complex and not so much just "adult support for Friday's scheming". Indeed, I was delighted to see him as the competent investigator while still leaning on Friday's specialized skillset on occasion.
I was a bit worried that Friday's new aversion to detectiving was going to be a huge negative motivation* because, well, because it is one. But it didn't function that way because Spratt was careful to have the stakes ramped up so that plot still happened at its usual pace. Indeed, Friday's reluctance made for a great illustration of her inner compassion and care because detecting for the sake of detecting was no longer the driving force for her meddling into the affairs of others. That's kind of a brilliant move, I think, and worked out fantastically.
And the relationship with Ian played out on an interesting axis, too, as we find that Ian has moved on and has a new girlfriend. They're fifteen and haven't seen each other in two years, so that's not a huge surprise. I really liked how that was handled in the story, actually, though I'm not so sanguine about the bits that played into the plot. I do hope that the mystery of what happened to his letters gets some resolution in later volumes because I really want to know (though I'm not holding out a lot of hope for that as, hey, they're letters and who would you ask?)
So this was a great addition to the series, and I loved how things resolved. On all fronts, so five stars. I even liked the ending and can't wait to pick up the next one when it comes out (I'd say if, but the author has earned some faith at this point and she has indicated that there are more).
A note about Chaste: They're fifteen and featured in an MG novel. Of course there's no sex (please let that be an "of course"...). Some kissing, though, and that was fun.
* Negative Motivations: I kind of hate that the term "negative motivation" isn't widespread, yet. Since it isn't, I'm going to save off this little jag to append to my reviews that feature the term. Jennifer Crusie blogged about it a bit back (or, if that link doesn't work, here's a cache of the original) and it changed how I understand story. The problem with the term is that if you've never heard it before, you'd assume it meant motivations that are harmful or immoral. Not so. What it refers to is motivations not to do something. The thing is that many of us are motivated to not do things for a lot of different, perfectly valid and reasonable, reasons. The problem is that in a story motivations to not do things are a huge drag on the plot—particularly considering the fact that most negative motivations are overcome by the character simply deciding they don't care any more (or, rather, that they do care and are now motivated to do the thing). So not only do you have a counter to action but you also have a situation where to overcome it, all a character has to do is change their mind. Which means eventually, the reader is rooting for the character to get over him/herself already and do the thing we want them to do. Conflict drives story. Conflict between a reader and a main character drives readers away from story.
So I'll admit that the blurb's second line, "Friday steps out of prison, a shell of her former self." captured my attention and prompted me to buy it rather than put it off until my library acquired a copy. So Friday is fifteen and has spent eleven months in prison for a crime she planned but didn't commit. It turns out that another student in her criminology group was in a terrorist cell and passed one of her assignments off that then resulted in an actual attack. So Friday is more than a little fragile in this story, suffering the opposed emotions of being wrongfully imprisoned (exonerated, but with conditions) and still feeling really, really guilty for the pain and suffering.
And I wondered if this would be a bid to "level-up" Friday into YA rather than MG, but I don't think so. I mean, the same structure exists. And the same relation to reality (tenuous but not recklessly so). And some of the side characters (particularly the villains) get short-shrift in the characterization department. So it's more-or-less the same.
Only the core relationship dynamics are, in fact, leveled-up, I think. I mean, Melanie is more of an actual friend and support system. And Friday and Ian's relationship is more layered. And Uncle Bernie is more complex and not so much just "adult support for Friday's scheming". Indeed, I was delighted to see him as the competent investigator while still leaning on Friday's specialized skillset on occasion.
I was a bit worried that Friday's new aversion to detectiving was going to be a huge negative motivation* because, well, because it is one. But it didn't function that way because Spratt was careful to have the stakes ramped up so that plot still happened at its usual pace. Indeed, Friday's reluctance made for a great illustration of her inner compassion and care because detecting for the sake of detecting was no longer the driving force for her meddling into the affairs of others. That's kind of a brilliant move, I think, and worked out fantastically.
And the relationship with Ian played out on an interesting axis, too, as we find that Ian has moved on and has a new girlfriend. They're fifteen and haven't seen each other in two years, so that's not a huge surprise. I really liked how that was handled in the story, actually, though I'm not so sanguine about the bits that played into the plot. I do hope that the mystery of what happened to his letters gets some resolution in later volumes because I really want to know (though I'm not holding out a lot of hope for that as, hey, they're letters and who would you ask?)
So this was a great addition to the series, and I loved how things resolved. On all fronts, so five stars. I even liked the ending and can't wait to pick up the next one when it comes out (I'd say if, but the author has earned some faith at this point and she has indicated that there are more).
A note about Chaste: They're fifteen and featured in an MG novel. Of course there's no sex (please let that be an "of course"...). Some kissing, though, and that was fun.
* Negative Motivations: I kind of hate that the term "negative motivation" isn't widespread, yet. Since it isn't, I'm going to save off this little jag to append to my reviews that feature the term. Jennifer Crusie blogged about it a bit back (or, if that link doesn't work, here's a cache of the original) and it changed how I understand story. The problem with the term is that if you've never heard it before, you'd assume it meant motivations that are harmful or immoral. Not so. What it refers to is motivations not to do something. The thing is that many of us are motivated to not do things for a lot of different, perfectly valid and reasonable, reasons. The problem is that in a story motivations to not do things are a huge drag on the plot—particularly considering the fact that most negative motivations are overcome by the character simply deciding they don't care any more (or, rather, that they do care and are now motivated to do the thing). So not only do you have a counter to action but you also have a situation where to overcome it, all a character has to do is change their mind. Which means eventually, the reader is rooting for the character to get over him/herself already and do the thing we want them to do. Conflict drives story. Conflict between a reader and a main character drives readers away from story.
March 22, 2021
‘I’m giving that up,’ said Friday.It’s been two years since we last saw Friday and the years haven’t been kind to her. When we meet up with her again she’s just been released from “the country’s highest security juvenile detention facility”, having spent eleven months imprisoned there.
‘What?’ asked Melanie.
‘Private detection, solving mysteries, that stuff,’ said Friday. ‘I’m not going to do that anymore.’
In that time Binky has graduated (I miss him already!) but Melanie is still at Highcrest Academy and she has held onto Friday’s green pork-pie hat. Melanie might be a great napper but she also knows her best friend can’t stay away from solving mysteries for long.
Thanks to Parker, who was at Highcrest Academy all along but still seems like a replacement Binky to me, Friday is soon investigating the case of the missing passport and missing underwear. She also has an appointment with the school counsellor.
‘Are you going to psychoanalyse me based on my literary preferences?’Uncle Bernie, Ian, Ian’s mother and Friday’s new cousin are still in Italy. Uncle Bernie needs Friday’s help so it’s lucky that there’s a school excursion to Italy that Friday can join. Melanie’s coming too and as usual she constantly reminded me why I love her.
‘I know you feel scared right now because you’re out of practice at being brave. But I’m your best friend, so I know for a fact that you can do this because you’re the bravest person I’ve ever met.’For someone who spends most of the book sleeping, she manages to snag some really good lines.
Once they’re all in Italy, Friday has plenty of mysteries to investigate, including the case of the gelato rivals, the mysteriously malfunctioning water heater and the potential theft of priceless artefacts from museums. There are nuns and tourist attractions and the opportunity to say things like:
‘It’s an urgent matter of national historic importance.’It was really good to get to hang out with Ian again. He and Friday make a great team, even though they sometimes baffle one another.
‘I think you’re going to surprise me, by doing something unimaginable. You always do.’Friday has grown up a bit in the past two years but her time in Juvie has had a huge impact on her. She’s more fragile and vulnerable, and it’s sad to see her readjusting to real life again. At the same time, though, what she’s been through has made her more relatable to me. While I always loved her, in some of the earlier books it was easy to believe that almost nothing fazed her because she was so out of touch with her feelings.
‘I don’t understand why people do the things they do. I just know what I’ve read in books.’I’m so glad this series is continuing. I wish Friday had been there to model smart, socially awkward and loveable to me when I was a kid.
I’m rounding up from 4.5 stars.
Blog - https://schizanthusnerd.com
May 28, 2022
ahh, I really loved it! It's funny, lighthearted, and overall such a wholesome read.
I was really nervous to pick it up because these books have become my comfort series and I didn't want to ruin that, but it was honestly super enjoyable! I didn't realise how much I missed these characters in the past 2 years but seeing them on paper again genuinely made my chest ache. I've been following this series since I was 10 and watching everyone mature and grow alongside me has been really comforting; this book was actually published on my fifteenth birthday and reading that Friday also just turned fifteen was oddly special. I've definitely formed an emotional attachment to these characters haha. Anyway, a must-read for anyone looking for some fun wholesome middle-grade fiction.
I was really nervous to pick it up because these books have become my comfort series and I didn't want to ruin that, but it was honestly super enjoyable! I didn't realise how much I missed these characters in the past 2 years but seeing them on paper again genuinely made my chest ache. I've been following this series since I was 10 and watching everyone mature and grow alongside me has been really comforting; this book was actually published on my fifteenth birthday and reading that Friday also just turned fifteen was oddly special. I've definitely formed an emotional attachment to these characters haha. Anyway, a must-read for anyone looking for some fun wholesome middle-grade fiction.
July 12, 2023
This was wonderful! It's been years since the last book and surprisingly the story was really easy to get back into. I had almost forgotten how much I adore Friday and Ian and Melanie and I am so hyped for the next one. Also the humour is perfect once again. I love it.
March 15, 2021
So fun to be back with Friday & friends.
This was as fun and funny and lighthearted as all previous books. It was sad to see Friday so dejected at the beginning but I love how her brain just started problem-solving even though she didn’t want it to. I wish my brain would do that.
Melly Pelly was a highlight; always very funny. Ian & Friday’s interactions were great, and I loved the way they relationship progressed.
I loved that it was set in Italy. The descriptions of the setting were lacking a bit, but I guess that’s to be expected in a middle-grade. I do wish we’d seen the inside of the Leaning Tower. That’s only my life’s dream 😭
Overall, very fun, very smart. I can’t wait to introduce this series to my nephews and niece. I hope they love it.
This was as fun and funny and lighthearted as all previous books. It was sad to see Friday so dejected at the beginning but I love how her brain just started problem-solving even though she didn’t want it to. I wish my brain would do that.
Melly Pelly was a highlight; always very funny. Ian & Friday’s interactions were great, and I loved the way they relationship progressed.
I loved that it was set in Italy. The descriptions of the setting were lacking a bit, but I guess that’s to be expected in a middle-grade. I do wish we’d seen the inside of the Leaning Tower. That’s only my life’s dream 😭
Overall, very fun, very smart. I can’t wait to introduce this series to my nephews and niece. I hope they love it.
March 13, 2021
actually an eccellent continuation of the series, friday and the story have both matured. loved where friday and ian’s relationship went. will be reading the next one
March 26, 2021
The start was rocky and sad. It was sad to read that Friday had gone to prison for 11 months and her detective character had gone. I was heartbroken to hear that Friday and Ian were broken up but it all lined up in the end as they had a romantic kiss! Now I have to wait another year for the next one. I’ll be looking forward to it!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2021
Absolutely amazing!!!!!! A literary masterpiece. The drama. The romance. A great build off on the series. Highly recommend 5/5 stars
February 14, 2021
It was enormous fun to be back with Friday and all her friends. I read the first 8 books of the series a few years ago as these books were some of the most popular in the school library where I work. They were hardly ever on the shelves and I wanted to know why. Now, I'm hooked so as soon as this one turned up, I grabbed it.
Friday is older now, 15, and she's had some life experiences that have unsettled her. After getting out of prison and returning to Highcrest, she's soon on her way to Italy to help her Uncle Bernie, now Ian's stepdad. She quickly comes back to full strength, her powers of observation and deductive reasoning refusing to stop even though she wants to.
As she begins sorting out everyone's problems, solving the everyday mysteries and conundrums that surround her, there's also the bigger issue of just how Ian feels about her. And how does she feel about him? The emotional growth of Friday is one of the best things about these books and Melanie Pelly is a wonderful side-kick who guides Friday with her astute observations.
I'd recommend reading the other books before this one, just because they're so much fun and it will all make more sense if you do!
Friday is older now, 15, and she's had some life experiences that have unsettled her. After getting out of prison and returning to Highcrest, she's soon on her way to Italy to help her Uncle Bernie, now Ian's stepdad. She quickly comes back to full strength, her powers of observation and deductive reasoning refusing to stop even though she wants to.
As she begins sorting out everyone's problems, solving the everyday mysteries and conundrums that surround her, there's also the bigger issue of just how Ian feels about her. And how does she feel about him? The emotional growth of Friday is one of the best things about these books and Melanie Pelly is a wonderful side-kick who guides Friday with her astute observations.
I'd recommend reading the other books before this one, just because they're so much fun and it will all make more sense if you do!
September 16, 2021
4.5 stars.
This was the cutest and fluffiest thing ever and I liked how it focused on the character's and their relationships. It was nice that they were all older than me as well. I really felt for Friday and when she was having a panic attack and Ian helped her calm down that's now a favourite scene.
Random things:
- Friday having periodic table pj's is the best thing ever I want a pair now
- Would like some more Bella and Ian scenes together please
- I love the direction the plot is going in, like secret undercover spy agency tracking down sketchy people?? Please that's so fun and nostalgic (yes I'm looking at you EJ12 and Max Remy)
- The last line holy moly when Friday goes "I hate you" to Ian then kisses him my enemies to lovers heart is happy
- I think hurt/comfort with panic attacks and kissing to provide a distraction so they don't get caught in their mission are now my new two favourite niche tropes
This was the cutest and fluffiest thing ever and I liked how it focused on the character's and their relationships. It was nice that they were all older than me as well. I really felt for Friday and when she was having a panic attack and Ian helped her calm down that's now a favourite scene.
Random things:
- Friday having periodic table pj's is the best thing ever I want a pair now
- Would like some more Bella and Ian scenes together please
- I love the direction the plot is going in, like secret undercover spy agency tracking down sketchy people?? Please that's so fun and nostalgic (yes I'm looking at you EJ12 and Max Remy)
- The last line holy moly when Friday goes "I hate you" to Ian then kisses him my enemies to lovers heart is happy
- I think hurt/comfort with panic attacks and kissing to provide a distraction so they don't get caught in their mission are now my new two favourite niche tropes
November 1, 2021
I absolutely loved it. It was very easy to ease back into, considering the break there had been since the last book. Although the reason behind why Friday got arrested was slightly confusing, everything was built so well. Especially, Ian and Friday. Friday’s sort of like trauma I guess really added to the plot and their relationship which I adored. Absolutely can’t wait for the next book and I’m really excited to see if Friday takes the offer. (She probably will) I hope it will add another side to Ian and Friday’s relationship so ahhhhhh.
March 9, 2021
So good! I read the whole book in one day because I could NOT put it down!
November 8, 2021
amazing five stars #frian
July 8, 2024
Aw. This one was great! After 8 books it was definitely time for a change of scene.
February 10, 2022
I got the ebook copy of No Escape as my birthday gift, and I can vouch I was ecstatic! Honestly I was terrified when I heard that Never Fear would be the final book of the series, as I wasn't ready for this series to end yet.
Just like any other Friday Barnes book, I loved it. Here is a basic summary:
Continuing on from Friday and Ian's separation from the book hitherto, Friday has lost contact with Ian after he went to Italy. But coincidentally they meet again when Friday goes to Italy as a part of Highcrest's field trip. Things get messy though when Friday realises he has a girlfriend, despite their blooming romance.
I enjoyed this book a crazy lot, mainly because I adore R.A Spratt's humour and style of writing. There wasn't a single scene in the book I found boring. Thing had become significantly more dramatic than before (Ian, Melanie and Friday being scouted by Interpol etc) but that's also a factor that makes this book so loveable, since it's such a good escape from reality. Reading about Friday's yet again spontaneous journeys was geniunely relaxing and entertaining.
Just like any other Friday Barnes book, I loved it. Here is a basic summary:
Continuing on from Friday and Ian's separation from the book hitherto, Friday has lost contact with Ian after he went to Italy. But coincidentally they meet again when Friday goes to Italy as a part of Highcrest's field trip. Things get messy though when Friday realises he has a girlfriend, despite their blooming romance.
I enjoyed this book a crazy lot, mainly because I adore R.A Spratt's humour and style of writing. There wasn't a single scene in the book I found boring. Thing had become significantly more dramatic than before (Ian, Melanie and Friday being scouted by Interpol etc) but that's also a factor that makes this book so loveable, since it's such a good escape from reality. Reading about Friday's yet again spontaneous journeys was geniunely relaxing and entertaining.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2024
Friday Barnes 9: No Escape by R.A. Spratt is a delightful continuation of the beloved detective series. This book sees Fridays enjoyment in even more complex and high-stake mysteries that showcase her keen brain and helpful resources. The plot is well-paced, balancing the suspense and humour, keeping readers engaged from start to end.
Friday's character development is impressive, with her relationships with friends and family adding depth and romance to the story. Spratt's trademark humour shines through the whole book, providing plenty of laugh-out-loud moments alongside the tense detective work.
Themes of friendship, Love, and Peace are woven seamlessly into the book, encouraging readers to think creatively and notice the value of loyalty. Spratt's writing is engaging and vivid, making it easy to become immersed in Friday's world.
Overall, Friday Barnes 9: No Escape is a must-read for fans of the series and newcomers alike, offering a perfect blend of mystery, humour, and heart. Highly recommended for anyone who loves a clever and captivating mystery.
Friday's character development is impressive, with her relationships with friends and family adding depth and romance to the story. Spratt's trademark humour shines through the whole book, providing plenty of laugh-out-loud moments alongside the tense detective work.
Themes of friendship, Love, and Peace are woven seamlessly into the book, encouraging readers to think creatively and notice the value of loyalty. Spratt's writing is engaging and vivid, making it easy to become immersed in Friday's world.
Overall, Friday Barnes 9: No Escape is a must-read for fans of the series and newcomers alike, offering a perfect blend of mystery, humour, and heart. Highly recommended for anyone who loves a clever and captivating mystery.
January 13, 2023
anyone afraid of friday barnes not being the same after a smol time jump....... should not be afraid! there's nothing to be worried about. absolutely nothing. the fabulous timeless friday barnes charm isn't going ANYWHERE. and yes, in case you cannot tell, I am THRILLED about that. Simply thrilled.
Did I mention I LOVE this series? Seriously. I don't know how famous it is, but however famous it is, it needs MORE recognition. Why amn't I seeing friday barnes billboards anywhere? Or like idk the fan groups of millions it deserves. Truly. No exaggeration. This series is BEAUTIFUL. Everyone should read it. It makes my face hurt from smiling. The humour. Chef's kiss.
This all applies to book 9 AND 10. I read them in one sitting after getting from the library. Can't wait for the next one. Keep going R.A Spratt, you are an icon, we love you!
Did I mention I LOVE this series? Seriously. I don't know how famous it is, but however famous it is, it needs MORE recognition. Why amn't I seeing friday barnes billboards anywhere? Or like idk the fan groups of millions it deserves. Truly. No exaggeration. This series is BEAUTIFUL. Everyone should read it. It makes my face hurt from smiling. The humour. Chef's kiss.
This all applies to book 9 AND 10. I read them in one sitting after getting from the library. Can't wait for the next one. Keep going R.A Spratt, you are an icon, we love you!
June 13, 2022
This Friday Barnes was not the Friday Barnes that I remembered from forever ago, and I was devastated. What happened? Friday has been through so many adventures and kept her resolve, to come back like this is shattering. I persevered in my reading and what changes have been wrought in this world!
Thank goodness for Melody. In her steady, sleepy, irresistible way, Melody steers Friday back on track. (As does a crisis from her Uncle's art gallery in Italy.) Like it or not, Friday is sent along with her former classmates on a path toward mysteries, intrigue, and really excellent gelato. The path of true love, and this story, does not run smoothly. Friday and Ian meet again. We finally find explanations and a terrific conclusion.
Thank goodness for Melody. In her steady, sleepy, irresistible way, Melody steers Friday back on track. (As does a crisis from her Uncle's art gallery in Italy.) Like it or not, Friday is sent along with her former classmates on a path toward mysteries, intrigue, and really excellent gelato. The path of true love, and this story, does not run smoothly. Friday and Ian meet again. We finally find explanations and a terrific conclusion.
July 13, 2022
I love Friday Barnes books because they have a lot of mysteries and I like books like that. It was actually one of my brothers friends that got me started on Friday Barnes. I was looking at there bookshelf and noticed the books series and asked if I could have a look at them,I started reading the first page and I really liked it so when we got home I asked my mum if I could get the book and read it and she said yes so the next day we went to the bookshop and got the book,it was the best time of my life reading the book I was so engaged in the book it didn’t take me long to finish it and after I finished it I just wanted the next one and since then I have just been reading and they are so thrilling and exiting and have so much interesting stuff and the books are really entertaining.
July 5, 2022
I absolutely love this series ♥️
For some reason I missed this book when it was released. I knew it was coming in ‘21 but I never got my hands on a copy.
At first I was soo confused, I couldn’t remember what had happened or why so I had to reread book #8 to get a firmer grasp on the context.
The relationship between Ian and Friday and well as Melanie and Friday is adorable and makes me adore this series even more. It’s so cute to see how Ian and Friday have grown over the years, even if they are step cousins.., it’s fineeee
I’m 100% passing this series down to my kids (when I have them) 😅
For some reason I missed this book when it was released. I knew it was coming in ‘21 but I never got my hands on a copy.
At first I was soo confused, I couldn’t remember what had happened or why so I had to reread book #8 to get a firmer grasp on the context.
The relationship between Ian and Friday and well as Melanie and Friday is adorable and makes me adore this series even more. It’s so cute to see how Ian and Friday have grown over the years, even if they are step cousins.., it’s fineeee
I’m 100% passing this series down to my kids (when I have them) 😅
November 9, 2021
I had thought that the Friday Barnes series was over, so this was a nice surprise.
I didn't necessarily find it as totally great as previous stories, though. It was still great, don't get me wrong, just not as great as other books in the series.
I am looking forward to book 10!
Some of the references (the teacher's behaviour for example) felt a little inappropriate for the target reading age...
The ending was very much like the ending of the latest Wells and Wong/Murder most unladylike .
I didn't necessarily find it as totally great as previous stories, though. It was still great, don't get me wrong, just not as great as other books in the series.
I am looking forward to book 10!
Some of the references (the teacher's behaviour for example) felt a little inappropriate for the target reading age...
The ending was very much like the ending of the latest Wells and Wong/Murder most unladylike .
June 27, 2022
Though the start was a bit off, the story itself wraps back on who Friday and her friends are. Readers see how her time in the juvenile detention center changed her. Yes, she is working on letting emotions out but the terrorist aspect was not well done.
I still gave it four stars as the remainder of the book turned back to where the series has been and launched it in a new direction too. Most of the book takes place in Italy in the art world though it is solving a heist involving Galileo's telescope lens that brings everything together.
I still gave it four stars as the remainder of the book turned back to where the series has been and launched it in a new direction too. Most of the book takes place in Italy in the art world though it is solving a heist involving Galileo's telescope lens that brings everything together.
August 3, 2025
Love this book series! I read them over the summer holidays years ago, since my sister owned the first 8 books, and ever since I've read them over and over again. I fell in love with Friday's personality and nerdy comments, let alone how sisterly and funny Melanie seems, and don't get me started on Ian. It's written well with small details that tie together the whole mystery, making it seem well thought out. Defiantly my favorite book series!
February 14, 2021
This book was so amazing how should I even start. Firstly I’m so glad that the series has been continued, it broke my heart when never fear ended. Secondly, new Friday and Ian content, sign me up please. On top of all of that a mystery in Italy what more could you want? For anyone reading this, read this series you won’t regret it I promise.
March 5, 2021
Though I am coming into this series late, I can honestly say that this could easily become one of my favourites. With the Sherlock Holmes vibes and the focus on deductive reasoning, you will thoroughly enjoy this light-hearted middle grade mystery!
Thank you @puffinbooksaus and @penguinkidsaustralia for gifting me a copy of this to read!
Thank you @puffinbooksaus and @penguinkidsaustralia for gifting me a copy of this to read!
September 27, 2024
Spratt's Jacks #22
Friday Barnes #9
Another cracking yarn featuring the master detective Friday Barnes!
Set two years after the previous book, we actually see characters age which is brilliant to see.
The book has heart, humour and a great story.
It looks like it is going in an interesting direction now, and things are changing, and becoming very interesting indeed!
Friday Barnes #9
Another cracking yarn featuring the master detective Friday Barnes!
Set two years after the previous book, we actually see characters age which is brilliant to see.
The book has heart, humour and a great story.
It looks like it is going in an interesting direction now, and things are changing, and becoming very interesting indeed!
March 21, 2021
Fantastic return of the girl detective we know and love. After a short spell in a detention centre for an act of terrorism she didn't commit, our favourite sleuth is free and it doesn't take long for a crime to need her attention. Great to have you back Friday!
January 18, 2023
This is definitely my favourite book in the series😄 I love all the books in the series, they make me read them from the minute I wake up to 1 am the next day but this particular book is the most dramatic, thrilling and exciting book in the series.
March 5, 2021
A delightful, funny instalment in a favourite series. Friday is such a unique character, it’s lovely to see a neurodivergent brain celebrated! 💜
August 22, 2021
Absolutely can't wait for the next one!!
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