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Sisters Eight #2
Durinda's Dangers
A rather large problem has befallen the Huit girls. (Sisters, actually. Octuplets to be exact.) One particular New Year’s Eve, the girls wait for their mommy to bring them hot chocolate and their daddy to return with more wood for the fire. But they don’t. Mommy and Daddy, that is. They’re gone. Poof! Maybe dead—no one knows for sure.
You must see the problem here. Eight little girls on their own, no mommy or daddy to take care of them. This is not a good thing.
So now these little girls, must take care of themselves. Get to school, cook the meals, feed the cats (eight of them, too), and pay the bills. They can’t ask for help, oh no. Any self-respecting adult would surely call in social services, and those well-meaning people would have to split them up. After losing their parents, being split up would be completely unbearable.
At the same time, the question happened to Mommy and Daddy? The Sisters Eight (as they are called, affectionately and otherwise) are determined to find out. Luckily, they do seem to have someone or something helping them. Notes keep appearing behind a loose brick in the fireplace.
It’s a good old-fashioned mystery with missing (or dead) parents, nosy neighbors, talking refrigerators, foul-smelling fruitcake (is there any other kind?), and even a little magic. Eight little girls, eight cats, and one big mystery—let the fun begin!
Durinda’s Dangers, wherein Durinda, second in line, discovers her power and gift. Boy, is her power a doozy!
You must see the problem here. Eight little girls on their own, no mommy or daddy to take care of them. This is not a good thing.
So now these little girls, must take care of themselves. Get to school, cook the meals, feed the cats (eight of them, too), and pay the bills. They can’t ask for help, oh no. Any self-respecting adult would surely call in social services, and those well-meaning people would have to split them up. After losing their parents, being split up would be completely unbearable.
At the same time, the question happened to Mommy and Daddy? The Sisters Eight (as they are called, affectionately and otherwise) are determined to find out. Luckily, they do seem to have someone or something helping them. Notes keep appearing behind a loose brick in the fireplace.
It’s a good old-fashioned mystery with missing (or dead) parents, nosy neighbors, talking refrigerators, foul-smelling fruitcake (is there any other kind?), and even a little magic. Eight little girls, eight cats, and one big mystery—let the fun begin!
Durinda’s Dangers, wherein Durinda, second in line, discovers her power and gift. Boy, is her power a doozy!
128 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
44 people are currently reading
280 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Baratz-Logsted
54 books469 followersLauren grew up in Monroe, CT, where her father owned a drugstore at which her mother was the pharmacist. She is a graduate of the University of Connecticut at Storrs, where she majored in psychology. She also has what she calls her “half-Masters” in English from Western Connecticut State University (five courses down, another five to go…someday!).
Throughout college, she worked semester breaks as a doughnut salesperson, a job that she swears gave her white lung disease from all the powdered sugar she breathed.
Upon graduation, she began work at the venerable independent spacebookseller, now sadly defunct as such, Klein’s of Westport. There, she bought and sold for the better part of 11 years.
In November 1994, Lauren left the bookstore to finally take a chance on herself as a writer. Success did not happen over night. Between 1994 and May 2002 – when Red Dress Ink called with an offer to buy THE THIN PINK LINE – Lauren worked as a book reviewer, a freelance editor and writer, and a window washer, making her arguably the only woman in the world who has ever both hosted a book signing party and washed the windows of the late best-selling novelist Robert Ludlum.
Since Red Dress Ink’s call in 2002, Lauren has been kept very busy with writing more novels and checking her Amazon ranking on a daily basis. She still lives in Danbury, with her husband and daughter, where she has lived since 1991.
In addition to writing, Lauren’s daughter keeps her busy, accounting for the rest of her time.
Lauren’s favorite color is green.
Lauren’s favorite non-cat animals are penguins.
Lauren wants you to know that, however you are pronouncing her last name, you are probably pronouncing it wrong.
Throughout college, she worked semester breaks as a doughnut salesperson, a job that she swears gave her white lung disease from all the powdered sugar she breathed.
Upon graduation, she began work at the venerable independent spacebookseller, now sadly defunct as such, Klein’s of Westport. There, she bought and sold for the better part of 11 years.
In November 1994, Lauren left the bookstore to finally take a chance on herself as a writer. Success did not happen over night. Between 1994 and May 2002 – when Red Dress Ink called with an offer to buy THE THIN PINK LINE – Lauren worked as a book reviewer, a freelance editor and writer, and a window washer, making her arguably the only woman in the world who has ever both hosted a book signing party and washed the windows of the late best-selling novelist Robert Ludlum.
Since Red Dress Ink’s call in 2002, Lauren has been kept very busy with writing more novels and checking her Amazon ranking on a daily basis. She still lives in Danbury, with her husband and daughter, where she has lived since 1991.
In addition to writing, Lauren’s daughter keeps her busy, accounting for the rest of her time.
Lauren’s favorite color is green.
Lauren’s favorite non-cat animals are penguins.
Lauren wants you to know that, however you are pronouncing her last name, you are probably pronouncing it wrong.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
November 5, 2012
Reviewed by Sarah Bean the Green Bean Teen Queen for TeensReadToo.com
The Sisters Eight - Annie, Durinda, Georgia, Jackie, Marcia, Petal, Rebecca, and Zinnia - are back, and things are getting stranger!
It's been a month since Mommy and Daddy disappeared. With Valentine's Day coming up, the girls have their hands full with a lovelorn talking fridge and making the best Valentine's Day cards for Will to see which sister he loves best.
The sisters are still searching for their powers and gifts. Being the next in line, this time it's Durinda's turn. But Durinda's power turns out to be a dangerous one - and she's not sure she can handle it!
THE SISTERS 8 is my favorite new tween series. The story keeps getting better and I love how funny and witty the books are. The sisters are a fun, eccentric family, and I wish I could spend a day with them. I think Zinnia is becoming my favorite sister and I have to think that maybe her cat-talking talent shouldn't be ignored!
If you have tweens or know tweens, then get THE SISTERS 8 in their hands now - they're sure to love it. Kudos to this family of authors for writing another fun adventure!
The Sisters Eight - Annie, Durinda, Georgia, Jackie, Marcia, Petal, Rebecca, and Zinnia - are back, and things are getting stranger!
It's been a month since Mommy and Daddy disappeared. With Valentine's Day coming up, the girls have their hands full with a lovelorn talking fridge and making the best Valentine's Day cards for Will to see which sister he loves best.
The sisters are still searching for their powers and gifts. Being the next in line, this time it's Durinda's turn. But Durinda's power turns out to be a dangerous one - and she's not sure she can handle it!
THE SISTERS 8 is my favorite new tween series. The story keeps getting better and I love how funny and witty the books are. The sisters are a fun, eccentric family, and I wish I could spend a day with them. I think Zinnia is becoming my favorite sister and I have to think that maybe her cat-talking talent shouldn't be ignored!
If you have tweens or know tweens, then get THE SISTERS 8 in their hands now - they're sure to love it. Kudos to this family of authors for writing another fun adventure!
January 29, 2011
I haven't read a chapter book since my first Katie Kazoo read, and let me tell you this book was just as good in its own way.
The voice(s) were light and pretty distinctive. The story had a beat to it which in my opinion is good if you want readers of that age to keep reading and not give up on your story.
The antagonist was so perfectly typical (not in a bad way) that I found myself chuckling when I was reading some of the "situations" the Wicket got into. This is definitely the type of character I would get all exited about if I've read the book when I was a kid.
I was impressed as to how the author was able to make all the sisters voice their opinions on a matter, by taking meaningful turns and not making the dialogue heavy. Now you might come across the occasional:
"..." said Annie,
"..." said Georgia,
"..." said Jackie,
and so on, from older sister to youngest Zinnia. While it "might" feel daunting (if you're an adult) reading, I just thought it was the loveliest thing ever. You know how kids get at that age :)
I highly recommend it and I say: "don't do like I did, start with book one". It would be a lot more fun that way, with all the clues and stuff.
The voice(s) were light and pretty distinctive. The story had a beat to it which in my opinion is good if you want readers of that age to keep reading and not give up on your story.
The antagonist was so perfectly typical (not in a bad way) that I found myself chuckling when I was reading some of the "situations" the Wicket got into. This is definitely the type of character I would get all exited about if I've read the book when I was a kid.
I was impressed as to how the author was able to make all the sisters voice their opinions on a matter, by taking meaningful turns and not making the dialogue heavy. Now you might come across the occasional:
"..." said Annie,
"..." said Georgia,
"..." said Jackie,
and so on, from older sister to youngest Zinnia. While it "might" feel daunting (if you're an adult) reading, I just thought it was the loveliest thing ever. You know how kids get at that age :)
I highly recommend it and I say: "don't do like I did, start with book one". It would be a lot more fun that way, with all the clues and stuff.
June 26, 2010
I loved the first book and eagerly opened this second volume. This time around it's Durindas turn to discover her power. She has the ability to freeze most people in place for some amount of time (ranging from seven minutes to almost an hour), and others not at all. Her cat Dandruff, has also developped this power. The antics with Wickett continue, as does Pete's saving them in the nick of time. Valentine's Day rolls around and the girls all jealously make Will valentine's and demand to know whose he likes the best. Will says their all perfect and the girls fall a little more in love with him. The Huit sisters also figure out the pattern of gaining their powers, so we all know Georgia is up next. Zinnia is terribly put out, since if the rate is one a month and the order is by birth, she won't get her power till August!
Once again a hilarious and great read. Highly recommend it.
Once again a hilarious and great read. Highly recommend it.
December 28, 2014
The story continues just as wonderfully in Book 2! The fantstical imaginings are very engaging and the mystery and adventures are really expanding nicely. The dialogue is still wonderfully witty. And there is a great "Mary Poppins" twist in this story that is very endearing and brings a bit more "magic" into the storyline. Also, the powers that the sisters are discovering are taking more shape and their charcaters are developing nicely. It is a lot of fun discovering more about them.
On to Book 3!
On to Book 3!
December 17, 2025
ugh love these girls and their personalities and hehehe the seasonal rooms. noStaLgiAAaA
March 10, 2021
I really enjoyed reading this book and I was fascinated by all of the events that has happened in this book. The sisters have to face so many obstacles but with Durinda's new power she found, they can get through so much more. My favorite part is when the enemy The Wicket breaks into their house, causing the 8 sisters to break into hers using the help of Durinda's power. They then find her diary and after set up a trap for her. That causes her to go to Bejing, China. thinking that their mom is there. The sisters aIso get smarter in this book and start to notice patterns in the way each of them finds their gift and power. I can't wait to read the next book of this series and these books are always leaving me wanting to know what will come up next.
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January 7, 2013Durinda's Dangers By Lauren Baratz-Logsted, Greg Logsted, and Jackie Logsted
Adventure
120 pages
Durinda's Dangers is the second book in the sisters eight series. In this book, Durinda is the telling story and she is also the second oldest next to Annie. The girls parents are still missing or dead. Durinda finds her power. She can freeze stuff by patting her leg three times and sharply pointing at someone or something and saying, “You. Shut. Up.” All is going well for the parent less children, until Carl the talking refrigerator that mommy invented started to leak. He could not keep anything cold either. The girls asked him what his problem was and it was a funny one for a refrigerator. The robot maid Betty doesn’t notice him so the talking refrigerator is heartbroken. The girls call over the nice mechanic, Pete and he helped heart broken Carl get his love, Betty. The nasty Wicket, or the girls neighbor, has been trying to sneak into the Huit (sister’s) house. She has been trying to steal a top-secret folder from the girls mother. The smart children trick the wicket into going to Beijing. Within an hour she was leaving to find this special something. The girls invite their Friend Will to come and play at their house he learns all the secrets the girls have been holding. He promises to keep them a secret. Lastly, Durinda found her gift. It is a beautiful pair of green earrings. For now the Huit girls are safe at home and now have a friend that they can talk to about anything. I give this book four stars because it is attention getting and you cannot set the book down. But if younger kids read this, they might be influenced in a bad but very funny way. No kid should be breaking into their neighbors house or going parent less. Especially not eating pink frosting whenever they want. I find this book and series funny, inspiring, and attention getting.
Adventure
120 pages
Durinda's Dangers is the second book in the sisters eight series. In this book, Durinda is the telling story and she is also the second oldest next to Annie. The girls parents are still missing or dead. Durinda finds her power. She can freeze stuff by patting her leg three times and sharply pointing at someone or something and saying, “You. Shut. Up.” All is going well for the parent less children, until Carl the talking refrigerator that mommy invented started to leak. He could not keep anything cold either. The girls asked him what his problem was and it was a funny one for a refrigerator. The robot maid Betty doesn’t notice him so the talking refrigerator is heartbroken. The girls call over the nice mechanic, Pete and he helped heart broken Carl get his love, Betty. The nasty Wicket, or the girls neighbor, has been trying to sneak into the Huit (sister’s) house. She has been trying to steal a top-secret folder from the girls mother. The smart children trick the wicket into going to Beijing. Within an hour she was leaving to find this special something. The girls invite their Friend Will to come and play at their house he learns all the secrets the girls have been holding. He promises to keep them a secret. Lastly, Durinda found her gift. It is a beautiful pair of green earrings. For now the Huit girls are safe at home and now have a friend that they can talk to about anything. I give this book four stars because it is attention getting and you cannot set the book down. But if younger kids read this, they might be influenced in a bad but very funny way. No kid should be breaking into their neighbors house or going parent less. Especially not eating pink frosting whenever they want. I find this book and series funny, inspiring, and attention getting.
April 28, 2012
This is the second book in the Sisters Eight series by Lauren Baratz-Logsted, Greg Logsted, and Jackie Logsted. Our oldest daughter discovered the first book of this series recently at our local library and fell in love immediately. She's already in the middle of the third book and I'm just trying to catch up.
I found the story to be strange, but interesting and I can see that this series would appeal to a young elementary school-age child just getting into reading longer chapter books. The story occasionally interacts with the reader, usually foreshadowing dramatic parts that will follow later in the book. The book has a suspenseful and mysterious plot and I think that the series will keep my oldest enthralled the whole way through. The stories have a pattern that is both predictable (it's even mentioned in the story) and reassuring. In each book, one of the eight girls discovers her power and gets a gift within the span of a month - the series order goes from the oldest to the youngest octuplet. This story has a Valentine's Day theme as it occurs in February. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series and discussing the stories with our oldest.
interesting quote:
"How could I like one of you more than the others?" Will went on. "It would be like asking me to name my favorite star in the night sky." (p. 100)
I found the story to be strange, but interesting and I can see that this series would appeal to a young elementary school-age child just getting into reading longer chapter books. The story occasionally interacts with the reader, usually foreshadowing dramatic parts that will follow later in the book. The book has a suspenseful and mysterious plot and I think that the series will keep my oldest enthralled the whole way through. The stories have a pattern that is both predictable (it's even mentioned in the story) and reassuring. In each book, one of the eight girls discovers her power and gets a gift within the span of a month - the series order goes from the oldest to the youngest octuplet. This story has a Valentine's Day theme as it occurs in February. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series and discussing the stories with our oldest.
interesting quote:
"How could I like one of you more than the others?" Will went on. "It would be like asking me to name my favorite star in the night sky." (p. 100)
March 14, 2017
Both my daughters love this new series starring eight eight-year-old sisters, mystery, adventure, and a huge dose of humor. The Huit sisters live in an unusual house, shared with eight unusual cats. In the way of multiples, the sisters find ways to distinguish themselves from one another, and Baratz-Logsted has done a brilliant job of imagining the conflicts and the joys of sisterhood. The set-up allows for each sister to discover a new and unexpected capacity within herself.
This time it's Durinda's turn to discover her talent. And it's Valentine's day.
Highly recommended to fans of The Penderwicks, Nancy Drew, Scooby Doo, and any child who's ever thought about what it would be like without those parents around.
This time it's Durinda's turn to discover her talent. And it's Valentine's day.
Highly recommended to fans of The Penderwicks, Nancy Drew, Scooby Doo, and any child who's ever thought about what it would be like without those parents around.
April 28, 2014
We are still going strong on the Sisters Eight which has to be a record. I appreciate the short chapters which means that I can read just one if we have a late night or extend it to two if I don't have my act together. Also the story is simple enough for the six year old to follow but complex enough for the nine year old.
Durinda was the focus of this one and her power was more magical than Annie's ability to be a first born and write a check. Durinda can freeze people by tapping her leg three times and pointing her finger.
We have book three all lined up and ready to go for tomorrow night.
Durinda was the focus of this one and her power was more magical than Annie's ability to be a first born and write a check. Durinda can freeze people by tapping her leg three times and pointing her finger.
We have book three all lined up and ready to go for tomorrow night.
June 1, 2016
A cute, pleasingly silly, and entertaining book about eight sisters - octuplets - trying to hide the fact that their parents have disappeared under mysterious circumstances. The girls are determined to solve the mystery while remaining together in their own home, with their eight cats, their lovesick talking refrigerator, and their robotic maid, but without adult supervision. Meanwhile, they realize one by one that each sister possesses some sort of superpower. Part of a series, this book is filled with clever wordplay, outrageous situations, and great fun for young readers, along the same lines as Lemony Snicket's "A Series of Unfortunate Events."
July 30, 2009
We're moving on to book 3 and Annabelle's still LOVING these. I find the author's need to include ALL 8 sister's input in every piece of dialogue in the book to be SUPER exhausting, Mindi said.
"I agree", said Durinda.
"Oh me too", Georgia enthusiastically replied.
"Yep, yep," Annie affirmed.
"Absolutely!" Zinnia agreed, wholeheartedly.
"Indeed" replied a timid Jackie...
etc. etc. etc.
Exhausting.
But the story is not too creepy for Annabelle, and a fun little mystery that's managing to keep me on board.
"I agree", said Durinda.
"Oh me too", Georgia enthusiastically replied.
"Yep, yep," Annie affirmed.
"Absolutely!" Zinnia agreed, wholeheartedly.
"Indeed" replied a timid Jackie...
etc. etc. etc.
Exhausting.
But the story is not too creepy for Annabelle, and a fun little mystery that's managing to keep me on board.
October 30, 2014
Similar to the first book, it's full of silliness, with Zinnia (the youngest sister) whines and cries at the end of the book. Still, this is a fun light reading for me. The cats make it more fun and amusing.
Though the readers are tempted to be guessing about what kind of power and gift the sisters will discover next--and they are going to do with it, I find myself being cool about it. Let's see what they have in store in the third book.
Though the readers are tempted to be guessing about what kind of power and gift the sisters will discover next--and they are going to do with it, I find myself being cool about it. Let's see what they have in store in the third book.
July 14, 2012
I loved the book almost as much as the first book! I like how Durinda can freeze her sisters except for Zinnia, which I thought was very weird. My favorite part was when the sisters went to "The Wickets" house to search it and froze her on the front doorstep. I like the earrings Durinda got as her gift but owwwww!, since she stepped on them in their four season room, when she was playing volleyball!!!
September 14, 2012
On January 1st Annie, Durinda, Georgia, Jackie, Marcia, Petal, Rebecca, and Zinnia’s mommy and daddy went missing. While Mommy is making eggnog, and Daddy is collecting fire wood, they mysteriously disappear. Octuplets all alone! In order to find Mommy and Daddy they must discover their powers. In book one Annie’s Adventures Annie finds her power and gift, super smarts and a purple ring. Wait for Durinda’s, hers is a dozy!
January 30, 2013
I chose to read this because one of our patrons loves the series. While a little predictable for adults, pre-teens will love the premise of 8 sisters (octuplets!) whose genius parents vanish, or are dead. The sisters discover their seemingly magical talents while trying to take care of themselves and keep the authorities from discovering they are all alone. Lots of wacky situations and silly school predicaments.
March 21, 2011
In this book 2 from the Sisters 8 series, the second oldest sister finds her power and gift. The sisters decide to share their situation with a couple of people. The story takes place in the month of February, with an emphasis on Valentine's Day. I'm predicting that the next book will take place in March and with the third oldest sister. We still don't know what happened to their parents!
April 15, 2014
Still big fans of these 8 sisters and they have become so popular that we're including them in regular family conversation. I really like the cats but my 10-year old daughter is a bigger fan of the girls themselves. She finds the sisters very easy to relate to and the unusual nature of their lives - missing but unusual parents - is also appealing.
February 12, 2013
First book I read of the series, and believe it or not, I didn't feel lost. The eight sisters are united, more than ever since their parents have gone missing. Making this a wonderful sibling book.
January 16, 2018
Plugging through this series. I recommended it to one of my fourth graders after reading the first one, and she has now surpassed me by reading all of them! I'll get through them all eventually. I liked this one a little more than the first since Durinda's "power" was a little more exciting.
April 23, 2018
This is such a hilarious addictive series, short and sweet and to the point, and certainly to a formula, but with such great humour at its centre and things slowly being revealed it is a great read. The question is who is actually narrating the tale?
July 22, 2018
I really think Durinda’s power is awesome ! To be able to freeze people,the sisters have so many great ability’s to solve a great mystery with so far two powers and great information to see who stole their parents. In the series the sisters eight is so far a great series.
September 9, 2013
Like the other books in this series, this is simply amazing. I just love how the author made the epilogue "talk" to us, and how each sister was different.
November 15, 2013
durinda's power is awesome. she can freeze people.
September 10, 2014
Another fun "Sisters Eight" book. This one was about Durinda finding her power, and her cat, of course.
April 13, 2019
I’m not completely sold on this series, but I’m still listening to the pitch.
January 23, 2020
4.5/5
Fun powers and the sisters are all fun in their own way. Less saying "God" which is much appreciated. On to the next one!
Fun powers and the sisters are all fun in their own way. Less saying "God" which is much appreciated. On to the next one!
October 22, 2023
This book is the last time the series is more mundane. That’s a tough thing to say about a series where seven-year olds get superpowers, but the later books introduce long-lost relatives and mad science gadgets and things like that. This one is more grounded, where the sisters, especially Durinda, have to deal with the Wicket (the Karen) and Valentine’s Day love problems. These girls are all seven, and they are all in love with Will Simms. Well, he is the only boy in their class.
Durinda is seemingly sweet and motherly but tough underneath that core. Her power is to freeze people, and it is put to good use. This book also displays gender roles issues with Durinda’s character. She is described as the “mom” of the group, and accordingly, she cooks and acts motherly. Sometimes it feels like all the trauma of the others is put into Durinda, and she has to perform all this emotional labor.
This book is relatively boring compared to other books in this series. Durinda is a boring character compared to the others, although she is pretty good in hindsight when I’m reviewing all these. However, this book has some issues and is pretty average. At least I learned the word “doozy” from it.
Awards for Durinda:
Most likely to be a tradwife.
Most likely to snap (other sisters have already snapped).
Most underrated.
Will probably be a famous social media chef in adulthood.
Durinda is seemingly sweet and motherly but tough underneath that core. Her power is to freeze people, and it is put to good use. This book also displays gender roles issues with Durinda’s character. She is described as the “mom” of the group, and accordingly, she cooks and acts motherly. Sometimes it feels like all the trauma of the others is put into Durinda, and she has to perform all this emotional labor.
This book is relatively boring compared to other books in this series. Durinda is a boring character compared to the others, although she is pretty good in hindsight when I’m reviewing all these. However, this book has some issues and is pretty average. At least I learned the word “doozy” from it.
Awards for Durinda:
Most likely to be a tradwife.
Most likely to snap (other sisters have already snapped).
Most underrated.
Will probably be a famous social media chef in adulthood.
September 2, 2018
This book was funny, and my children want to continue reading the series. However, they were constantly frustrated with how stupid the sisters seemed in this book. Why not use Durinda’s freezing power to give them a chance to make the valentines they forgot about? Doesn’t it seem obvious that zinnia really is communicating with the cats? My son almost wanted to stop reading, not just abandon the series, but without even finishing the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 24, 2025
Sisters Eight nostalgia read continues! Durinda gets her power and she can freeze people (and Dandruff the cat can do the same with the cats). The plot of this book was a little slower but still entertaining nonetheless and worth getting a Hoopla account for.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews