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The Adventures of the Flash Gang: Episode One: Exploding Experiment
That brief, blinding dazzle? The blue smudge and lingering stink? The Flash Gang has struck again! They are the most notorious thieves in Pittsburgh, food-stealing crooks the police and newspapers say are highly trained and very dangerous. But eleven-year-old Lewis Carter isn’t a thief, he’s just homeless and hungry. The Flash is a recipe he invented from bits of his missing father’s scientific research. He uses it to pinch his dinners. It’s been going pretty well, until now…Now his recipe is stolen, and he is in the clutches of some rather nasty people. Enter tutu-wearing, starry-eyed, and all around extraordinary (she will tell you) Pearl Alice Clavell. She is on a mission to uncover a Nefarious Deed she’s convinced involves the Flash Gang. Rescuing Lewis is right up her alley. Truth is, a Nefarious Deed is afoot, one that threatens the entire country. It will take Lewis and Pearl joining forces to save the recipe and themselves against an enemy who will stop at nothing, including kidnapping, and, very possibly, murder.
- GenresMiddle GradeMystery
212 pages, Paperback
Published March 21, 2023
1910 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 20, 2022
What worked:
Lewis is immediately cast as a sympathetic character due to being a streeter, not an orphan, in 1935 Pittsburgh. It’s not his fault that his father disappears, leaving Lewis to fend for himself, and Lewis has done quite well so far. The whole city is unaware that he alone is the notorious Flash Gang and he finds humor when others exaggerate his escapades. He uses the Recipe to distract store owners while stealing food to feed himself and to donate to St. Patrick’s soup kitchen. He lives in an abandoned factory and is constantly on the lookout for coppers who might dump him in an orphanage. Dangerous people are hunting for him so readers will root for this underdog character living on the streets.
The plot reads like a mystery as Lewis slowly discovers clues about his missing father and the Recipe. The Recipe mixes two ingredients to cause a bright flash of disorienting light but some bad people plan to add a third ingredient to make it more powerful. A large man kidnaps Lewis after demanding the boy hand over the piece of paper in his pocket. Lewis has no idea how the man knows his name, knows he’s the Flash Gang, and knows that he holds the Recipe. A girl named Pearl shares information about her aunt’s involvement with the bulldog (the hired kidnapper) and it just creates more questions for Lewis. He doesn’t believe his father is dead so maybe he’s been kidnapped too. His father can’t be part of the Nefarious Deed that Pearl keeps talking about, can he?
The show-stopper in the book is Pearl, although it’s difficult to get a true understanding of her character early on. She helps Lewis escape after he’s captured but he can’t find a way to get rid of her and her aggravating personality. She exaggerates (maybe lies) quite a bit so readers will have trouble figuring out her background. Lewis certainly does. She claims to be a kidnapped heiress whose father is off on an adventure somewhere in the world although she can’t remember where. Her bright pink tutu makes it hard to stay inconspicuous and her enthusiastically loud voice is a problem when trying to sneak around. Pearl is a rabid fan of a weekly radio show and fancies herself as an astute detective. Lewis tells her his name but she calls him Sir Nigel throughout, referring to a character in the program. Her quirky enthusiasm and tendency for hyperbole and drama add refreshing humor and color to the engaging plot.
What didn’t work as well:
Pearl’s mistaken assumptions and a tendency for hyperbole make the underlying events more challenging to decipher. Some of her statements are based on facts so readers will need to use their deductive reasoning to blend her thoughts with Lewis’s observations. Successful readers will slowly piece together the puzzle and solve the mystery of the Nefarious Deed.
The Final Verdict:
Lewis and Pearl form an unlikely pair but their colorful relationship is extremely entertaining. The mystery surrounding the Recipe will intrigue readers and the chases and skirmishes with dangerous criminals add to the excitement. I highly recommend you give this book a shot.
Lewis is immediately cast as a sympathetic character due to being a streeter, not an orphan, in 1935 Pittsburgh. It’s not his fault that his father disappears, leaving Lewis to fend for himself, and Lewis has done quite well so far. The whole city is unaware that he alone is the notorious Flash Gang and he finds humor when others exaggerate his escapades. He uses the Recipe to distract store owners while stealing food to feed himself and to donate to St. Patrick’s soup kitchen. He lives in an abandoned factory and is constantly on the lookout for coppers who might dump him in an orphanage. Dangerous people are hunting for him so readers will root for this underdog character living on the streets.
The plot reads like a mystery as Lewis slowly discovers clues about his missing father and the Recipe. The Recipe mixes two ingredients to cause a bright flash of disorienting light but some bad people plan to add a third ingredient to make it more powerful. A large man kidnaps Lewis after demanding the boy hand over the piece of paper in his pocket. Lewis has no idea how the man knows his name, knows he’s the Flash Gang, and knows that he holds the Recipe. A girl named Pearl shares information about her aunt’s involvement with the bulldog (the hired kidnapper) and it just creates more questions for Lewis. He doesn’t believe his father is dead so maybe he’s been kidnapped too. His father can’t be part of the Nefarious Deed that Pearl keeps talking about, can he?
The show-stopper in the book is Pearl, although it’s difficult to get a true understanding of her character early on. She helps Lewis escape after he’s captured but he can’t find a way to get rid of her and her aggravating personality. She exaggerates (maybe lies) quite a bit so readers will have trouble figuring out her background. Lewis certainly does. She claims to be a kidnapped heiress whose father is off on an adventure somewhere in the world although she can’t remember where. Her bright pink tutu makes it hard to stay inconspicuous and her enthusiastically loud voice is a problem when trying to sneak around. Pearl is a rabid fan of a weekly radio show and fancies herself as an astute detective. Lewis tells her his name but she calls him Sir Nigel throughout, referring to a character in the program. Her quirky enthusiasm and tendency for hyperbole and drama add refreshing humor and color to the engaging plot.
What didn’t work as well:
Pearl’s mistaken assumptions and a tendency for hyperbole make the underlying events more challenging to decipher. Some of her statements are based on facts so readers will need to use their deductive reasoning to blend her thoughts with Lewis’s observations. Successful readers will slowly piece together the puzzle and solve the mystery of the Nefarious Deed.
The Final Verdict:
Lewis and Pearl form an unlikely pair but their colorful relationship is extremely entertaining. The mystery surrounding the Recipe will intrigue readers and the chases and skirmishes with dangerous criminals add to the excitement. I highly recommend you give this book a shot.
April 16, 2024
Step right up, dear readers, and prepare to be whisked away on a thrilling journey through the streets of Pittsburgh in "The Adventures of the Flash Gang: Episode One: Exploding Experiment" by S.J. Waugh and M.M. Downing! Set against the backdrop of a bustling city and a nefarious plot, this action-packed tale follows the unlikely duo of Lewis Carter and Pearl Alice Clavell as they embark on a daring adventure to uncover the truth and save the day.
At the heart of the story is the dynamic friendship between Lewis, a homeless and hungry eleven-year-old with a knack for invention, and Pearl, a tutu-wearing, starry-eyed girl on a mission to uncover a dastardly plot involving the supporters of New Germany. Despite their differences, Lewis and Pearl complement each other perfectly, their contrasting personalities adding depth and richness to the narrative.
The second part of the book is a whirlwind of excitement, reminiscent of an action-packed movie, with fast-paced scenes, strong imagery, and plenty of thrills to keep readers on the edge of their seats. As Lewis and Pearl race against time to thwart the nefarious plans of their adversaries, readers are treated to a rollercoaster ride of suspense and excitement, eagerly turning pages to uncover the next twist and turn.
Drawing on elements of historical fiction, the authors skillfully weave together a tale of intrigue and suspense that feels both authentic and engaging. As the mystery unfolds and the stakes grow higher, readers are drawn deeper into the world of the Flash Gang and the sinister forces at play.
Through teamwork, courage, and determination, Lewis, Pearl, and their friends prove that even the smallest among us can make a big difference in the fight against injustice.
In conclusion, "The Adventures of the Flash Gang: Episode One: Exploding Experiment" is a thrilling and captivating read that will appeal to readers of all ages. With its engaging characters, pulse-pounding action, and intriguing plot, it is sure to leave readers eagerly awaiting the next installment of Lewis and Pearl's adventures.
At the heart of the story is the dynamic friendship between Lewis, a homeless and hungry eleven-year-old with a knack for invention, and Pearl, a tutu-wearing, starry-eyed girl on a mission to uncover a dastardly plot involving the supporters of New Germany. Despite their differences, Lewis and Pearl complement each other perfectly, their contrasting personalities adding depth and richness to the narrative.
The second part of the book is a whirlwind of excitement, reminiscent of an action-packed movie, with fast-paced scenes, strong imagery, and plenty of thrills to keep readers on the edge of their seats. As Lewis and Pearl race against time to thwart the nefarious plans of their adversaries, readers are treated to a rollercoaster ride of suspense and excitement, eagerly turning pages to uncover the next twist and turn.
Drawing on elements of historical fiction, the authors skillfully weave together a tale of intrigue and suspense that feels both authentic and engaging. As the mystery unfolds and the stakes grow higher, readers are drawn deeper into the world of the Flash Gang and the sinister forces at play.
Through teamwork, courage, and determination, Lewis, Pearl, and their friends prove that even the smallest among us can make a big difference in the fight against injustice.
In conclusion, "The Adventures of the Flash Gang: Episode One: Exploding Experiment" is a thrilling and captivating read that will appeal to readers of all ages. With its engaging characters, pulse-pounding action, and intriguing plot, it is sure to leave readers eagerly awaiting the next installment of Lewis and Pearl's adventures.
June 5, 2023
A rollicking tale set in Pittsburg during the Great Depression. Lewis, a starving street boy who has to steal food, and Pearl, a runaway who believes a plot is afoot to destroy America, teams up to catch the bad guys. The plot moves through many narrow escapes toward the showdown. Many funny lines are sprinkled throughout. I enjoyed the book and my 9 year old nephew will also. Thanks so much
March 19, 2024
This is a great book set in the Great Depression in Pittsburgh. Lewis is not an orphan, he has a scientist father who has unfortunately gone missing. He runs into a girl named Pearl who starts to tag along with Lewis (she calls him Nigel). Pearl is convinced that her aunt is part of something nefarious! She’s also convinced that her aunt has hired the Flash Gang. Join Lewis and Pearl on this adventure to find out more about the Flash Gang, her evil aunt and if they find Lewis dad or not!
June 11, 2023
I received this book from the authors from goodreads. I enjoyed reading this book. It kept moving and was interesting. I will read the next book in this series.
November 16, 2023
It's 1935 and 11-year-old Lewis Carter is homeless and hungry. His scientist father has disappeared and the landlady put him out on the street; now he just has his wits and his dad's "recipe" - a little something Lewis pulled together from his father's research. The Recipe is a mixture that, when activated, causes a flash and leaves behind a lingering stink. When he needs to steal some food, he uses the Recipe, leading the newspapers and wagging tongues to make up stories about the villainous Flash Gang. It's all good for Lewis: who would suspect the quiet, asthmatic kid? Someone knows something, though, because Lewis is kidnapped and his Recipe is taken from him; rescued by a tutu-wearing girl named Pearl Alice Clavell, who seems to think she's living in a serial movie, Lewis has to figure out what really happened to his father, and what information Pearl may have that can help him. This first entry into a new series reads like a classic adventure serial, with fast-paced banter between hero and heroine and exaggerated baddies aplenty. The Depression-era Pittsburgh setting gives texture to the overall story, and the science-based subplot makes this a fun suggestion for STEM/STEAM reading lists.
May 17, 2023
Pittsburgh, 1935 — times are tough for everyone.
Lewis Carter considers himself a “Streeter” due to his living habits. He is trying to find his father, who left home for a meeting and has never come back. Lewis has chosen this life over being an orphan and being swept into that world. Lewis has created a place to sleep and be safe.
He also has a “trick” to help make it easier to pinch food. He has a recipe from his Dad that creates a blinding blue flash. It is a distraction and makes it hard for people to dee what’s going on around them. This gives him a cover to steal. Rumour is the flash is created by the Flash Gang when these thefts occur.
Lewis meets up with Pearl Alice Clavell one day. Pearl has styled herself after Lola Lavender, a radio show heroine. Pearl wears a pink tutu, pink ballet slippers and pink ribbons in her hair. She lives with her Aunt Gimlick, as her father is off exploring, but Pearl has no affection for her aunt and her aunt has no affection for Pearl and spends her time involved with the local Nazi movement.
Lewis is kidnapped by a bull man named Scruggs. Scruggs has been hired to find the red book that contains the recipes Lewis’ father has developed. Lewis’ father is a professor in Chemistry – explosives stuff.
Pearl steps up to rescue Lewis in her klutzy way. At first Lewis doesn’t want anything to do with Pearl, but in time finds Pearl to be dedicated to helping Lewis find his dad.
The story is full of action and adventure. Kidnapping, espionage, trust, support, independence and more are found woven into the book. There were times that were close calls — but all was good!
I received this through LibraryThing Early Readers.
Lewis Carter considers himself a “Streeter” due to his living habits. He is trying to find his father, who left home for a meeting and has never come back. Lewis has chosen this life over being an orphan and being swept into that world. Lewis has created a place to sleep and be safe.
He also has a “trick” to help make it easier to pinch food. He has a recipe from his Dad that creates a blinding blue flash. It is a distraction and makes it hard for people to dee what’s going on around them. This gives him a cover to steal. Rumour is the flash is created by the Flash Gang when these thefts occur.
Lewis meets up with Pearl Alice Clavell one day. Pearl has styled herself after Lola Lavender, a radio show heroine. Pearl wears a pink tutu, pink ballet slippers and pink ribbons in her hair. She lives with her Aunt Gimlick, as her father is off exploring, but Pearl has no affection for her aunt and her aunt has no affection for Pearl and spends her time involved with the local Nazi movement.
Lewis is kidnapped by a bull man named Scruggs. Scruggs has been hired to find the red book that contains the recipes Lewis’ father has developed. Lewis’ father is a professor in Chemistry – explosives stuff.
Pearl steps up to rescue Lewis in her klutzy way. At first Lewis doesn’t want anything to do with Pearl, but in time finds Pearl to be dedicated to helping Lewis find his dad.
The story is full of action and adventure. Kidnapping, espionage, trust, support, independence and more are found woven into the book. There were times that were close calls — but all was good!
I received this through LibraryThing Early Readers.
June 5, 2023
This review (along with an author top ten list!) and many https://feedyourfictionaddiction.com/... Your Fiction Addiction
I have to say that Exploding Experiment was a delightful surprise! I won’t lie–this isn’t my favorite cover (I think maybe it’s the typography?) and I’m the type of reader who unabashedly judges a book by its cover. But the endorsement from Ben Guterson got my attention, and I decided to take a chance and accept the book for review. And I’m so glad I did! I’ve been in a bit of a reading slump when it comes to anything besides graphic novels and verse novels lately (i.e. quick reads), but I picked this book up and didn’t have any desire to set it back down. In fact, I stayed up late to finish!
The story is set in the 1930s and follows Lewis, a boy who’s been living on the streets since his scientist father disappeared a few months ago. He’s been using his father’s experiment to create a diversion so he can steal enough to eat, and it’s become quite a sensation. Everyone assumes The Flash Gang (as it’s been dubbed) is associated with the mob. But when Lewis is kidnapped (and then escapes with the help of a girl named Pearl), he has to figure out why the bad guys are out to get him–and what other dastardly deeds they might be up to.
Pearl is my favorite character, as she’s wonderfully naive and ebullient. Her heightened sense of adventure raises the stakes for the reader as well. And the (grudgingly) growing friendship between Lewis and Pearl is sweet. The mystery itself was incredibly intriguing, and it goes in a direction I was definitely not expecting. Like I said, I wanted to keep reading until all was revealed in the end. Looks like I’ll have to wait a year for Episode Two: Treasonous Tycoon to come out, but it seems like it will be worth the wait!
***Disclosure: I received this book from the author via Media Masters Publicity so I could provide an honest review. No compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
I have to say that Exploding Experiment was a delightful surprise! I won’t lie–this isn’t my favorite cover (I think maybe it’s the typography?) and I’m the type of reader who unabashedly judges a book by its cover. But the endorsement from Ben Guterson got my attention, and I decided to take a chance and accept the book for review. And I’m so glad I did! I’ve been in a bit of a reading slump when it comes to anything besides graphic novels and verse novels lately (i.e. quick reads), but I picked this book up and didn’t have any desire to set it back down. In fact, I stayed up late to finish!
The story is set in the 1930s and follows Lewis, a boy who’s been living on the streets since his scientist father disappeared a few months ago. He’s been using his father’s experiment to create a diversion so he can steal enough to eat, and it’s become quite a sensation. Everyone assumes The Flash Gang (as it’s been dubbed) is associated with the mob. But when Lewis is kidnapped (and then escapes with the help of a girl named Pearl), he has to figure out why the bad guys are out to get him–and what other dastardly deeds they might be up to.
Pearl is my favorite character, as she’s wonderfully naive and ebullient. Her heightened sense of adventure raises the stakes for the reader as well. And the (grudgingly) growing friendship between Lewis and Pearl is sweet. The mystery itself was incredibly intriguing, and it goes in a direction I was definitely not expecting. Like I said, I wanted to keep reading until all was revealed in the end. Looks like I’ll have to wait a year for Episode Two: Treasonous Tycoon to come out, but it seems like it will be worth the wait!
***Disclosure: I received this book from the author via Media Masters Publicity so I could provide an honest review. No compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
May 5, 2023
Nefarious deeds, notorious thieves, set in 1930s Pittsburgh! The dynamic writing duo of Downing & Waugh (check out their charming and informative website) pulls of a twisty, action-paced, fast-paced mystery in absolutely gorgeous writing. There's also a serious underlying theme that has an eerie resonance for our current times. I was alternately laughing, frantically turning pages in suspense, and thinking deeply. This is both a wildly fun read and an important book. I can't wait to follow young Lewis Carter and Pearl Alice Clavell on their next two adventures in the series!
May 31, 2023
This is such a fun read for kids, and really for all ages. It's Pittsburgh in 1929, and after his father goes missing, Lewis Carter is fending for himself. When he's captured by one of the "burlies," all seems lost until Pearl Alice Clavell comes to the rescue wearing her pink tutu. The characters will win your heart and the action will keep you in suspense.
March 14, 2024
I love this book! From the very first pages, the characters and story captivate and enthrall. You find yourself rooting for the main characters, while living through history. What a vibrant, incredible world - and story!
December 5, 2024
So well done. I really enjoyed reading this novel set during the depression in Pittsburgh. The two main charachters are wonderful and interact in surprising ways. A fun read.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews