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The Dopple Ganger Chronicles #2
The Secret of Indigo Moon
From best-selling author G.P. Taylor comes the highly anticipated second installment of The Dopple Ganger Chronicles, a series that combines art and traditional text to help “reluctant readers” discover the wonder of books.
Erik Morissey Ganger, famed explorer and detective (well, in his dreams), and his mischief-making sidekicks, twins Sadie and Saskia Dopple, didn’t go looking for a secret tunnel beneath the school. They never intended to make the acquaintance of a shifty private eye with a nose for trouble. It wasn’t part of the plan to come face to face with an old enemy, one with an agenda of his own that could destroy them all. And unraveling the “secret of indigo moon” was the farthest thing from their minds.
At Isambard Dunstan’s School for Wayward Children, these things just seem to happen.
In The Secret of Indigo Moon , confirmed troublemakers Erik, Sadie, and Saskia plunge headlong into a new and perilous mystery, one that challenges everything they thought they knew about their lives, themselves, and whom it’s safe to trust.
Erik Morissey Ganger, famed explorer and detective (well, in his dreams), and his mischief-making sidekicks, twins Sadie and Saskia Dopple, didn’t go looking for a secret tunnel beneath the school. They never intended to make the acquaintance of a shifty private eye with a nose for trouble. It wasn’t part of the plan to come face to face with an old enemy, one with an agenda of his own that could destroy them all. And unraveling the “secret of indigo moon” was the farthest thing from their minds.
At Isambard Dunstan’s School for Wayward Children, these things just seem to happen.
In The Secret of Indigo Moon , confirmed troublemakers Erik, Sadie, and Saskia plunge headlong into a new and perilous mystery, one that challenges everything they thought they knew about their lives, themselves, and whom it’s safe to trust.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published August 31, 2009
15 people are currently reading
365 people want to read
About the author
G.P. Taylor
80 books192 followers (born 1958 in Scarborough, North Yorkshire), pen-name G.P. Taylor, is the author of the best-selling novels Shadowmancer, Wormwood and Tersias. Before taking up writing full-time, he was an Anglican vicar in the village of Cloughton, North Yorkshire.
His works reflect his faith, carrying Christian messages like The Chronicles of Narnia of C.S. Lewis. He began to write his works to counter the increasing number of works, such as Harry Potter and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, that he believed were encouraging children to investigate the occult. His works have also garnered some controversy however, because whilst Taylor has claimed to be "an authority on Wicca and paganism", his books have been considered offensive by some neopagans for describing them as being tricked by the Devil.
His works reflect his faith, carrying Christian messages like The Chronicles of Narnia of C.S. Lewis. He began to write his works to counter the increasing number of works, such as Harry Potter and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, that he believed were encouraging children to investigate the occult. His works have also garnered some controversy however, because whilst Taylor has claimed to be "an authority on Wicca and paganism", his books have been considered offensive by some neopagans for describing them as being tricked by the Devil.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
July 1, 2025
I’ll forever be captivated by the styling of these books. I cannot wait to share them with my boys when they’re old enough to enjoy reading longer novels.
They keep giving me inspiration to put my talents of sketching into my writing as well. Time to lock myself away and write a book for all of the teen readers. They need love too.
They keep giving me inspiration to put my talents of sketching into my writing as well. Time to lock myself away and write a book for all of the teen readers. They need love too.
May 19, 2011
Book: The Secret of the Indigo Moon
Author: G.P. Taylor
Reviewer: Sidne, the Book Club Reviewer
www.sidnebkclubreviewz.blogspot.com
April 2011
Summary- From best-selling author G.P. Taylor comes the highly anticipated second installment of The Dopple Ganger Chronicles, a series that combines art and traditional text to help “reluctant readers” discover the wonder of books.
Erik Morissey Ganger, famed explorer and detective (well, in his dreams), and his mischief-making sidekicks, twins Sadie and Saskia Dopple, didn’t go looking for a secret tunnel beneath the school. They never intended to make the acquaintance of a shifty private eye with a nose for trouble. It wasn’t part of the plan to come face to face with an old enemy, one with an agenda of his own that could destroy them all. And unraveling the “secret of indigo moon” was the farthest thing from their minds.
At Isambard Dunstan’s School for Wayward Children, these things just seem to happen.
In The Secret of Indigo Moon, confirmed troublemakers Erik, Sadie, and Saskia plunge headlong into a new and perilous mystery, one that challenges everything they thought they knew about their lives, themselves, and whom it’s safe to trust.
My Thoughts: This book has all kinds of surprises when you open its pages; Comic art, dark pages, fonts of various sizes that emphasized the storyline, characters that are amusing as well as a pretty good plot. The novel is intended for reluctant readers between the ages of 9-12yrs and I think they will definite enjoy the illustration throughout the book. I didn’t the mystery of the storyline was obvious which always makes for a good read. The only issue I have with the storyline is from a Christian perspective I don’t think the Christian theme is strong enough, as a matter of fact I wondered what was the theme of this story or was it just entertainment. I feel Christina writers should always present a strong theme that does not hide within the storyline but is the storyline especially authors that write for young children. Everything else about this book had good presentation but in my opinion it lacked a Christian message that I think should accompany Christian fiction. This book is placed on my bookshelf as a good read. (3.4 star)
Author: G.P. Taylor
Reviewer: Sidne, the Book Club Reviewer
www.sidnebkclubreviewz.blogspot.com
April 2011
Summary- From best-selling author G.P. Taylor comes the highly anticipated second installment of The Dopple Ganger Chronicles, a series that combines art and traditional text to help “reluctant readers” discover the wonder of books.
Erik Morissey Ganger, famed explorer and detective (well, in his dreams), and his mischief-making sidekicks, twins Sadie and Saskia Dopple, didn’t go looking for a secret tunnel beneath the school. They never intended to make the acquaintance of a shifty private eye with a nose for trouble. It wasn’t part of the plan to come face to face with an old enemy, one with an agenda of his own that could destroy them all. And unraveling the “secret of indigo moon” was the farthest thing from their minds.
At Isambard Dunstan’s School for Wayward Children, these things just seem to happen.
In The Secret of Indigo Moon, confirmed troublemakers Erik, Sadie, and Saskia plunge headlong into a new and perilous mystery, one that challenges everything they thought they knew about their lives, themselves, and whom it’s safe to trust.
My Thoughts: This book has all kinds of surprises when you open its pages; Comic art, dark pages, fonts of various sizes that emphasized the storyline, characters that are amusing as well as a pretty good plot. The novel is intended for reluctant readers between the ages of 9-12yrs and I think they will definite enjoy the illustration throughout the book. I didn’t the mystery of the storyline was obvious which always makes for a good read. The only issue I have with the storyline is from a Christian perspective I don’t think the Christian theme is strong enough, as a matter of fact I wondered what was the theme of this story or was it just entertainment. I feel Christina writers should always present a strong theme that does not hide within the storyline but is the storyline especially authors that write for young children. Everything else about this book had good presentation but in my opinion it lacked a Christian message that I think should accompany Christian fiction. This book is placed on my bookshelf as a good read. (3.4 star)
April 13, 2011
2nd in the series of The Dopple Ganger Chronicles,we pick back up with Eric Ganger and the Dopple twins at their home for wayward children. Eric as the only boy at the school (orphange) he has many responsibilities to watch over the girls of the school under the heavy hand of headmistress Miss Rimmer.
Something is awry when Eric hears noises in the night, discovers tunnels and secrets, and has to use his detective skills to find out what happened to the old headmistress Miss Olivia.
Subtle hints of an angel guiding one of the Dopple twins,and mention of "The Companion" who sent her, referring to God. Seeds planted for the non-Christian, nothing over preachy. If however you are looking for a character building,Christ centered tween novel, this is not the one to choose as it isn't a large part of the theme.
Fantastic novel and graphic novel combination. Geared for tween readers, maybe even the reluctant reader as GP Taylor weaves exciting text with comics,and graphics throughout the book. Captivating to the eye, that even my non readers wanted to 'read' it when it arrived.
Easy to jump into this 2nd novel without having read the 1st, but I will be finding the first for the children to read and enjoy
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers
Something is awry when Eric hears noises in the night, discovers tunnels and secrets, and has to use his detective skills to find out what happened to the old headmistress Miss Olivia.
Subtle hints of an angel guiding one of the Dopple twins,and mention of "The Companion" who sent her, referring to God. Seeds planted for the non-Christian, nothing over preachy. If however you are looking for a character building,Christ centered tween novel, this is not the one to choose as it isn't a large part of the theme.
Fantastic novel and graphic novel combination. Geared for tween readers, maybe even the reluctant reader as GP Taylor weaves exciting text with comics,and graphics throughout the book. Captivating to the eye, that even my non readers wanted to 'read' it when it arrived.
Easy to jump into this 2nd novel without having read the 1st, but I will be finding the first for the children to read and enjoy
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers
July 16, 2012
With one of these unique book/graphic novels under my belt, I was much more comfortable with the storytelling style. And author G.P. Taylor tells a good story with lots of adventure and intrigue and mystery. I was a little annoyed by the behavior and attitudes of twins Saskia and Sadie Dopple. They're sort of like bullies in their school. But throughout this book, they begin to change. Taylor has a definite Christian worldview message to offer but he doesn't clobber readers over the head with it. The changes in the characters are subtle, like salvation often is in real life.
Another great read. I was so eager to move onto the third one in the series that I picked it up and started reading right after I'd finished this one. No time to rest between books!
Another great read. I was so eager to move onto the third one in the series that I picked it up and started reading right after I'd finished this one. No time to rest between books!
July 3, 2021
I found this book better than the first of the series. It was nice to see the development of the theological aspects. It is a kind of book good to use with my children. We need all the Christian fantasy that we can find. C. S. Lewis, Tolkien, George MacDonald and Chesterton were brilliant Christian minds producing outstanding fictional books of fantasy; we need more and more, mainly nowadays, with a so ignorant, skeptical and stupid world. 😒
October 12, 2018
I am new to the world of developing a storyline that is partly pictorial and partly text. Reading The Secret of Indigo Moon, the second book of DG The Dopple Ganger Chronicles, introduced me to an adventurous drama of crime and separation with two identical twins, Saskia, and Sadie, along with an inspirational message of Christian hope woven in.
Beautifully written by the #1 New York Times Bestselling Author, G.P. Taylor, I soon discovered Mr. Taylor had a unique writing style of finding a good story and illustrating it with great visuals. This keeps young people happy and ignites them to read more. What a very successful idea, kind of a novel/comic book.
This book is a real page-turner with lots of twists and turns to spark your interest until the very end. If you have a juvenile reader with a short attention span, this is a great reading source for them. Read the chilling mystery of what became of Ms. Olivia, the previous school's administrator.
I especially love the relationships and funny dialogue between Erik, Sadie, and Saskia. The name Dorcas Potts, a 24-year-old American detective, cracks me up along with her sassy personality. And my favorite quote is on Page 190: "Sometimes to find wisdom you have to look beyond locked rooms."
If you are a fan of Bruce Willis, Batman and Laura Croft, you will LOVE reading about secret passageways, plus lots of disguises and cover-ups. I recommend The Secret of Indigo Moon to middle school students and their parents who like this style of literature.
Being a biker chic (a long time ago) and having played lots of rock music on the piano I can relate to some of the author's vision. Being a grandma of 4wonderful grandsons who love adventure, this will be an added plus to our reading library.
Beautifully written by the #1 New York Times Bestselling Author, G.P. Taylor, I soon discovered Mr. Taylor had a unique writing style of finding a good story and illustrating it with great visuals. This keeps young people happy and ignites them to read more. What a very successful idea, kind of a novel/comic book.
This book is a real page-turner with lots of twists and turns to spark your interest until the very end. If you have a juvenile reader with a short attention span, this is a great reading source for them. Read the chilling mystery of what became of Ms. Olivia, the previous school's administrator.
I especially love the relationships and funny dialogue between Erik, Sadie, and Saskia. The name Dorcas Potts, a 24-year-old American detective, cracks me up along with her sassy personality. And my favorite quote is on Page 190: "Sometimes to find wisdom you have to look beyond locked rooms."
If you are a fan of Bruce Willis, Batman and Laura Croft, you will LOVE reading about secret passageways, plus lots of disguises and cover-ups. I recommend The Secret of Indigo Moon to middle school students and their parents who like this style of literature.
Being a biker chic (a long time ago) and having played lots of rock music on the piano I can relate to some of the author's vision. Being a grandma of 4wonderful grandsons who love adventure, this will be an added plus to our reading library.
November 11, 2024
The Juvenile Fiction/Action & Adventure book, ´The Dopple Ganger Chronicles; The Secret Of Indigo Moon´ By G.P Taylor unveils a mysterious and intriguing story of Erik Morrissey Ganger and two identical twins, Saskia and Sadie Dopple who live in a place that´s both an orphanage and a school. Throughout the story the characters seem to have terrible habits of accidentally getting themselves into trouble with thieves and murderers. But this time when that happens they end up discovering the secret to a decade old mystery and coming face to face with their old enemy who´s set the murder them all. This book is the perfect fit for people who love mysteries and action scenes, interesting characters each with their own unique personality and backstory. The book in general was absolutely amazing to read and it's the perfect combination of a comic book and a graphic novel. I highly recommend this book.
February 29, 2020
This book was better than the first, maybe because the personalities of the characters have been established already. I enjoyed this book better because Erik has been given the limelight. It was so refreshing to read about this clever and resourceful young man. It’s a nice change from the troublesome twins.
May 3, 2022
Good sequel to the first book. I think story was a bit slower than the first book but nevertheless a fun read. The story in this book is more adventurous than it was in book one which I liked. Overall good book.
June 12, 2017
This book was basically a retelling of the first book, complete with a mad magician and a double cross from a trusted figure who also turns out to be a homicidal thief.
2.5
2.5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 3, 2018
the adventures are gettin more intense on this one 👯♀️💕 www.dopplegangerchronicles.com
March 20, 2019
It was soooo much better than the first book. But not enough to raise a star.
June 20, 2022
I bought it without knowing that was a second book.
I didn't read the first one but still... I really enjoyed it, was super fast reading...
A great adventure story that I want to continue
I didn't read the first one but still... I really enjoyed it, was super fast reading...
A great adventure story that I want to continue
June 26, 2024
he is not the cs Lewis of this generation. Gene Lien Yang is.
August 28, 2025
Good sequel to the first book. I enjoyed the storyline and illustrations as well.
June 7, 2014
Better than Book 1
The Dopple Ganger Chronicles is (currently) a three book series following the troublemaking Dopple twins and their friend Erik on happenstance adventures.
I chose these books to read as a part of the Tyndale Summer Reading Program because I was intrigued by the style of the books. These books are intended to help the reluctant reader learn to enjoy reading. I thought it was a great idea - part graphic novel, part regular novel...but how was the content?
Book 1: The First Escape
I was less than impressed with this book. While I loved the concept of the book layout, I did not like the fact that the Dopples were troublemakers who bullied their fellow orphans, and the only punishment they ever received was extreme, unjust, and from cruel headmistress.
Shouldn't we be teaching children how they ought to behave instead of giving them examples of bad behavior never handled appropriately? Where were the Christian values (after all, Tyndale is a Christian publishing company)?
It was also a strange book with a seance and creepy talking puppets. Thankfully, the hoax of it all is explained in the book, but it is not something I would want my young child to read. There is the unexplained very strange Madame Raphael (for whom more explanation is given in later books, but some things are just odd).
Also, the "mystery" wasn't what I expected. The book tells a story, but there's not much wondering whodunnit, or whosegonnadoit. Given the mixed style of the narrative, the book is much thinner than it appears (meaning the 200 some pages goes by fast). Overall, this is my least favorite of the DG Chronicles thus far.
Book 2: The Secret of Indigo Moon
My concerns about the twin's character, lack of showing what a family ought to be, and unfit punishment all remain for this second installment of the Dopple Ganger Chronicles. No creepy seances or talking puppets though - yay!
There is more of a mystery feel to this book, but the storyline is not complicated. NOTE: I do not expect a complex story line for these books, I recognize they are aimed at reluctant readers. They are, however, marketed for youth/young adult, and I feel the story line level is more suited to children in elementary school. Of course, older children could also enjoy these books - especially if they are not used to reading in the first place.
Madame Raphael continues to raise questions (it's stated in this book that she is probably an angel) - and while she talks of The Companion, the kids don't know The Companion, and pray to her in times of trouble. Even though Madame Raphael tells them to pray to The Companion, I think children are more likely to follow the characters lead, which is to pray to the angel (concerning).
Book 3: The Great Mogul Diamond
This book is my favorite thus far in the Chronicles. 1. Because most of my concerns from the previous two books are not present 2. Because we actually start learning more about The Companion and 3. There are ethical/moral questions raised that I think are good for youth to think about (like - is stealing ok to save someones life?)
Because of what G.P. Taylor did in this book, I'm reserving judgement for the series, but I am still extremely hesitant to say I recommend any of the books. I understand that he's probably trying to reach a broader-than-Christian audience and so slowly introducing Christian ideas into the series is likely to be more effective than jumping in midstream. If future books show continued character development and if they accurately incorporate Christian theology then I think this has the potential to be groundbreaking - and not just in terms of the illustronovella, which already is innovative and groundbreaking.
So I have mixed feelings about the Chronicles. My initial reaction to the first two books is tempered by the improved third book. One thing I would recommend for certain: read them in order. Otherwise, you're very likely to be lost.
The Dopple Ganger Chronicles is (currently) a three book series following the troublemaking Dopple twins and their friend Erik on happenstance adventures.
I chose these books to read as a part of the Tyndale Summer Reading Program because I was intrigued by the style of the books. These books are intended to help the reluctant reader learn to enjoy reading. I thought it was a great idea - part graphic novel, part regular novel...but how was the content?
Book 1: The First Escape
I was less than impressed with this book. While I loved the concept of the book layout, I did not like the fact that the Dopples were troublemakers who bullied their fellow orphans, and the only punishment they ever received was extreme, unjust, and from cruel headmistress.
Shouldn't we be teaching children how they ought to behave instead of giving them examples of bad behavior never handled appropriately? Where were the Christian values (after all, Tyndale is a Christian publishing company)?
It was also a strange book with a seance and creepy talking puppets. Thankfully, the hoax of it all is explained in the book, but it is not something I would want my young child to read. There is the unexplained very strange Madame Raphael (for whom more explanation is given in later books, but some things are just odd).
Also, the "mystery" wasn't what I expected. The book tells a story, but there's not much wondering whodunnit, or whosegonnadoit. Given the mixed style of the narrative, the book is much thinner than it appears (meaning the 200 some pages goes by fast). Overall, this is my least favorite of the DG Chronicles thus far.
Book 2: The Secret of Indigo Moon
My concerns about the twin's character, lack of showing what a family ought to be, and unfit punishment all remain for this second installment of the Dopple Ganger Chronicles. No creepy seances or talking puppets though - yay!
There is more of a mystery feel to this book, but the storyline is not complicated. NOTE: I do not expect a complex story line for these books, I recognize they are aimed at reluctant readers. They are, however, marketed for youth/young adult, and I feel the story line level is more suited to children in elementary school. Of course, older children could also enjoy these books - especially if they are not used to reading in the first place.
Madame Raphael continues to raise questions (it's stated in this book that she is probably an angel) - and while she talks of The Companion, the kids don't know The Companion, and pray to her in times of trouble. Even though Madame Raphael tells them to pray to The Companion, I think children are more likely to follow the characters lead, which is to pray to the angel (concerning).
Book 3: The Great Mogul Diamond
This book is my favorite thus far in the Chronicles. 1. Because most of my concerns from the previous two books are not present 2. Because we actually start learning more about The Companion and 3. There are ethical/moral questions raised that I think are good for youth to think about (like - is stealing ok to save someones life?)
Because of what G.P. Taylor did in this book, I'm reserving judgement for the series, but I am still extremely hesitant to say I recommend any of the books. I understand that he's probably trying to reach a broader-than-Christian audience and so slowly introducing Christian ideas into the series is likely to be more effective than jumping in midstream. If future books show continued character development and if they accurately incorporate Christian theology then I think this has the potential to be groundbreaking - and not just in terms of the illustronovella, which already is innovative and groundbreaking.
So I have mixed feelings about the Chronicles. My initial reaction to the first two books is tempered by the improved third book. One thing I would recommend for certain: read them in order. Otherwise, you're very likely to be lost.
April 7, 2021
*Special Content only on my blog, Strange and Random Happenstance during Going Gothic (October-December 2021)
It's a dark a stormy night when Erik Morissey Ganger leaves the safety of his bed at the Isambard Dunstan School for Wayward Children and goes to investigate a noise. While initially thinking it could be Sadie and Saskia Dopple playing a prank on him it's actually villains! And there's a secret tunnel! In the tunnel he finds a letter from the former headmistress, the one who had disappeared a year previously. But his "subtle" questioning of the cook the next day gets him nowhere, except reprimanded by the headmistress. Though despite investigating things he shouldn't the headmistress has a treat for him. There's a journalist from the newspaper who wants to interview him and the Dopple twins about their adventures at Muzz Elliott's house! Though Dorcas Potts might be there not just to interview the trio. She might be there to pick their brains about their next door neighbor, Lord Gervez, a man seldom seen who collects antiquities. Seeing as Dorcas is a crime writer, she warns the kids that villains will resort to anything, even murder. But could she be trying to solve a big case herself without interference from meddling children? And why have the kids spotted that villain Potemkin the potty magician about? Isn't he supposed to be in prison and not lurking about secret tunnels? Tunnels that might just lead to Lord Gervaz's house!?! Their meddling might just put them into more danger than ever before! Potemkin has plans to not just make off with antiquities but to avenge himself on the trio and he has created a macabre contraption at the Blue Moon Theatrical Supply building to do just that. Can they escape unharmed once more, uncover the secret of Indigo Moon, and figure out what it has to do with their former headmistress or are they doomed?
This is going to be a rant, so to clear the air first, I didn't hate this book, I thought the Indigo Moon/Inigo Jones architecture rife was cute. Though I really thought Inigo Jones was Indigo Jones, so apparently I should have paid more attention in art history because think of all the Inigo Montoya jokes I missed out on making! As for the religious bent this series is taking, well, it was kind of expected with Taylor being an Anglican vicar. But the sidelining of the girls wasn't cool. OK, release the rant! At the front of my copy there's all this praise for the series organized under different headings; "What Readers Are Saying," "What Teachers Are Saying," and "What Parents Are Saying." Now, I usually don't read the hype for books, which is a bit weird because it's my dream to have a pull quote from one of my reviews in a favorite author's book... but for some reason I did. I really shouldn't have because it soured my opinion of the whole series. This series was basically being booked as God's gift to reluctant readers. OK, I DO agree that as a bridge between comics and chapter books I think it will encourage hesitant readers to risk moving on from just comics, divine intervention or no. But they go on to say that G.P. Taylor has single-handedly created this new medium. WHAT!?! Um. So much no here. I was literally left speechless when I read this. I was also left speechless by the handle "illustra-novella." Whomever is trying to make that handle happen please kindly go die in a ditch. To put in mildly, no, G.P. Taylor did NOT create a new kind of book. Just no. I mean, what about picture books? What about illustrated classics? What about Brian Freakin' Selznick!?! Yes, I know what hype is, I'm not naive, but this was just too much. It strained credulity and negatively impacted the book.
It's a dark a stormy night when Erik Morissey Ganger leaves the safety of his bed at the Isambard Dunstan School for Wayward Children and goes to investigate a noise. While initially thinking it could be Sadie and Saskia Dopple playing a prank on him it's actually villains! And there's a secret tunnel! In the tunnel he finds a letter from the former headmistress, the one who had disappeared a year previously. But his "subtle" questioning of the cook the next day gets him nowhere, except reprimanded by the headmistress. Though despite investigating things he shouldn't the headmistress has a treat for him. There's a journalist from the newspaper who wants to interview him and the Dopple twins about their adventures at Muzz Elliott's house! Though Dorcas Potts might be there not just to interview the trio. She might be there to pick their brains about their next door neighbor, Lord Gervez, a man seldom seen who collects antiquities. Seeing as Dorcas is a crime writer, she warns the kids that villains will resort to anything, even murder. But could she be trying to solve a big case herself without interference from meddling children? And why have the kids spotted that villain Potemkin the potty magician about? Isn't he supposed to be in prison and not lurking about secret tunnels? Tunnels that might just lead to Lord Gervaz's house!?! Their meddling might just put them into more danger than ever before! Potemkin has plans to not just make off with antiquities but to avenge himself on the trio and he has created a macabre contraption at the Blue Moon Theatrical Supply building to do just that. Can they escape unharmed once more, uncover the secret of Indigo Moon, and figure out what it has to do with their former headmistress or are they doomed?
This is going to be a rant, so to clear the air first, I didn't hate this book, I thought the Indigo Moon/Inigo Jones architecture rife was cute. Though I really thought Inigo Jones was Indigo Jones, so apparently I should have paid more attention in art history because think of all the Inigo Montoya jokes I missed out on making! As for the religious bent this series is taking, well, it was kind of expected with Taylor being an Anglican vicar. But the sidelining of the girls wasn't cool. OK, release the rant! At the front of my copy there's all this praise for the series organized under different headings; "What Readers Are Saying," "What Teachers Are Saying," and "What Parents Are Saying." Now, I usually don't read the hype for books, which is a bit weird because it's my dream to have a pull quote from one of my reviews in a favorite author's book... but for some reason I did. I really shouldn't have because it soured my opinion of the whole series. This series was basically being booked as God's gift to reluctant readers. OK, I DO agree that as a bridge between comics and chapter books I think it will encourage hesitant readers to risk moving on from just comics, divine intervention or no. But they go on to say that G.P. Taylor has single-handedly created this new medium. WHAT!?! Um. So much no here. I was literally left speechless when I read this. I was also left speechless by the handle "illustra-novella." Whomever is trying to make that handle happen please kindly go die in a ditch. To put in mildly, no, G.P. Taylor did NOT create a new kind of book. Just no. I mean, what about picture books? What about illustrated classics? What about Brian Freakin' Selznick!?! Yes, I know what hype is, I'm not naive, but this was just too much. It strained credulity and negatively impacted the book.
July 16, 2013
The Secret of Indigo Moon is the 2nd book in the Dopple Ganger Series. Erik, Sadie, and Saskia live in an orphanage and they have a knack of stumbling into mystery and danger. This time, Erik wakes in the night by a loud noise. He follows the noise to a tunnel where he sees two burglars and there, he finds a note by Olivia, the former headmistress of the orphanage, who mysteriously disappeared. The next morning, he tells Sadie and Saskia of his night-time adventure and the note. Before they could discuss it further, the headmistress calls Erik into her office and tells him not to mention Olivia ever again and to let him know that he and the twins are going to be interviewed for the newspaper. The Dopple girls and Erik are interviewed by Dorcas Platt, who is a detective. After the interview, the three snoop on the detective and they see her enter the home next door, which is owned by a reclusive rich man who was robbed the same night that Olivia disappeared. Shortly after they observe this, Sadie and Saskia overhear a chilling call that Miss Rimmer, the headmistress, made to a unknown caller. Believing that Miss Rimmer was involved with the disappearance of Olivia and the burglars, the twins and Erik decide to explore the tunnels at night. Unfortunately, the night they explore the tunnels, they happen to run into the burglars and the chaos begins. Saskia is taken unbeknownst to the burglars and Erik and Sadie must rescue her. While trying to get Saskia back, they meet the reclusive rich man next door and get caught by the burglars. However, they did manage to free Saskia from the coffin she hid in and together, the three of them manage to escape from the burglars. With the help from Dorcas Platt, who turns out to be the niece of the reclusive rich man, they are able to piece together what had happened to Olivia and who is behind the robberies. Though this graphic novel is geared for teens and middle schoolers, I found it entertaining enough for an adult to read. There is plenty of mystery and adventure to captivate even those that may not be fond of reading. If you are looking for a decent book to read that has the element of surprise and suspense to it, you may want to try the Dopple Ganger Series.
April 28, 2010
G. P. Taylor, New York Times Best Selling author, is causing quite a stir and being heralded as "Hotter than Potter" and "The New C.S. Lewis."
The Secret of Indigo Moon will most likely not disappoint those who devoured the first book and are fans of this series.
With dark mysterious looking pages, an attention getting storyline, manga comic illustrations and easy to read print – I’m guessing that this second installment in The Dopple Ganger Chronicles will be as successful (or more so), than the first book, The First Escape.
The illustrations, text and overall design could be best described as “Lemony Snicket meets Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas.”
The series involves three friends (Erik, Sadie and Saskia), who find themselves involved in action packed adventures and solving mysteries. (The Secret of Indigo Moon picks up where the first book left off, so it might be beneficial to read the books in order.)
The story begins with Erik hearing creepy noises outside of his room. Upon investigation, he sees a strange man and quickly discovers that the man isn’t alone. Hiding in the shadows along the way as he follows them, he overhears parts of their conversation which compels him to keep following them and see what they are up to. Intent on staying hot on their trail, Erik follows them into a mysterious dark tunnel and ends up trapped in total darkness.
Will Erik make it out of the tunnel…………?
Are the men connected to the missing headmistress?
You’ll have to read the rest of this book to find out!
For parents who are concerned about sex, profanity and other inappropriate content in the books their teens are reading, they will be happy to discover that G. P. Taylor’s newest series offers adventure, mystery and plots full of twists and turns without the objectionable content. Although I wouldn’t say the book is overly violent, parents should be aware that the storyline could be too intense for younger readers.
March 30, 2010
Description:
"From best-selling author G.P. Taylor comes the highly anticipated second installment of The Dopple Ganger Chronicles, a series that combines art and traditional text to help “reluctant readers” discover the wonder of books.
Erik Morissey Ganger, famed explorer and detective (well, in his dreams), and his mischief-making sidekicks, twins Sadie and Saskia Dopple, didn’t go looking for a secret tunnel beneath the school. They never intended to make the acquaintance of a shifty private eye with a nose for trouble. It wasn’t part of the plan to come face to face with an old enemy, one with an agenda of his own that could destroy them all. And unraveling the “secret of indigo moon” was the farthest thing from their minds.
At Isambard Dunstan’s School for Wayward Children, these things just seem to happen.
In The Secret of Indigo Moon, confirmed troublemakers Erik, Sadie, and Saskia plunge headlong into a new and perilous mystery, one that challenges everything they thought they knew about their lives, themselves, and whom it’s safe to trust."
This was my introduction to G.P. Taylor although I had heard nothing but wonderful praise. I was expecting a great book and I was not disappointed.
I loved the style of this book. It's a cross between a comic book and a chapter book. For kids that aren't really set on reading a full chapter book - this one will grab their attention! It's full of fun in your face fonts, images and fun artwork that bring a whole new life to the story and characters.
The story is full of fun twists and turns sure to keep your child engrossed until the very end! Every kid loves a good mystery. It was very enjoyable even for an adult. I will be saving this one for my little guy for when he's old enough to read it. Now I am going to have to go out and get the first one in the series!
"From best-selling author G.P. Taylor comes the highly anticipated second installment of The Dopple Ganger Chronicles, a series that combines art and traditional text to help “reluctant readers” discover the wonder of books.
Erik Morissey Ganger, famed explorer and detective (well, in his dreams), and his mischief-making sidekicks, twins Sadie and Saskia Dopple, didn’t go looking for a secret tunnel beneath the school. They never intended to make the acquaintance of a shifty private eye with a nose for trouble. It wasn’t part of the plan to come face to face with an old enemy, one with an agenda of his own that could destroy them all. And unraveling the “secret of indigo moon” was the farthest thing from their minds.
At Isambard Dunstan’s School for Wayward Children, these things just seem to happen.
In The Secret of Indigo Moon, confirmed troublemakers Erik, Sadie, and Saskia plunge headlong into a new and perilous mystery, one that challenges everything they thought they knew about their lives, themselves, and whom it’s safe to trust."
This was my introduction to G.P. Taylor although I had heard nothing but wonderful praise. I was expecting a great book and I was not disappointed.
I loved the style of this book. It's a cross between a comic book and a chapter book. For kids that aren't really set on reading a full chapter book - this one will grab their attention! It's full of fun in your face fonts, images and fun artwork that bring a whole new life to the story and characters.
The story is full of fun twists and turns sure to keep your child engrossed until the very end! Every kid loves a good mystery. It was very enjoyable even for an adult. I will be saving this one for my little guy for when he's old enough to read it. Now I am going to have to go out and get the first one in the series!
June 27, 2010
This is the second installment in the Dopple Ganger Chronicles. Erik, Sadie and Saskia are found exploring tunnels and getting into mischief yet again, much to Headmistress Rimmer's chagrin. They seem to just get out of trouble before they are in it again. The sleuthing trio however, are still trying to save the day. It's not their fault that trouble just happens to follow them around. They meet several unique characters along the way, and an old enemy. Will they survive to solve the mystery?
The format of this book is intriguing as it is a mesh of graphic novel, illustrations, enticing fonts and chapter book. The journey from full pages of writing to the next several pages of graphic novel makes this an excellent starter book for those who haven't learnt the joy of reading yet. It will easily captivate the reluctant reader in your family. This is a family-friendly book, but I will mention that some might be scared by certain scenes.
I quite enjoyed the storyline and found it reminiscent of a young Nancy Drew, or Hardy Boys mystery. Knowing how much I loved both of those series growing up, I'd say that is a very good thing. I hope we get to see these characters again in a future novel.
Overall, I think this is an excellent book to read with your children. They will pour over the pages, enthralled with the pictures, and will hopefully grasp the storyline with ease.
Disclaimer: This book was received free of charge in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Tyndale House Publishers for sending me a complimentary copy of this book.
The format of this book is intriguing as it is a mesh of graphic novel, illustrations, enticing fonts and chapter book. The journey from full pages of writing to the next several pages of graphic novel makes this an excellent starter book for those who haven't learnt the joy of reading yet. It will easily captivate the reluctant reader in your family. This is a family-friendly book, but I will mention that some might be scared by certain scenes.
I quite enjoyed the storyline and found it reminiscent of a young Nancy Drew, or Hardy Boys mystery. Knowing how much I loved both of those series growing up, I'd say that is a very good thing. I hope we get to see these characters again in a future novel.
Overall, I think this is an excellent book to read with your children. They will pour over the pages, enthralled with the pictures, and will hopefully grasp the storyline with ease.
Disclaimer: This book was received free of charge in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Tyndale House Publishers for sending me a complimentary copy of this book.
February 27, 2013
It's no secret that I'm a fan of these Dopple Ganger books. I was quite pleased to get my hands on a copy of the second book to fill in the gaps I had in the overarching story line. (I read book 3 first and book 1 second.) The truth is, though, that each book so far has stood alone quite nicely. The story of twin orphan girls and a mischievous abandoned boy as they face adventures beyond their imaginations and become detectives in their own right. As with the other two books, Indigo Moon is a beautifully designed book from cover to cover. The binding and illustrations are captivating and begin the story before you've read a single word.
Book two finds our fearless trio searching secret passages to uncover a patient burglary plot that reveals in culprits and mysteries from the past. And, as always, there's more going on than just the mystery on the surface. The sisters undergo significant tests of faith and all three main characters come to grips with their need to belong and their longing for acceptance. They are looking for the thieves, certainly, but they're also looking for their place in the world. As they navigate unfamiliar territory during the course of their investigation, they also break new ground on the journey of life.
In all three of these books, we learn about trust and fear and belonging. Taylor shows the importance of learning our history and shaping our future. Underscoring each storyline is the concept of relationships and the need for community. There's a lot to learn from these "picture" books.
- from trudatmusic[dot]com[slash]raw 2/27/13
Book two finds our fearless trio searching secret passages to uncover a patient burglary plot that reveals in culprits and mysteries from the past. And, as always, there's more going on than just the mystery on the surface. The sisters undergo significant tests of faith and all three main characters come to grips with their need to belong and their longing for acceptance. They are looking for the thieves, certainly, but they're also looking for their place in the world. As they navigate unfamiliar territory during the course of their investigation, they also break new ground on the journey of life.
In all three of these books, we learn about trust and fear and belonging. Taylor shows the importance of learning our history and shaping our future. Underscoring each storyline is the concept of relationships and the need for community. There's a lot to learn from these "picture" books.
- from trudatmusic[dot]com[slash]raw 2/27/13
September 1, 2014
The Secret of Indigo Moon is the second book in the Dopple Ganger Chronicles by G. P. Tayor. In it, two mischievous twins, Saskia and Sadie Dopple, with their friend Erik Morissey Ganger stumble upon secret passageways underneath their school. Soon they are unravelling an evil plot by a previous nemesis and trying to catch him before he catches them.
I enjoyed this book. It entertained me yet again with its mix of dark and mysterious animations and print writing. The story was well thought-out, mysterious, and fast-paced. Every part of the book was focused on the teen who dislikes reading in order to grow in him a new interest through this entertaining book.
Sadie and Saskia also learn more about “the Companion” (God) in this story and meet with the mysterious Madame Raphael.
However, as I am seeing often with this author, the story is dark. The teens are rebellious and mischievous, and they fight against deranged adults throughout the story. They are the kind of kids you wouldn’t want your kids to act like, yet, as with anyone, have a vulnerable side. It is up to the reader to decide whether to allow his impressionable children to read this book.
Overall, I enjoyed The Secret of Indigo Moon.
I enjoyed this book. It entertained me yet again with its mix of dark and mysterious animations and print writing. The story was well thought-out, mysterious, and fast-paced. Every part of the book was focused on the teen who dislikes reading in order to grow in him a new interest through this entertaining book.
Sadie and Saskia also learn more about “the Companion” (God) in this story and meet with the mysterious Madame Raphael.
However, as I am seeing often with this author, the story is dark. The teens are rebellious and mischievous, and they fight against deranged adults throughout the story. They are the kind of kids you wouldn’t want your kids to act like, yet, as with anyone, have a vulnerable side. It is up to the reader to decide whether to allow his impressionable children to read this book.
Overall, I enjoyed The Secret of Indigo Moon.
October 9, 2009
The Secret of Indigo Moon
ISBN: 978-1-4143-1948-3
The Secret of Indigo Moon is a very interesting book. Honestly, thought it's a kids' book, I loved it. I read it in one sitting.
When I read “Indigo Moon” I supposed that it was referring to a certain phase of the moon as seen in a certain place. Indigo Moon is a person.
What was his secret?
Well, that would spoil the story.
Let's just say that he made tunnels that connected houses and emptied the same houses.
The Dopple Ganger kids find that someone is coming around at night and sneaking around in the group home where they live. They must find out who it is and what they are doing.
Little do these kids know what an adventure they are in for. Neither do they know who is involved (I can't tell you, because it would spoil the book for you.).
We know that in the end the good guys win and get the loot back.
The one drawback is that there is so much black background with white text. That makes it a little difficult to read.......but then, I'm thirty-eight years old. An eight year old wouldn't give that a second thought.
Five stars.
(Thanks to Christy Wong of Tyndale for providing me with this copy.)
ISBN: 978-1-4143-1948-3
The Secret of Indigo Moon is a very interesting book. Honestly, thought it's a kids' book, I loved it. I read it in one sitting.
When I read “Indigo Moon” I supposed that it was referring to a certain phase of the moon as seen in a certain place. Indigo Moon is a person.
What was his secret?
Well, that would spoil the story.
Let's just say that he made tunnels that connected houses and emptied the same houses.
The Dopple Ganger kids find that someone is coming around at night and sneaking around in the group home where they live. They must find out who it is and what they are doing.
Little do these kids know what an adventure they are in for. Neither do they know who is involved (I can't tell you, because it would spoil the book for you.).
We know that in the end the good guys win and get the loot back.
The one drawback is that there is so much black background with white text. That makes it a little difficult to read.......but then, I'm thirty-eight years old. An eight year old wouldn't give that a second thought.
Five stars.
(Thanks to Christy Wong of Tyndale for providing me with this copy.)
July 21, 2011
Secret of Indigo Moon (The Dopple Ganger Chronicles #2) is the second installment to The Dopple Ganger Chronicles three part series. It's a mystery novel about Erik Morissey Ganger and the Dopple twin sisters. Love, love, love this series!
I got to read the first book in the series for Tyndale as a read and review. I won books two and three on FaceBook. How lucky am I?
Saskia and Sadie Dopple and Erik live at the Isambard Dunstan’s School for Wayward Children. They stumble upon hidden tunnels and catch a pair of thieves stealing treasures. Of course, the wannabe detective, Erik, and the inquisitive Dopple sisters must the mystery!
Secret of Indigo Moon contains enough information to be a stand alone novel. But I'd recommend reading the first one. The art is the same quality as the first novel. Great! The comic book novel format is so fun. It definitely will have the imagination running wild. I also love the corky characters. The storyline is fresh enough, so you won't get bored with the series.
I got to read the first book in the series for Tyndale as a read and review. I won books two and three on FaceBook. How lucky am I?
Saskia and Sadie Dopple and Erik live at the Isambard Dunstan’s School for Wayward Children. They stumble upon hidden tunnels and catch a pair of thieves stealing treasures. Of course, the wannabe detective, Erik, and the inquisitive Dopple sisters must the mystery!
Secret of Indigo Moon contains enough information to be a stand alone novel. But I'd recommend reading the first one. The art is the same quality as the first novel. Great! The comic book novel format is so fun. It definitely will have the imagination running wild. I also love the corky characters. The storyline is fresh enough, so you won't get bored with the series.
July 30, 2013
Again, this book was a fairly quick read. I didn't think the mystery was quite as intriguing as the first book, but it eventually drew me in and I just had to keep reading! I'm enjoying all of the new friends that Eric and the Dopple sisters meet, and the tunnel maze under the houses was a great twist (pun intended!). The Christian theme was a bit stronger (without being preachy) in this book. I liked how Saskia held true to her beliefs when the others gave her a hard time. God is presented in a unique way in this series, but somehow it works.
This is a great series for resistant readers. The books are action-packed so the plot moves along pretty quickly, which is key for hooking those non-readers! Parts of the stories are a bit "dark and twisty" but I think that upper elementary and middle school students will thoroughly enjoy them. Good grief, I'm way past that age and I LOVED them!
While the first book is still my favorite (so far at least!), I still thought this was a very good read. (3.5 stars)
This is a great series for resistant readers. The books are action-packed so the plot moves along pretty quickly, which is key for hooking those non-readers! Parts of the stories are a bit "dark and twisty" but I think that upper elementary and middle school students will thoroughly enjoy them. Good grief, I'm way past that age and I LOVED them!
While the first book is still my favorite (so far at least!), I still thought this was a very good read. (3.5 stars)
February 18, 2017
I read this book to my kids, ages twelve and six, and they both really enjoyed it. My six year old has a pretty short attention span, but he was interested enough in the story to sit still and listen as we read up to 100 pages in one sitting. On it's own, at least for me, the story was not that interesting. Of course, it's a children's book, so that's not necessarily surprising. My kids did love it, after all.
But I think what they really loved about this book, and what makes it special is it's format. It's part illustrated novel, part graphic novel, with the format changing all throughout the book. And it was a beautiful book. This was the second of the series, and we hadn't read the first, but didn't feel lost or anything. I would recommend this book, but on the caveat that it's not really one of those children's novels for adults, but it's a wonderful book to read to your children.
But I think what they really loved about this book, and what makes it special is it's format. It's part illustrated novel, part graphic novel, with the format changing all throughout the book. And it was a beautiful book. This was the second of the series, and we hadn't read the first, but didn't feel lost or anything. I would recommend this book, but on the caveat that it's not really one of those children's novels for adults, but it's a wonderful book to read to your children.
March 1, 2010
I admit I’m not a big fan of graphic novels…usually. But it didn’t take long for me to get drawn into the world of Erik Morissey Ganger and the Dopple twins, Sadie and Saskia. The Dopple Ganger Chronicles, Book II: The Secret of Indigo Moon is packed with action right from the start. The mystery involving a secret tunnel, a reporter, and an old enemy is well-written and even managed to surprise me a little—something that doesn’t happen often with children’s mysteries.
While the repetition of Erik’s full name did get a little tedious at times, this was still a wonderful book that I had trouble putting down. The Christian message is woven in with such subtlety that it wasn’t even noticeable in much of the story. And when it did appear, it was written in an allegorical fashion that was both enjoyable and uplifting. G.P. Taylor is definitely going on my list of authors I can count on for a good story.
While the repetition of Erik’s full name did get a little tedious at times, this was still a wonderful book that I had trouble putting down. The Christian message is woven in with such subtlety that it wasn’t even noticeable in much of the story. And when it did appear, it was written in an allegorical fashion that was both enjoyable and uplifting. G.P. Taylor is definitely going on my list of authors I can count on for a good story.
July 10, 2012
After reading the first in the series I wasn't sure what to expect. But I liked this one much more than I liked the first in the series. The sequel seemed a little less dark in general, which I deem a good thing.
In this adventure the Dopplegangers work to uncover who is stealing precious artifacts from their elderly neighbor.
I thought there were good elements of mystery and adventure. The mystery kept me guessing until the end.
What struck me as strange, was how vague the spiritual elements were, and how if I hadn't been looking for them I wouldn't have found them. So this makes me pause to recommend this to a 12 and up audience.
Overall this book was just "alright" for me, like, I enjoyed the format which I thought was super cool and really well done! I liked the adventure and I think I read this book in less than an hour, so it was definitely engaging! Those are my honest thoughts. Thanks!
In this adventure the Dopplegangers work to uncover who is stealing precious artifacts from their elderly neighbor.
I thought there were good elements of mystery and adventure. The mystery kept me guessing until the end.
What struck me as strange, was how vague the spiritual elements were, and how if I hadn't been looking for them I wouldn't have found them. So this makes me pause to recommend this to a 12 and up audience.
Overall this book was just "alright" for me, like, I enjoyed the format which I thought was super cool and really well done! I liked the adventure and I think I read this book in less than an hour, so it was definitely engaging! Those are my honest thoughts. Thanks!
July 10, 2011
In the sequel to The First Escape, I felt that G.P. Taylor put together a wonderful story that was a mixture of a Hardy Boy-esque mystery and Eleanor Updale's Montmorency adventures. Just like in the first book, the story starts with Erik and the twins at the orphanage; however, this book picks up pace much more quickly than the first one with the book starting with Erik noticing burglars in a secret passage. Thus starts another adventure and mystery with the Dopples & Ganger.
Once again the book is a mixture of comics, prose and illustrations. I noticed in this one how much the size and font of words shows the tone, even during the prose. I had the same problems with the comics as last time, but this time I noticed that the girls also look MUCH older in some of their close ups.
Favorite parts: An Icarus allusion & Erik's brain being illustrated as a library
Once again the book is a mixture of comics, prose and illustrations. I noticed in this one how much the size and font of words shows the tone, even during the prose. I had the same problems with the comics as last time, but this time I noticed that the girls also look MUCH older in some of their close ups.
Favorite parts: An Icarus allusion & Erik's brain being illustrated as a library
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews