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The Case of the French Fry Phantom
Elderton is under attack! French fries are disappearing from ovens, fryers, and freezers. Potatoes go missing right out of the bin in the middle of the day. No one ever sees the thief. The police are baffled.
Eleven-year-old Dotty Morgan is Elderton's best (only) supernatural sleuth, a role for which she's trained since a gnome stole her mother’s fabric and Dotty took the blame.
Eager to solve her first case, Dotty investigates the mysterious thefts and uncovers a sticky-fingered phantom. But that discovery creates more questions. How did the phantom come to be in Elderton? Why potatoes? Why are the adults in town acting so weird? And what are the strange charms that appeared in the school cafeteria the same day the phantom materialized?
Eleven-year-old Dotty Morgan is Elderton's best (only) supernatural sleuth, a role for which she's trained since a gnome stole her mother’s fabric and Dotty took the blame.
Eager to solve her first case, Dotty investigates the mysterious thefts and uncovers a sticky-fingered phantom. But that discovery creates more questions. How did the phantom come to be in Elderton? Why potatoes? Why are the adults in town acting so weird? And what are the strange charms that appeared in the school cafeteria the same day the phantom materialized?
241 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 17, 2023
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3359 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 7, 2024
Set up in a modern world, this is a supernatural middle-grade mystery. But can adults enjoy it? I sure did!
Children these days have ample options to choose their aspirations, but Dotty has decided to be a supernatural sleuth. While keeping an open mind, she observes situations around her and determines if the phenomenon working out is natural or not - in either case, there has to be a valid explanation. For instance, recently potatoes all across the town have been vanishing and there are no fries. On the other hand, there is a drastic shift in the living choices of the adults of the town, something is totally off about this and Dotty decides to investigate.
The book presents both extremes of the food spectrum very well. The adults creating unbending laws around healthier food choices, especially when it comes to their kids and the equal repulsion kids feel when mandated to follow such rules out of the blue. While the overlying story is a spooky mystery, I enjoyed these added elements of contemporary health-related trends and discussing both the pros and cons around it.
P.S: There is a reference to a Nakali Guru from India and as I understand Hindi, I was a little sceptical on why this name, though I would ask you to trust the author and keep your patience - it will all make sense later.
Genre: #middlegrade #fantasy
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️
Children these days have ample options to choose their aspirations, but Dotty has decided to be a supernatural sleuth. While keeping an open mind, she observes situations around her and determines if the phenomenon working out is natural or not - in either case, there has to be a valid explanation. For instance, recently potatoes all across the town have been vanishing and there are no fries. On the other hand, there is a drastic shift in the living choices of the adults of the town, something is totally off about this and Dotty decides to investigate.
The book presents both extremes of the food spectrum very well. The adults creating unbending laws around healthier food choices, especially when it comes to their kids and the equal repulsion kids feel when mandated to follow such rules out of the blue. While the overlying story is a spooky mystery, I enjoyed these added elements of contemporary health-related trends and discussing both the pros and cons around it.
P.S: There is a reference to a Nakali Guru from India and as I understand Hindi, I was a little sceptical on why this name, though I would ask you to trust the author and keep your patience - it will all make sense later.
Genre: #middlegrade #fantasy
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️
December 10, 2025
Entertaining supernatural mystery for kids. I enjoyed the spunky Dolly and friends and their pursuit of the phantom, even though all the townspeople tut-tutted them about the discovery. The characters were interesting and worked well together and the nasty people were well disguised till the end. The only quibble I had was that Dolly was constantly getting into trouble and disobeying her mother quite a lot. Other than that I really enjoyed this read.
December 12, 2025
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
A kid tries to find the supernatural cause of the all the french fries in town disappearing. Frenetic.
A kid tries to find the supernatural cause of the all the french fries in town disappearing. Frenetic.
July 8, 2023
I read this and thought it was cute and it definitely flowed and held my attention. I have it to my son and he didn't put it down. He found it just as enjoyable as I did.
December 19, 2023
Meet Dotty Morgan, an eleven-year-old supernatural detective in Erik Christopher Martin’s “The Case of the French Fry Phantom: Dotty Morgan Supernatural Sleuth, Book 1. She’s on the hunt for the latest and most dangerous phantom yet, the one stealing all the potatoes and potato products in town, which, unfortunately, includes french fries! Dotty is your average sixth grader – she attends school with bullies but has a best friend, Parker, to make life enjoyable. Parker isn’t an average sixth-grade boy – he’s interested in fashion and keeps Dotty in line with her wardrobe choices.
Dotty’s interests lie in the supernatural, but unfortunately, not many believe her; when potatoes and products go missing every night across town, Dotty is sure it isn’t human doing. When a new girl (Hannah) moves to town, she, Dotty, and Morgan click and work together through success and failure as they attempt to keep their friendship in check, tackle a problem bigger than themselves, and discover secrets that run generations long.
Much of the story revolves around yoga and learning to become a healthier version of yourself. Dotty wonders if this is a type of brainwashing since her one experience doesn’t go so well. Martin’s decision to make this a central theme is wise due to the number of unhealthy choices and decisions offered and made every day, along with the realistic thoughts of adolescents.
In Martin’s brief write-up about himself, the reader learns that he believes in gender fluidity and identifies himself as both he/him and they/them; readers will notice these beliefs in the characters, with Parker reading more feminine and a strong interest between Dolly and Hannah forming. Martin writes Dotty’s mother as being similar to a single mother due to her father working away – two situations not shown as often in literature.
“The Case of the French Fry Phantom” reads as suspenseful, female-strong, and centralizes on the point that love is most important. The story empowers younger readers as the main characters/heroes are sixth graders. Working through past wrongs and reaching forgiveness is a difficult concept for all readers, regardless of age, and the concept reads just as difficult for the characters in the story. Camaraderie and working together are strong and vital concepts. Overall, the story includes positive and uplifting situations. “The Case of the French Fry Phantom” is the first story in the “Dotty Morgan Supernatural Sleuth Book” series by Erik Christopher Martin.
TRIGGER WARNINGS: Potential triggers to be aware of include the depiction of pentagrams, spells, ghostly encounters, and themes related to sexual orientation, as well as instances of verbal bullying by classmates. Given these elements, it is recommended that readers and parents exercise caution when considering this book for younger audiences. While the story features middle-school-aged characters, this reviewer feels it is more suitably targeted toward older teens and young adults due to its handling of intense and sensitive subjects.
Dotty’s interests lie in the supernatural, but unfortunately, not many believe her; when potatoes and products go missing every night across town, Dotty is sure it isn’t human doing. When a new girl (Hannah) moves to town, she, Dotty, and Morgan click and work together through success and failure as they attempt to keep their friendship in check, tackle a problem bigger than themselves, and discover secrets that run generations long.
Much of the story revolves around yoga and learning to become a healthier version of yourself. Dotty wonders if this is a type of brainwashing since her one experience doesn’t go so well. Martin’s decision to make this a central theme is wise due to the number of unhealthy choices and decisions offered and made every day, along with the realistic thoughts of adolescents.
In Martin’s brief write-up about himself, the reader learns that he believes in gender fluidity and identifies himself as both he/him and they/them; readers will notice these beliefs in the characters, with Parker reading more feminine and a strong interest between Dolly and Hannah forming. Martin writes Dotty’s mother as being similar to a single mother due to her father working away – two situations not shown as often in literature.
“The Case of the French Fry Phantom” reads as suspenseful, female-strong, and centralizes on the point that love is most important. The story empowers younger readers as the main characters/heroes are sixth graders. Working through past wrongs and reaching forgiveness is a difficult concept for all readers, regardless of age, and the concept reads just as difficult for the characters in the story. Camaraderie and working together are strong and vital concepts. Overall, the story includes positive and uplifting situations. “The Case of the French Fry Phantom” is the first story in the “Dotty Morgan Supernatural Sleuth Book” series by Erik Christopher Martin.
TRIGGER WARNINGS: Potential triggers to be aware of include the depiction of pentagrams, spells, ghostly encounters, and themes related to sexual orientation, as well as instances of verbal bullying by classmates. Given these elements, it is recommended that readers and parents exercise caution when considering this book for younger audiences. While the story features middle-school-aged characters, this reviewer feels it is more suitably targeted toward older teens and young adults due to its handling of intense and sensitive subjects.
November 22, 2023
Meet Dotty Morgan, an eleven-year-old supernatural detective on the hunt for a phantom stealing the potatoes and potato products across town, which unfortunately includes french fries! Dotty is your average sixth grader, trying to navigate school through bullies and odd lunch ladies. Parker is not your average sixth grader - he's interested in fashion and attempts to keep Dotty on point while letting her stay true to herself. When Hannah moves to town, the three click, regardless of their initial differences in appearance and interests. They work together to discover the whereabouts of the missing potatoes; they unearth a situation much bigger than themselves that affects the entire town and generations past and present.
"French Fry Phantom" contains a deeper storyline involving pentagrams, spells, and generational trauma, it drives home the theme that love is most important. The story includes same-sex interest among adolescents. I'm eager to see the character development displayed in book two and beyond.
"French Fry Phantom" contains a deeper storyline involving pentagrams, spells, and generational trauma, it drives home the theme that love is most important. The story includes same-sex interest among adolescents. I'm eager to see the character development displayed in book two and beyond.
July 27, 2024
Potatoes are disappearing all over town. Why? Dotty has her theories. She has noticed increased supernatural activity lately, especially around the school's lunchroom. She's sure the lunch ladies are involved. Is she right?
I enjoyed this story. It's a hoot. Dotty and her friends are fun as some agree to help Dotty and others thinks she's crazy. I liked how she developed a theory then worked to find the evidence. I also liked how she studies her supernatural manuals to work a spell to catch the potato thief. It was so fun as Dotty puts her theory to the test to catch the culprit. Everyone gets involved.
I look forward to more from Dotty.
I enjoyed this story. It's a hoot. Dotty and her friends are fun as some agree to help Dotty and others thinks she's crazy. I liked how she developed a theory then worked to find the evidence. I also liked how she studies her supernatural manuals to work a spell to catch the potato thief. It was so fun as Dotty puts her theory to the test to catch the culprit. Everyone gets involved.
I look forward to more from Dotty.
January 19, 2026
This book reminded me of the books I read as a child. A mixture of Trixie Belden and alfred Hitchcock and the three investigators. I loved those books so thoroughly enjoyed this book. I was babysitting my niece so she "helped" me read this book for the week she spent with me and I hope she remembers this the same way I remember my childhood reading.
January 23, 2025
Fun and interesting story. Well written. I didn't think I would enjoy it as much as I did. Would have rated it more if it was just kept as a story about friends working together to defeat a ghost. Other emotional things had no relevance to the actual story.
December 14, 2025
Such a cute story!
I was sent a digital copy of this book for my opinion on it. I just read it quickly and thought how cute the characters are. This is a fun, adventure forward book, reminds me of growing up and using my imagination. Super cute!
I was sent a digital copy of this book for my opinion on it. I just read it quickly and thought how cute the characters are. This is a fun, adventure forward book, reminds me of growing up and using my imagination. Super cute!
December 21, 2025
This book is pure fun! Dotty Morgan is a fantastic young heroine smart, determined, and wonderfully relatable. The mystery is engaging, the supernatural elements are creative, and the potato-stealing premise is delightfully original. Kids and adults alike will be hooked.
July 5, 2024
Thank you Goodreads giveaway!
This was a fun children’s book that will be perfect for Fall. It leans more to Children than Middle Grade, I’d say for grades 4-6.
This was a fun children’s book that will be perfect for Fall. It leans more to Children than Middle Grade, I’d say for grades 4-6.
December 29, 2025
Cute fun middle grade novel. I enjoyed it as well.
May 9, 2023
Dotty is a supernatural sleuth looking for a case to solve in her hometown of Elderton. Soon it becomes apparent that something is going on, and Dotty is the only one who can solve the case. What is happening? Well, it seems that potatoes are disappearing throughout the town. Regular potatoes, French fries, all the potatoes. On top of that, all the adults are starting to act weird. Dotty, with the help of her friends and her tools for detecting the supernatural, sets out to solve the mystery. I thoroughly enjoyed this read. It is a great chapter book for children and will appeal to their imagination. Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the opportunity to review this book.
April 4, 2023
Who stole Elderton's French fries? Join Dotty on a supernatural adventure to uncover the truth!
A delightful middle-grade mystery that is sure to captivate young readers. The story follows the adventures of Dotty Morgan, a spunky and resourceful girl who takes on the challenge of solving the town's strange thefts. With its charming characters, witty dialogue, and engaging plot, this book is a page-turner from start to finish. Young readers will love following Dotty as she unravels the mystery and saves the day. Highly recommended!
A delightful middle-grade mystery that is sure to captivate young readers. The story follows the adventures of Dotty Morgan, a spunky and resourceful girl who takes on the challenge of solving the town's strange thefts. With its charming characters, witty dialogue, and engaging plot, this book is a page-turner from start to finish. Young readers will love following Dotty as she unravels the mystery and saves the day. Highly recommended!
April 5, 2023
A spunky young sleuth. A sticky-fingered phantom. The adventure of a lifetime!
In the small mountain town of Elderton, strange things are happening. French fries are vanishing without a trace and nobody knows who's behind it. But eleven-year-old Dotty Morgan, the town's supernatural sleuth, is determined to solve the mystery. As she delves deeper, Dotty uncovers a conspiracy involving a sticky-fingered phantom and strange charms. But can she expose the truth in time to save Elderton's adults and Halloween?
In the small mountain town of Elderton, strange things are happening. French fries are vanishing without a trace and nobody knows who's behind it. But eleven-year-old Dotty Morgan, the town's supernatural sleuth, is determined to solve the mystery. As she delves deeper, Dotty uncovers a conspiracy involving a sticky-fingered phantom and strange charms. But can she expose the truth in time to save Elderton's adults and Halloween?
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews