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Billionaire #1
The Billionaire's Curse
Gerald Wilkins never considered himself a particularly exceptional thirteen-year-old. But that was before he inherited twenty billion pounds, a Caribbean island, a yacht, and three estates from a great-aunt he never knew. With this fortune, however, comes a letter. One from his great-aunt Geraldine. One that tells Gerald that she was murdered, and that it's up to him to find out why.
Along with his friends Ruby and Sam, Gerald embarks on a journey that will lead him from the British Museum to dodgy social clubs for the disgustingly rich to mansions in the English countryside to secret places far underground. Who was Geraldine Archer? And what secrets was she hiding? Unless Gerald, Sam, and Ruby can find out before the killer does, they may be next.
Along with his friends Ruby and Sam, Gerald embarks on a journey that will lead him from the British Museum to dodgy social clubs for the disgustingly rich to mansions in the English countryside to secret places far underground. Who was Geraldine Archer? And what secrets was she hiding? Unless Gerald, Sam, and Ruby can find out before the killer does, they may be next.
357 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 3, 2009
67 people are currently reading
1467 people want to read
About the author
Richard Newsome
13 books130 followersRichard Newsome lives in Australia and has worked as a journalist for daily newspapers, radio and TV; as a consultant with one of the world’s foremost strategy consultancies; and as communications director of a multinational media company. Richard’s debut novel, The Billionaire’s Curse, won the inaugural Text Prize for Children’s and Young Adult writing, as well as the Esther Glen medal, New Zealand's oldest literary award. The book is the first volume of a trilogy, and has been sold to publishers in the United States, Canada, Australia, Germany, Poland, Italy, Spain and Turkey. The book started as a bedtime story for his children and it took Richard ten years to get around to finishing it.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 210 reviews
November 19, 2009
Remember when you were a kid and The Adventurous Four, The Famous Five and The Secret Seven were just the ticket for an exciting read (okay so you have to be of "a certain age" for that to apply), but I still remember how satisfying those books were. An adventure, a puzzle that had to be solved - by a bunch of kids of a similar age to yourself, all done and dusted and home in time for tea. Many a person "of a certain age" will attest that these books were the ones that got them started on a life-long love of reading. Perhaps that's partly because they were so easy to identify with, or had scenarios that the average kid could aspire to, dream of. THE BILLIONAIRE'S CURSE could very well be the same sort of book for kids of a current age.
Definitely set in a more current day world - the book blurb starts off with "What would you do if you suddenly became a billionaire?". It's the story of 13 year old Australian boy Gerald, who comes from a relatively staid, standard suburban life enlivened mostly by fantasies of great deeds and heroics. He could never have imagined the scenario that instead finds him home from school and bundled onto a luxury private jet, winging his way to London to become the richest thirteen-year-old in the world, as a hitherto unknown Great Aunt leaves the family fortune to him. Nor could he have dreamed up the theft of the world's most valuable diamond, and a murder that leads directly to Gerald's own life being in danger. Gerald's just the boy for the situation though - he's got his billionaire survival kit, he's got some new friends and they are off to solve the mystery!
Despite a considerably more current day setting and plotline than those great old books of our own childhood, there is quite a feel of the The Famous Five about the style of THE BILLIONAIRE'S CURSE. The language used is simple, yet engaging, slightly formal and every so slightly stagey, but it works. This is the sort of book that a child could read for themselves, or an adult would have great fun reading to children - either way the book works as a great entertainment, with just enough scary bits for a spot of hiding under the doona to add to the excitement.
The winner of the inaugural Text Prize for Young Adult and Children's Writing, THE BILLIONAIRE'S CURSE made this adult reader very very happy. Whilst there is something nostalgic, old-fashioned, almost comfortable about reading a kids book about kids who save the day and solve the puzzle, there is something very satisfying about the idea that kids - of all ages - are still able to find a book like THE BILLIONAIRE'S CURSE that may, just may, lead to a life-long love of reading.
Definitely set in a more current day world - the book blurb starts off with "What would you do if you suddenly became a billionaire?". It's the story of 13 year old Australian boy Gerald, who comes from a relatively staid, standard suburban life enlivened mostly by fantasies of great deeds and heroics. He could never have imagined the scenario that instead finds him home from school and bundled onto a luxury private jet, winging his way to London to become the richest thirteen-year-old in the world, as a hitherto unknown Great Aunt leaves the family fortune to him. Nor could he have dreamed up the theft of the world's most valuable diamond, and a murder that leads directly to Gerald's own life being in danger. Gerald's just the boy for the situation though - he's got his billionaire survival kit, he's got some new friends and they are off to solve the mystery!
Despite a considerably more current day setting and plotline than those great old books of our own childhood, there is quite a feel of the The Famous Five about the style of THE BILLIONAIRE'S CURSE. The language used is simple, yet engaging, slightly formal and every so slightly stagey, but it works. This is the sort of book that a child could read for themselves, or an adult would have great fun reading to children - either way the book works as a great entertainment, with just enough scary bits for a spot of hiding under the doona to add to the excitement.
The winner of the inaugural Text Prize for Young Adult and Children's Writing, THE BILLIONAIRE'S CURSE made this adult reader very very happy. Whilst there is something nostalgic, old-fashioned, almost comfortable about reading a kids book about kids who save the day and solve the puzzle, there is something very satisfying about the idea that kids - of all ages - are still able to find a book like THE BILLIONAIRE'S CURSE that may, just may, lead to a life-long love of reading.
May 27, 2010
A delightful kids’ adventure with smart, capable heroes
Australian author Richard Newsome’s debut novel is a delight! The Billionaire’s Curse is the first in a trilogy and I can’t wait to read the sequels. He is a fabulous story-teller whose murder mystery full of quirky characters, spunky kids, creativity and adventure.
The story is every kids’ fantasy. Gerald Wilkins suddenly and unexpectedly inherits billions from an aunt he barely knew. He is also charged with solving her murder. Along the way, he meets Sam and Ruby and the new friends join Gerald to solve the mysteries.
I loved the main characters. I thought the kids were great role models – they’re smart, brave, observant, and committed. They’re also good kids and the wealth and privilege does not change them. Ruby, in particular, I find refreshing as a female heroine for young girls. Ruby is clever and courageous, and she’s also the most physically fit and skillful of the group. The kids tease each other (particularly the twins, Sam and Ruby), but they are clearly devoted and thoughtful. They were real kids propelled into a fantastic adventure and I can’t wait to see them develop in Newsome’s next books.
The adventure takes Australian Gerald to aristocratic England and Newsome manages to include some wonderful passages about the countryside, London, museums, works of art. I love that the book is educational as well as a page-turner. I’m hopeful that Newsome will take us to more far-flung places in the next two installments.
Newsome’s ability to dream up quirky characters is a great gift. At first, some seem to fit a cliché, but read carefully… they are never that simple. Some characters’ true natures are revealed in the Billionaire’s Curse, but many more are left to further develop in the next 2 books. Newsome has wisely given us enough that we think we know who they will turn out to be, but has left plenty of room for surprises.
Newsome is a gifted writer – clever and witty. To have won a literary prize with his first novel is no small feat. The narration and dialog are sharp and clever. He never indulges in lengthy digressions – those “sinkholes” that ensnare so many new and seasoned writers. There are some other good storytellers in kids’ books at the moment, but I can’t think of any who write as well as Newsome.
This book is great for kids around 8 and older. (That includes adults!) This book is already being published in 8 countries after having won the Text Publishing prize in Australia. It has also been chosen as one of the Summer 2010 Kids’ Indie Next books, selected by independent booksellers as a great read for kids 9-12. I expect the series to take off and it will be ripe for a movie! Keep your eye out for Newsome - he is an author to watch!
Australian author Richard Newsome’s debut novel is a delight! The Billionaire’s Curse is the first in a trilogy and I can’t wait to read the sequels. He is a fabulous story-teller whose murder mystery full of quirky characters, spunky kids, creativity and adventure.
The story is every kids’ fantasy. Gerald Wilkins suddenly and unexpectedly inherits billions from an aunt he barely knew. He is also charged with solving her murder. Along the way, he meets Sam and Ruby and the new friends join Gerald to solve the mysteries.
I loved the main characters. I thought the kids were great role models – they’re smart, brave, observant, and committed. They’re also good kids and the wealth and privilege does not change them. Ruby, in particular, I find refreshing as a female heroine for young girls. Ruby is clever and courageous, and she’s also the most physically fit and skillful of the group. The kids tease each other (particularly the twins, Sam and Ruby), but they are clearly devoted and thoughtful. They were real kids propelled into a fantastic adventure and I can’t wait to see them develop in Newsome’s next books.
The adventure takes Australian Gerald to aristocratic England and Newsome manages to include some wonderful passages about the countryside, London, museums, works of art. I love that the book is educational as well as a page-turner. I’m hopeful that Newsome will take us to more far-flung places in the next two installments.
Newsome’s ability to dream up quirky characters is a great gift. At first, some seem to fit a cliché, but read carefully… they are never that simple. Some characters’ true natures are revealed in the Billionaire’s Curse, but many more are left to further develop in the next 2 books. Newsome has wisely given us enough that we think we know who they will turn out to be, but has left plenty of room for surprises.
Newsome is a gifted writer – clever and witty. To have won a literary prize with his first novel is no small feat. The narration and dialog are sharp and clever. He never indulges in lengthy digressions – those “sinkholes” that ensnare so many new and seasoned writers. There are some other good storytellers in kids’ books at the moment, but I can’t think of any who write as well as Newsome.
This book is great for kids around 8 and older. (That includes adults!) This book is already being published in 8 countries after having won the Text Publishing prize in Australia. It has also been chosen as one of the Summer 2010 Kids’ Indie Next books, selected by independent booksellers as a great read for kids 9-12. I expect the series to take off and it will be ripe for a movie! Keep your eye out for Newsome - he is an author to watch!
March 25, 2013
I was surprised how much I enjoyed this book. While my kids were mildly confused by some of the British and Australian slang in this book it was also enjoyed by them. I actually can't wait to read the next one.
The formula is pretty similar to other middle grade lit. Young Gerald hates his life filled with bullying teachers, weird dreams, and selfish, emotionally absent parents when things are suddenly turned upside down - no, he doesn't find out he's a wizard or the son of a Greek god, but he does inherit 20 billion dollars from a great aunt he has never met. Not only that, but there are people out to kill him and it is all tied up in a mystery of a stolen diamond. And wait . . . maybe those weird dreams DO mean something supernatural, but I think I have to read book 2 to find out for sure.
For me, what set this one apart from the others was a certain amount of grit. Not as much grit as YA like The Hunger Games, but almost. And something about that made it feel more real, despite the ridiculousness of 13 y.o.'s sneaking into exclusive men's clubs and finding ancient underground caverns, not to mention just plain surviving with virtually no adult supervision. And while they survive, they do get hurt, they do get scared, the world is a dark place. And the book seems to acknowledge that this whole scenario is completely nuts and hard to believe . . . the reader and the characters are all on this, obviously, crazy journey together. The conversations between the characters have a very natural flow. And in the end, some adults do come to the rescue. It turns out Gerald is not completely on his own and there are people out there that care and are watching out for him. But, as with all young heroes, it is clear that only he has the special gifts to bring the bad guy to justice.
The formula is pretty similar to other middle grade lit. Young Gerald hates his life filled with bullying teachers, weird dreams, and selfish, emotionally absent parents when things are suddenly turned upside down - no, he doesn't find out he's a wizard or the son of a Greek god, but he does inherit 20 billion dollars from a great aunt he has never met. Not only that, but there are people out to kill him and it is all tied up in a mystery of a stolen diamond. And wait . . . maybe those weird dreams DO mean something supernatural, but I think I have to read book 2 to find out for sure.
For me, what set this one apart from the others was a certain amount of grit. Not as much grit as YA like The Hunger Games, but almost. And something about that made it feel more real, despite the ridiculousness of 13 y.o.'s sneaking into exclusive men's clubs and finding ancient underground caverns, not to mention just plain surviving with virtually no adult supervision. And while they survive, they do get hurt, they do get scared, the world is a dark place. And the book seems to acknowledge that this whole scenario is completely nuts and hard to believe . . . the reader and the characters are all on this, obviously, crazy journey together. The conversations between the characters have a very natural flow. And in the end, some adults do come to the rescue. It turns out Gerald is not completely on his own and there are people out there that care and are watching out for him. But, as with all young heroes, it is clear that only he has the special gifts to bring the bad guy to justice.
May 2, 2013
AWESOME! I actually bought book #2 first but wisely decided to get this book, #1 of the Archer Legacy, first. If you like action-packed adventure, meet Indiana Jones Jr. Never mind that the book was meant for middle grade readers; you'll love it! My only complaints about the story is that if it's meant for middle grade readers, there is a bit too much violence and Gerald, the hero, swears.
Gerald Wilkins is a 13 year-old boy living in Australia, dreaming of adventure in his mundane life. All he knows about his family is that they came from England when he was 6 months old. His parents aren't the warm and fuzzy kind- in fact, in my opinion, they don't deserve the title "parents". Then his mother gets a letter from England that her Aunt Geraldine (whom Gerald was named for) has died. She's crying- but the tears are tears of joy. It appears that Great Aunt Geraldine Archer was one of the richest women in Europe. All the family converges on England for the funeral and reading of the will and Gerald finds that he has some relatives with ugly dispositions- and everybody is fighting to inherit the fortune. Gerald could care less about the money from an old woman he had never heard of so he's stunned when the will is read and he is almost the sole heir of the billions! But Aunt Geraldine has left Gerald a letter from beyond the grave telling him that she was murdered and imploring him to find her murderer. The author conveniently puts Gerald on his own by sending his grasping parents off to the Caribbean on Gerald's yacht. Aunt Geraldine had cautioned Gerald to trust no one and she was right! Luckily, Gerald does make some loyal friends, cheeky British twins Sam and Ruby, and together they set out to solve a crime. When I got to the last few chapters I could not put the book down!
Gerald Wilkins is a 13 year-old boy living in Australia, dreaming of adventure in his mundane life. All he knows about his family is that they came from England when he was 6 months old. His parents aren't the warm and fuzzy kind- in fact, in my opinion, they don't deserve the title "parents". Then his mother gets a letter from England that her Aunt Geraldine (whom Gerald was named for) has died. She's crying- but the tears are tears of joy. It appears that Great Aunt Geraldine Archer was one of the richest women in Europe. All the family converges on England for the funeral and reading of the will and Gerald finds that he has some relatives with ugly dispositions- and everybody is fighting to inherit the fortune. Gerald could care less about the money from an old woman he had never heard of so he's stunned when the will is read and he is almost the sole heir of the billions! But Aunt Geraldine has left Gerald a letter from beyond the grave telling him that she was murdered and imploring him to find her murderer. The author conveniently puts Gerald on his own by sending his grasping parents off to the Caribbean on Gerald's yacht. Aunt Geraldine had cautioned Gerald to trust no one and she was right! Luckily, Gerald does make some loyal friends, cheeky British twins Sam and Ruby, and together they set out to solve a crime. When I got to the last few chapters I could not put the book down!
February 7, 2022
I literally made an account to review this book because I went on a one hour journey trying to remember its name.
I used to love this book. When I was in primary school, like 10ish, I INHALED this thing in like a day. The story had me absolutely hooked. It's been over 10 years now and I still think about this book TO THIS DAY.
Its only negative to me is that the stuff I found funny is a little crude but like of course it it, its marketed to kids like under 12.
This book slaps. I wish I knew where my copy was and I'd reread it
I used to love this book. When I was in primary school, like 10ish, I INHALED this thing in like a day. The story had me absolutely hooked. It's been over 10 years now and I still think about this book TO THIS DAY.
Its only negative to me is that the stuff I found funny is a little crude but like of course it it, its marketed to kids like under 12.
This book slaps. I wish I knew where my copy was and I'd reread it
April 19, 2018
Never in a billion years did 13-year-old Gerald Wilkins think he would be rich beyond his wildest dreams. But, that is exactly what happens when great aunt, Geraldine dies and leaves her vast fortune to him. But why? He never met her, knew little about her, and she lived thousands of miles away in England. Yet, after the will is read and Gerald is left dumbfounded, he reads a letter she left him. In it she explains.
Secretly she had been watching her namesake and believed his was an intelligent, young man who would carry out her wishes. In the letter, she tells Gerald she has been murdered. Wait...what? How on earth could she possibly know her death would be criminal? As Gerald puts together pieces of the puzzle with his newfound friends, twins Sam and Ruby, he realizes that her death has something to do with the Archer Legacy, a massive diamond, and an elusive diamond casket. In the quest to get questions answered, the trio meets many evil and manipulative characters. Can they solve the mystery before they go the way of Aunt Geraldine?
The Billionaire's Curse is an action-packed adventure that will have kids reading with gusto. However, the murderous perpetrator is quite obvious (although, not his accomplice) and the characters are not well developed. It certainly has potential as a great adventure/mystery and I am anxious to read the next installment...hopefully we will gather more information as the series goes on.
Secretly she had been watching her namesake and believed his was an intelligent, young man who would carry out her wishes. In the letter, she tells Gerald she has been murdered. Wait...what? How on earth could she possibly know her death would be criminal? As Gerald puts together pieces of the puzzle with his newfound friends, twins Sam and Ruby, he realizes that her death has something to do with the Archer Legacy, a massive diamond, and an elusive diamond casket. In the quest to get questions answered, the trio meets many evil and manipulative characters. Can they solve the mystery before they go the way of Aunt Geraldine?
The Billionaire's Curse is an action-packed adventure that will have kids reading with gusto. However, the murderous perpetrator is quite obvious (although, not his accomplice) and the characters are not well developed. It certainly has potential as a great adventure/mystery and I am anxious to read the next installment...hopefully we will gather more information as the series goes on.
August 14, 2022
4 stars - English Ebook
Gerald Wilkins never considered himself a particularly exceptional thirteen-year-old. But that was before he inherited twenty billion pounds, a Caribbean island, a yacht, and three estates from a mysterious relative he never knew.
But that's not all, because, as we discover, Gerald's great aunt was murdered. And now it's up to Gerald to find out who did it.
Loved this book. It had action adventure mystery and an unpredictable plot.
The characters are well-developed. And I liked them. Plenty of humor too.
Book for children between 8 and 13 years of age I think.
Gerald Wilkins never considered himself a particularly exceptional thirteen-year-old. But that was before he inherited twenty billion pounds, a Caribbean island, a yacht, and three estates from a mysterious relative he never knew.
But that's not all, because, as we discover, Gerald's great aunt was murdered. And now it's up to Gerald to find out who did it.
Loved this book. It had action adventure mystery and an unpredictable plot.
The characters are well-developed. And I liked them. Plenty of humor too.
Book for children between 8 and 13 years of age I think.
August 23, 2024
This was great fun! A little Indiana Jones -ish and a lot of luck for 3 kids, but I was caught up in the mystery and left wanting to read the next book. There's still so much to learn about Gerald's aunt and all her secrets!
July 2, 2017
I can't help loving a book with a good mystery. Okay, so a 14 year old boy inherits a multi-billion dollar estate and seems to have no trouble handling some pretty dastardly folks after those billions. Looking forward to books two and three in the trilogy.
January 27, 2018
We chose this as a family read aloud with our 12 year old and 14 year old. We all enjoyed the story, but I was disappointed to find curse words throughout the book. My husband and I would just replace them while reading, but they were so unnecessary.
October 12, 2018
The billionaires curse is a fun and joyful read it contains lots of comedy and mystery solving.
March 1, 2011
Take one 12 year old kid from Australia, one dead aunt in London - who also happens to be a billionaire - add a missing diamond, disinterested parents, and a butler reminiscent of Lurch from the Addam's Family, and you get an adventure full of twists and turns, murder and mayhem.
Gerald Wilkins has never met his great aunt Geraldine, but for some reason, she leaves him her entire estate when she dies. Gerald's mother is ecstatic and immediately takes off on "vacation," dumping Gerald with his aunt's stodgy lawyer and Mr. Fry, a dour butler/chauffeur who is not happy with his legacy of silverware.
Geraldine also leaves a cryptic note telling Gerald she was murdered and it is up to him to find out who killed her. Gerald and tow of his new friends go off on an adventure that includes kidnapping, murder and a hint at a paranormal ability Gerald doesn't know he has.
While the book is entertaining, the heavy British vocabulary may put off some readers. In addition, it is very obviously the first book in a series as many of the prominent threads are left dangling. Plus there are the issues of child abandonment since his parents take off as soon as the will is read and don't even return when he is seriously injured. I have issues with that. Beyond this, it is a decent enough book, but read with these cautions in mind.
Gerald Wilkins has never met his great aunt Geraldine, but for some reason, she leaves him her entire estate when she dies. Gerald's mother is ecstatic and immediately takes off on "vacation," dumping Gerald with his aunt's stodgy lawyer and Mr. Fry, a dour butler/chauffeur who is not happy with his legacy of silverware.
Geraldine also leaves a cryptic note telling Gerald she was murdered and it is up to him to find out who killed her. Gerald and tow of his new friends go off on an adventure that includes kidnapping, murder and a hint at a paranormal ability Gerald doesn't know he has.
While the book is entertaining, the heavy British vocabulary may put off some readers. In addition, it is very obviously the first book in a series as many of the prominent threads are left dangling. Plus there are the issues of child abandonment since his parents take off as soon as the will is read and don't even return when he is seriously injured. I have issues with that. Beyond this, it is a decent enough book, but read with these cautions in mind.
May 13, 2012
I haven't read a kids book in a long time (this one is about grades 5-8), and I thoroughly enjoyed this one. When I was done, I handed it to my 7th grade son and he read it as quickly as any book he's ever read.
The Billionaire's Curse is about a 13-year-old British boy who has to give up his holiday with friends to go to England to the funeral of a great aunt he never met. While there he discovers that he is the sole heir to her twenty billion pound fortune. His great aunt left him a note saying that if he got this letter, then she was murdered and she wanted him to figure out who did it.
His greedy parents take off to check out his other properties, and he is left with a butler who hates him. He meets Sam and Ruby, twin siblings, and the three of them go on great adventures together to figure out who killed his great aunt.
It's a delightful book with an ending that makes you want more. The second book is already out, and the third is coming in the next few months, which is good since my son is already more than half done with the second.
The Billionaire's Curse is about a 13-year-old British boy who has to give up his holiday with friends to go to England to the funeral of a great aunt he never met. While there he discovers that he is the sole heir to her twenty billion pound fortune. His great aunt left him a note saying that if he got this letter, then she was murdered and she wanted him to figure out who did it.
His greedy parents take off to check out his other properties, and he is left with a butler who hates him. He meets Sam and Ruby, twin siblings, and the three of them go on great adventures together to figure out who killed his great aunt.
It's a delightful book with an ending that makes you want more. The second book is already out, and the third is coming in the next few months, which is good since my son is already more than half done with the second.
November 4, 2013
Perhaps, were I a younger reader, I might have enjoyed this more. The plot was contrived and it never seemed like the main characters were in any real danger. Whenever they came close to being caught by something, someone always intervened. Only at the end did this not occur...and the author chickened out of describing anything with any real action. I felt cheated.
I started the book because I was curious...and finished it because it was so short I felt I must. Simply because your book is marketed at children does not mean it cannot be dark too. Or have the characters in serious peril.
Also...I hate the idea that in children's books, adults are completely useless or else the villains. It may empower kids, but it represents something inaccurate and detrimental to kids.
Let's hope my next book is better.
Oh, as a side note: I received this as a free eBook during Barnes and Noble's free Nook Fridays selection. I would have felt bad paying for it.
I started the book because I was curious...and finished it because it was so short I felt I must. Simply because your book is marketed at children does not mean it cannot be dark too. Or have the characters in serious peril.
Also...I hate the idea that in children's books, adults are completely useless or else the villains. It may empower kids, but it represents something inaccurate and detrimental to kids.
Let's hope my next book is better.
Oh, as a side note: I received this as a free eBook during Barnes and Noble's free Nook Fridays selection. I would have felt bad paying for it.
June 7, 2010
When I first read this book, truth be told, I didn't hear about it or know much about it. All I knew was that it was a book for a young adult audience.
I thought the premise of the book was very interesting. Every kid wants a ton of money to play around with but what made this book interesting was the mystery quality about it. The main character is asked to avenge his grandmother's murder. The mysterious circumstance surrounding the plot and the adventurous aspect of it, made The Billionaire's Curse a fun, can't-put-down kind of read. Since it was first published in Australia, some of the diction used was uncommon to the U.S. but overall, I found the main characters to be likable and I found the plot to be captivating.
I would definitely recommend this book to 9-14 year olds everywhere!
I thought the premise of the book was very interesting. Every kid wants a ton of money to play around with but what made this book interesting was the mystery quality about it. The main character is asked to avenge his grandmother's murder. The mysterious circumstance surrounding the plot and the adventurous aspect of it, made The Billionaire's Curse a fun, can't-put-down kind of read. Since it was first published in Australia, some of the diction used was uncommon to the U.S. but overall, I found the main characters to be likable and I found the plot to be captivating.
I would definitely recommend this book to 9-14 year olds everywhere!
February 23, 2010
What a page turner! This book infuses mystery, mythology and adventure into a thrilling tale of a teenage boy whose mundane life gets turned upside down in an instant. After Gerald's vacation is cut short by the death of an unknown family member, Gerald finds himself suddenly the inheritor of his late great-aunt Geraldine's multi-billion dollar estate. He is charged with investigating Geraldine's mysterious murder, which involves a diamond, a curse and another crooked billionaire. As Gerald and his friends, Ruby and Sam Valentine, travel around England looking for clues, they discover the power that money can have over one's character and learn that some of the most valuable things in life are priceless.
Can't wait for the sequels!
Can't wait for the sequels!
March 10, 2015
Maybe more like 3.5 stars. It was a fun Middle Grade book with lots of unrealistic adventure. But, of course, unrealistic adventure pretty much defines fun Middle Grade books :). Nothing spectacular about the writing, and the mystery got a bit convoluted, but I liked Gerald and his friends. I thought the inheritance angle was pretty original and the idea that the main character was asked to solve his great-aunt's murder through a letter from her. It was a bit frustrating that certain threads weren't tied up at the end. I know this is a series, but I wanted a bit more resolution at the end of this one. Still, I may go on to read the rest.
May 8, 2012
When I was growing up, I spent many happy hours reading a lot of "Nancy Drew" and "The Hardy Boys" mysteries. This book brought back those happy memories. I enjoyed reading it. It is centered around a thirteen year old boy who comes into a large sum of money that includes a murder, a stolen diamond, some mysticism an adventure that rivals The "Indiana Jones" ventures. The book is a early teenager's delight. I just never out grew this kind of book. If you are like me, than you will enjoy the book.
May 18, 2010
Children's book? Even we adults who like a bit of Indian Jones-style adventure and a rapid read can enjoy this!
It's witty, exciting and has a bunch of characters you would like to have as friends. That makes their adventures and perils all the more exciting as you share their fears.
Can't wait for the next two instalments and their exotic locations.
I'd not only thoroughly recommend this book for teens, but also mums, dads and the grandparents.
It's witty, exciting and has a bunch of characters you would like to have as friends. That makes their adventures and perils all the more exciting as you share their fears.
Can't wait for the next two instalments and their exotic locations.
I'd not only thoroughly recommend this book for teens, but also mums, dads and the grandparents.
July 15, 2010
This is a fairly challenging murder mystery, where a 13 yr.old boy inherits twenty billion pounds from an unknown great-aunt that he was named after, and she leaves him a note telling him that she was murdered and she wants him to find out who did it. Involves gigantic priceless diamonds, the British Museum, mysterious secret passsages and frightening villains. Great fun!
February 1, 2016
Reminiscent of a young Indiana Jones, searching the clues for a magical treasure guarded by dangerous statues and followed by unsavory characters. Plus the boy is a multi-billionaire!
This was a really good adventure story in which the 3 children are presented with clues to find a magical treasure, all the while in a race with grown-ups who will stop at nothing to get there first.
Recommend.
This was a really good adventure story in which the 3 children are presented with clues to find a magical treasure, all the while in a race with grown-ups who will stop at nothing to get there first.
Recommend.
September 17, 2013
A complete ripoff of the 39 Clues series. I didn't even really like those. The main character is annoying and all adults except the servants are portrayed as distrustful and deceitful. The author was also very crude, and I could only stand so much arguing from the twins.
January 19, 2012
I really liked this book. It was very well written, and had a uniqueness about it. It was also very funny. I like the bickering between the twins. Oh, and I liked the first chapter. lol
January 28, 2012
incredible!!!! full of suspense! unpredictable!! hope 2 read more in the archer legacy!
March 16, 2012
This book is great and i would recommend this book to everyone. This is a book which i think is good for ages 10-25 mabe even older.
June 13, 2012
I am totally hooked to this book I had to read it for readers cup, but now I want to read the rest of them! But now I'm really scared of the thin man,I will never be able to smell bleach again!
May 3, 2012
This book is amazing! Everyone should read it.
February 12, 2014
The book is so booooooooring that I couldn't even read it past page 80.
January 4, 2015
Good book
I'm satisfied
I'm satisfied
July 24, 2021
The Billionaire’s Curse, by Richard Newsome
Reviewed by James, age 12, 7/24/21
This book begins in America, although it does not stay there for long. Gerald is going to go on a snowboarding holiday with his friends when he hears the news that his great aunt died. His parents seems strangely happy about this, although he has no clue why. This becomes even more mysterious when they board a private jet to England where the funeral is. When they exit the jet they are mobbed by photographers. One of them pulls Gerald aside, pulls a knife on him, and says “where is the diamond casket?” Gerald narrowly escapes him, and later that day he tries to tell his parents who pay absolutely no attention to him. As they head to the funeral Gerald finally is told that his great aunt had $20 billion, and they’re going there for the reading of the will, and of course his mom is already predicting that she’ll get the lion’s share of the money. (Her great aunt had been named Geraldine!)
Earlier that week Gerald was handed a letter by his great aunt’s closest personal acquaintance, her lawyer. The first letter says “Not to be opened until after the reading the will. This means you, Gerald!”
Back to the present: Everyone is handed envelopes at the reading of the will and told to open them. These envelopes contain possessions that she is handing on. The trouble being that the most anyone gets is $1,000,000. They seem quite disappointed and angry. The reading of the will continues and basically says “All remaining assets I give to Gerald.” (Gerald had never met his aunt, but it turned out she’d been keeping close tabs on him through his mom.)
Immediately afterward Gerald’s parents take the yacht that he legally owns on a cruise to a private island, leaving Gerald behind.
Gerald is left in the care of his aunt’s butler, Mr. Fry, who immediately hates Gerald. Gerald asks why and he says “I’m not paid to like you.” Gerald goes to his new room and reads the letter. The summary is that she’s predicted her own death. She believes she will be murdered because of a diamond that she recently paid quite a bit of money to get out of Africa and display in England. The diamond had recently been stolen and she’d been murdered. She leaves him with one task: track down the murderer!
She also leaves him with $2000 cash and a credit card for emergencies, and a mirror, which she says is to look at himself before he uses the credit card.
After reading this letter he decides he needs to get out of the house, and definitely away from the butler who hates him. The problem is that the house is surrounded by reporters and paparazzi who want to report on the newest billionaire in England and the richest 12 year old boy. In order to get out, he orders several pizza trucks using the credit card (as this was an emergency) and several coffee trucks to roll up to the house and start handing out pizza and coffee to the reporters. In the confusion he slips out the back door where one single pizza truck comes by and picks him up and takes him to the city.
We’ll end the report here, except suffice to say Mr. Fry was not happy with all the mess the coffee and pizza created, and let’s just say he didn’t notice that Gerald ran off.
The rest of the book details the hunt for the murderer and the stolen diamond, as the letter claimed that the crimes were related.
I definitely enjoyed this book, although there were plenty of unanswered questions. This is book one of three, so I assume they’ll be answered. There seems to be some ancient magic and some weird visions that happen to Gerald, but they’re not explored very deeply and assume they’ll be answered in other books. I would recommend this book to readers age 10 to 12, and some adults might also enjoy it.
Question: why did Aunt Geraldine want Gerald to look in the mirror before using the credit card. James: Because she wanted him to take a good long look at himself before he used the credit card to, say, buy a roller coaster, or something like that.
Reviewed by James, age 12, 7/24/21
This book begins in America, although it does not stay there for long. Gerald is going to go on a snowboarding holiday with his friends when he hears the news that his great aunt died. His parents seems strangely happy about this, although he has no clue why. This becomes even more mysterious when they board a private jet to England where the funeral is. When they exit the jet they are mobbed by photographers. One of them pulls Gerald aside, pulls a knife on him, and says “where is the diamond casket?” Gerald narrowly escapes him, and later that day he tries to tell his parents who pay absolutely no attention to him. As they head to the funeral Gerald finally is told that his great aunt had $20 billion, and they’re going there for the reading of the will, and of course his mom is already predicting that she’ll get the lion’s share of the money. (Her great aunt had been named Geraldine!)
Earlier that week Gerald was handed a letter by his great aunt’s closest personal acquaintance, her lawyer. The first letter says “Not to be opened until after the reading the will. This means you, Gerald!”
Back to the present: Everyone is handed envelopes at the reading of the will and told to open them. These envelopes contain possessions that she is handing on. The trouble being that the most anyone gets is $1,000,000. They seem quite disappointed and angry. The reading of the will continues and basically says “All remaining assets I give to Gerald.” (Gerald had never met his aunt, but it turned out she’d been keeping close tabs on him through his mom.)
Immediately afterward Gerald’s parents take the yacht that he legally owns on a cruise to a private island, leaving Gerald behind.
Gerald is left in the care of his aunt’s butler, Mr. Fry, who immediately hates Gerald. Gerald asks why and he says “I’m not paid to like you.” Gerald goes to his new room and reads the letter. The summary is that she’s predicted her own death. She believes she will be murdered because of a diamond that she recently paid quite a bit of money to get out of Africa and display in England. The diamond had recently been stolen and she’d been murdered. She leaves him with one task: track down the murderer!
She also leaves him with $2000 cash and a credit card for emergencies, and a mirror, which she says is to look at himself before he uses the credit card.
After reading this letter he decides he needs to get out of the house, and definitely away from the butler who hates him. The problem is that the house is surrounded by reporters and paparazzi who want to report on the newest billionaire in England and the richest 12 year old boy. In order to get out, he orders several pizza trucks using the credit card (as this was an emergency) and several coffee trucks to roll up to the house and start handing out pizza and coffee to the reporters. In the confusion he slips out the back door where one single pizza truck comes by and picks him up and takes him to the city.
We’ll end the report here, except suffice to say Mr. Fry was not happy with all the mess the coffee and pizza created, and let’s just say he didn’t notice that Gerald ran off.
The rest of the book details the hunt for the murderer and the stolen diamond, as the letter claimed that the crimes were related.
I definitely enjoyed this book, although there were plenty of unanswered questions. This is book one of three, so I assume they’ll be answered. There seems to be some ancient magic and some weird visions that happen to Gerald, but they’re not explored very deeply and assume they’ll be answered in other books. I would recommend this book to readers age 10 to 12, and some adults might also enjoy it.
Question: why did Aunt Geraldine want Gerald to look in the mirror before using the credit card. James: Because she wanted him to take a good long look at himself before he used the credit card to, say, buy a roller coaster, or something like that.
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