Recent Reads: Randi Rhodes Ninja Detective and the Case of the Time-Capsule Bandit by Octavia Spencer

The Case of the Time-Capsule Bandit by Octavia Spencer
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Available: Now! October 15th, 2013

 

 
Format: Paperback ARC
Source: Publisher at BEA 2013

My Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis:

Meet Randi Rhodes, the world's first ninja detective! Mystery abounds in this delightful new middle grade series from Academy Award-winning actress Octavia Spencer.

Deer Creek is a small town whose only hope for survival is the success of their Founder's Day Festival. But the festival's main attraction, a time capsule that many people believe hold the town's treasure, has gone missing.

Randi Rhodes and her best friend, D.C., are Bruce Lee-inspired ninjas and local detectives determined to solve the case. Even if it means investigating in a haunted cabin and facing mean old Angus McCarthy, prime suspect.

They have three days to find the treasure the future of their whole town is at stake! Will these kids be able to save the day?

Review:
Randi Rhodes is the only child of author Herb Rhodes, the mastermind behind the great detective series staring Glenn Street; so it isn’t surprising that Randi herself aspires to be a great detective.

After the passing of her mother, and her father giving up his writing for a while; they move to the small town of Deer Creek where a mystery has occurred, the time-capsule has gone missing. Randi is determined to show her father that she is no longer a baby and that she can help the town solve this crazy misdeed.

I have to say, this middle grade book pleasantly surprised me. It was full of adventure, a great strong female character who likes having a black belt and doesn’t want to be pink and frilly, and a great cast of characters overall. The plot was fun and fast paced and a middle grade reader would definitely enjoy this book. To make it even more awesome there is an appendix of Ninja Detective things to do along with the book: like how to spy, make a casting of a footprint, and there is even a place to login on a computer and become part of the ninja detective team. This interactive aspect is really building on what middle grade readers like with their books.

Overall, I found the book easy to read and enjoyable. I think both boys and girls in the middle grade range would also love it!


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