driedfrogpills's review
2.0
God, this needed an editor that wasn't afraid to stop the rampant cliffhanger abuse. A 300-some-page kid's book does not need 98 chapters, half of which are one or two pages long, solely because you want to end on a cliffhanger. This could have been a lot better, with a better emotional punch, without the constant chapter breaks.
shaunelle's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
madelinefmcguire's review
3.0
It's 1920 Chicago and Isabel Feeney has dreams of writing in the newspapers but for now she'll have to stick to selling them. She can't believe her luck when one of her favorite customers, Miss Giddings, gets accused of murder. With the help of her favorite reporter and a few friends Isabel works to prove and write about Miss Giddings' innocence.
This book was odd. It just did not vibe with me though I can see the appeal of a 1920s mystery.
This book was odd. It just did not vibe with me though I can see the appeal of a 1920s mystery.
panda_incognito's review
3.0
Apparently everyone loves this book, but I found it outrageously unbelievable. I couldn't stop sighing and rolling my eyes over the absurd scenarios and how modern the dialogue sounded. What bothered me most of all was how the impoverished main character seemed like a privileged kid from 2016; no reality of hardship affected her behaviors, thoughts, or expectations for the future. I was not impressed, but I'll be charitable and give a third star because the plot included some striking historical details and approaches the time period from an angle unrepresented in juvenile fiction.
bbliophile's review
3.0
This was a fun read, but I think I only really enjoyed it for the first half. After that it just got a little boring.
dawndancer's review
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.75
elevetha's review
2.0
Won a free copy through Goodreads FirstReads!
And didn't read it for, like, a year.
2.5 stars.
2.5 stars.
booknrrd's review
3.0
A 2018-2019 Missouri Mark Twain Readers Award preliminary nominee (grades 4-6).
It is 1920s Chicago. Isabel Feeney sells newspapers on a street corner. When a murder occurs a block away and one of her favorite customers is the prime suspect, Isabel, an aspiring girl reporter, decides to investigate.
This was not very realistic, but cute. I liked the plucky Isabel Feeney. I wished some of the other characters were developed more.
It is 1920s Chicago. Isabel Feeney sells newspapers on a street corner. When a murder occurs a block away and one of her favorite customers is the prime suspect, Isabel, an aspiring girl reporter, decides to investigate.
This was not very realistic, but cute. I liked the plucky Isabel Feeney. I wished some of the other characters were developed more.
guardianofthebookshelf's review
4.0
Actual rating closer to 3.5 stars. The first half went by very quickly, but the plot dragged along in places in the second half. I guessed the real murderer rather quickly, and I worried about historical accuracy at times.
natep's review against another edition
4.0
Very interesting book with a cool setting and great characters. Isabel was a realistic character. I liked maude