whistberry's review
4.0
Charming tale of preternaturally gifted 12-year-old spy-in-training, Simone LaFray and the mysterious events that unfold when the survival of her family's renowned French patisserie is threatened. I identified strongly with our heroine, a super smart but shy girl who would prefer to blend into the background and observe rather than be the center of attention. If you are a fan of the Flavia de Luce mysteries by Alan Bradley as I am, this book has a similar vibe, although Simone is provided a team of supporters through the super secret spy agency she is working for rather than being as fiercely independent as Flavia. While the central mystery is both rather convoluted and at the same time a tad predictable when the culprit is revealed, the real attraction here is the mix of the Paris setting, the wonderful descriptions of the pastries and chocolate from the bakery, the warmth and closeness of Simone's family, and Simone herself, a pleasingly complex character. I look forward to seeing some of the other characters expanded on and given the same complexity in future outings. Overall, a very pleasing beginning to a promising series.
sara_m_martins's review
4.0
rating from CAWPILE | *copy provided for review by BookTasters and the author*
Simone LaFray was a very good middle grade. I greatly enjoyed the very descriptive writing, and the atmosphere created by it!
The intrigue built and built with the story, and with the mystery element in the midst i doubted most character's motivations. The author took great care in plot to built a good mystery that wasn't obvious to the reader. Some chapters were more "filler" or character development, and it broke the action a bit, but it was understandable.
I liked the characters, and i feel like i know them enough for a middle grade novella. Simone read like an old-soul 12 year old, justified with her being a "gifted child". I'd be interested to see how our knowledge of the remaining cast develops in the series and how that helps us with the overarching intrigue of the series.
Simone LaFray was a very good middle grade. I greatly enjoyed the very descriptive writing, and the atmosphere created by it!
The intrigue built and built with the story, and with the mystery element in the midst i doubted most character's motivations. The author took great care in plot to built a good mystery that wasn't obvious to the reader. Some chapters were more "filler" or character development, and it broke the action a bit, but it was understandable.
I liked the characters, and i feel like i know them enough for a middle grade novella. Simone read like an old-soul 12 year old, justified with her being a "gifted child". I'd be interested to see how our knowledge of the remaining cast develops in the series and how that helps us with the overarching intrigue of the series.
azrah786's review
3.0
**I was provided with a digital copy of the book through Booktasters and the author in exchange for an honest review**
Simone LaFray is a bookish and introverted child prodigy who is well on her way to following in her mother’s footsteps and becoming a spy. However, in her heart is a secret passion for opera and performance. The story follows her during one summer as she spends her time helping at her father’s renowned patisserie as well as training with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. When a thief from her mother’s past returns to the city, Simone is given the opportunity to step out into the field and help with the case but then her family’s secret recipes are stolen. Convinced that the two are linked, Simone sets out to save the day even if it means stepping out of the shadows and into the limelight.
The story was well written and easy to follow. The mystery elements were fun and light however, I did find at times that the writing gave me the impression that the protagonist was older than she was. Also with the chocolatiers’ ball being a prominent part of the title I expected it to take up a larger part of the story. The strongest element to the book was definitely the protagonist’s relationship with her family, which I loved.
On the whole this was an enjoyable and endearing middle grade adventure.
Simone LaFray is a bookish and introverted child prodigy who is well on her way to following in her mother’s footsteps and becoming a spy. However, in her heart is a secret passion for opera and performance. The story follows her during one summer as she spends her time helping at her father’s renowned patisserie as well as training with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. When a thief from her mother’s past returns to the city, Simone is given the opportunity to step out into the field and help with the case but then her family’s secret recipes are stolen. Convinced that the two are linked, Simone sets out to save the day even if it means stepping out of the shadows and into the limelight.
The story was well written and easy to follow. The mystery elements were fun and light however, I did find at times that the writing gave me the impression that the protagonist was older than she was. Also with the chocolatiers’ ball being a prominent part of the title I expected it to take up a larger part of the story. The strongest element to the book was definitely the protagonist’s relationship with her family, which I loved.
On the whole this was an enjoyable and endearing middle grade adventure.
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