Sleuth or Dare Book 3
Framed and Dangerous (Sleuth or Dare, #3)by Kim Harrington
Who's the culprit?Norah and Darcy are still in a fight, but crime doesn't stop just because the girls aren't speaking. Someone has set fire to their school's brand-new field house. And the prime suspect is Zane Munro, the cute boy Norah can't help crushing on.When Zane asks Partners in Crime for help, Norah and Darcy must band together to investigate. Norah knows Zane is innocent, but the clues are not in his favor. Can she and Darcy mend their friendship, crack the case, and clear Zane's name before it's too late? (goodreads.com)
October means Halloween! Therefore October requires many The Right Mood sort of books. Mysteries, suspense, thriller, etc. I finally made myself pick up and finish the last of the three Sleuth or Dare books that I had. It's short and fun so I knew it wouldn't take long. So I put the school stuff away one night and just curled up in bed and read this for an hour.Although this is probably my lest favourite of the three books, Framed and Dangerous is still a great mystery and a fun read. I didn't like it as much because there was a little too much of a focus on Norah and her crush on Zane and that's just not something that interests me in books - BUT! (and yes, there is a BUT!) I found the entire crush scenario to be completely realistic and spot on for that age.That's one of the things I really like about these books is how I can believe that 12-year olds are the protagonists. Kim Harrington is excellent at bringing pre-teens to life in her writing. From the girl reactions to the boy reactions. They don't all do miraculous things above and beyond their ability. It's all very real... and FUN at the same time. They all just started Junior High, right, so they have Jr High characteristics and feelings and dialogue. (Except written in a very Rated G fashion. I know too many 12-year olds who swear like sailors in real life. Ugh.)I can absolutely say that I would have read and loved this series when I was 8-11 years old. I loved Nancy Drew, but she was a teen who could drive a car and did get away with some seriously unbelievable things. Also her stories were mostly about the mystery itself and didn't really deal with high school life. These Sleuth or Dare books combine solving mysteries with trying to get through your pre-teen years. Jealousy among friends as you both grow older and your world encompasses more than just each other. The fight between Norah and Darcy is so freaking believable and true on so many levels. Finding out the popular kid is nice, that the boy you like might like you and how hard it is to speak without blushing when he's around.I felt like a kid again going through all of these things (and thinking, Thank GODS I am not 12 anymore!) but also feeling wistful for now Big! and Important! and New! everything you did or said back then was.In Quebec, High School starts in 7th grade (so I was 12 going in) and ends with 11th grade (I was 17 going out). But whether your starting high school or junior high, at the age of 12 everything is SO REAL and just in your face. You learn, you grow, you obsess over what the right thing to wear or say is. You feel SO MUCH, you feel ALL OF THE THINGS at the same time.And you know what? Norah and Darcy are great role models for that age because although they are nerdy and different they are HAPPY WITH WHO THEY ARE and have each other. It's a learning experience for them to suddenly find that other people do like them even if they call them nerds or geeks. They are themselves and the lesson they impart is that it's ok to not follow the crowds and be sheep. If you stay true to who you are you might be surprised about how many people will eventually accept that and embrace you for it.Seriously, read these little mysteries if you like middle grade - or have middle graders. They are worth it.Sleuth or Dare