Read by Theme discussion

I chose this book for our June theme. I found it on the clearance table at my local used bookstore and thought that I could take a chance on it since it was only 25 cents. I hadn't heard about it before, but I love a good mystery.

I look forward to hearing what you think about this one; it's been on my shelf since I spotted it on the Shelves > Mystery > Popular Mystery Books page. :)

I almost chose this one but still on the waiting list at the library. The main character sounds like so much fun! Can't wait to hear your impression.

Okay! I was able to get this one today at the library. It doesn't have the bird on the cover 'cause it is the LP version--the only one available. I've read the first 10 or so pages--it's going to be interesting, I think. And I'm imagining the bird on the cover :-)

I was a little disappointed with this. The main character was interesting but just a little TOO precocious for me. It was a decent story/mystery but in some ways a little too pat in plot and action. I was engaged by the mystery because I always am--but was only so-so engaged by the characters. They were stilted or two dimensional--or too obviously characters in my opinion. So, what did did you (amy and candace) think? Am I being too hard on it?

Anne, I have to agree. I just finished it this morning, which means I've been reading it for over a week -- much, much longer than I usually spend on a mystery. I had a hard time getting into the story and I wasn't immediately drawn to the main character. She grew on me some by the end, but was a bit unbelievable. Of course, that may be because I am not into science and cannot imagine anyone knowing that much about chemistry at such a young age. I will probably not make an effort to read any of the other books in the series.

I think it's possible an especially smart kid could know a lot about chemistry but it seems unlikely that the same kid would be able to quote from literature classics and identify classical music--all while still wearing pigtails. I agree with you--I probably will not make an effort to read any of the other books.

Anne wrote: "I think it's possible an especially smart kid could know a lot about chemistry but it seems unlikely that the same kid would be able to quote from literature classics and identify classical music--all while still wearing pigtails."

Eh, the does sound rather annoying. The "child genius" stereotype frustrates me (even though I do find it a bit amusing in an "it's so ridiculous!" sort of way); why do these kinds of characters have to be knowledgeable in every stereotypically "smart" area the author admires? Is a realistic, specialized interest in and adeptness at one topic really so much to ask for?

Sometimes I think it is the author trying to show off all levels of his/her knowledge. I knew someone who told me he was writing a softporn novel but "on the level of Dickens". I'm sure he tried to throw in everything he thought he knew just to show off. (I'm probably being overly harsh but I think it's the same mindset). I prefer my characters to slowly develop and demonstrate their knowledge, even if it takes more than one book.

Anne wrote: "Sometimes I think it is the author trying to show off all levels of his/her knowledge....I prefer my characters to slowly develop and demonstrate their knowledge, even if it takes more than one book."

Definitely this. In my mind, that's one of the major differences between having written a stereotype or an actual character.

(And, really, how in the world does one write Dickensian porn? I don't even...)

not sure how I'd go with this one.

I'm working on this one for August's theme, and i have to say so far I'm also a bit disappointed. I wish I had trusted the reviews more. I have found this plot to be slow moving, and more on the details of the character's knowledge. I'll finish this one, but probably won't read anymore of the series. It's too bad really because I like the premise. :)

For anyone interested, one of the later books in this series is currently in a giveaway here at Goodreads. :)