8 Jan 2013

THE SECRET DMS FILES OF FAIRDAY MORROW.

A giveaway win, my thanks to authors Stephanie and Jessica for this signed, limited edition, author illustrated, hard back copy of ......


THE SECRET DMS FILES OF FAIRDAY MORROW by J. HAIGHT and S. ROBINSON.

Fairday Morrow is less than happy about moving to the quiet, country town of Ashpot, not to mention, utterly cheerless at the prospect of living in the crumbling, creepy old manor known as Begonia House.
Nevertheless, that's exactly where she's headed.

Strange music coming from behind a padlocked door leads Fairday up a spiral staircase and into a secret room, where and ancient mirror, a brass key, and a strange picture of a red-haired lady are the first in a series of clues that will take Fairday and her friends in the Detective Mystery Squad, more commonly known as the DMS, on an amazing adventure that will challenge them in ways they never thought possible.

As the investigation gears up, it becomes plainly obvious to Fairday that the danger is deadly serious. With a little help, which is found in some very odd places, the twisting tale begins to unfurl. Will the DMS be able to piece together the puzzle before it's too late?
..... Inner front cover.

FIRST SENTENCE (Chapter 1): Fairday Morrow couldn't help but agree with Dorothy.

MEMORABLE MOMENT (Page 20): The old house clanged and groaned restlessly, as the howling wind wrestled the old willow tree in the bright moonlight outside her bedroom window. It's twisted limbs banged into one another, casting monstrous shadows all along the walls.

MY THOUGHTS: Aimed at American middle grade readers (10 to 13 year olds), as an older, a much older reader I was surprised by just how much I found myself enjoying The Secret DMS (Detective Mystery Squad) Files of (11 year old) Fairday Morrow.

Creatively and intelligently written I found myself instantly engaged in the adventures of Fairday, Lizzy and, latest recruit, Marcus 'Brocket the Rocket'.

Delighted that the authors had such a strong and entertaining female lead in Fairday as opposed to the more typical (perhaps expected) male, though I liked all of the characters I especially liked her spirit and wonderful sense of adventure.

A wonderfully suspenseful novel, this was a real page turner of a read that whilst being totally modern had a somewhat old fashioned feel about it in that it took me back to my younger days when books were eerily scary without being overly violent or frightening ..... in other words, story telling at its best.

Looking forward to reading more of the exploits of Fairday and friends, I think this first book would make a wonderful movie.


KEEP IT OR NOT?: Definitely one for the shelves.

12 comments:

Mary Beth said...

I think it's wonderful that you enjoyed it so much!

Jess & Stephanie @ Fairday's Blog! said...

Thank you so much for your wonderful review of The Secret DMS Files of Fairday Morrow! We are so happy that you enjoyed the book. We always look forward to reading your thoughtful posts! Happy New Year : ) ~ Jess & Stephanie

Suko said...

This does sound like story telling at its best. Excellent review! Books aimed at a younger group are sometimes very enjoyable for me.

Melissa (Books and Things) said...

Oh this sounds good and one I could pass on to others. It sounds like a fantastical book and I haven't heard of it. THanks for bringing it to my attention!

Anonymous said...

Brilliant review. Thank you

JenJello said...

Awesome!

Blond Duck said...

I WANT this. The library doesn't have it so I'll have to order it. I'm writing a MG mystery so this will be awesome.

Blond Duck said...

I can't get it on Amazon! Would the authors mind if I contacted them for a copy?

Jess from The Secret DMS Files of Fairday Morrow said...

Thanks to all for stopping by to check out The Secret DMS Files of Fairday Morrow. We truly appreciate it, and we loved hearing your comments. Although the book isn't available for purchase yet, we do host giveaways where you can win a signed hardcover. We would love to hear from you, so stop by and enter for your chance to win and follow along with Fairday and the DMS on their spooky adventure. Happy new year! And, remember... fear not the unexpected! ~ Jess & Stephanie

strange.friendships said...

You are right. sometimes we are surprised when we find ourselves liking teen books. My daughter has made me a vampire story addict by now...

I will try to get this book for her...Thank you for sharing...

Jess from Fairday's Blog! said...

Hi Blonde Duck, Thank you for your interest in The Secret DMS Files of Fairday Morrow. We would be happy to hear from you! Please contact me through Fairday's Blog! ~ Jess

Yanting Gueh said...

I didn't realize you'd reviewed our dear friends' book! I had a great time reading The Secret DMS Files of Fairday Morrow, too. The house, the mirror, the tree that reaches and claws, and our three main characters ... they are great elements in the story!