Customer Reviews

An Alec Flint Mystery #1: Nina, the Pinta, and the Vanishing Treasure

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Jill Santopolo's new book is a well-crafted story about the adventures of Alec Flint. Reviewers have hailed this book as being the 'next Encyclopedia Brown', and they are right! Her character portrayal of Alec is witty and engaging, and during today's read-aloud time in my first grade classroom, my students were 'hooked' immediately. We already can't wait for the next installment of Alec Flint's escapades!

Bravo, Jill Santopolo:)

Fourth grader Alec Flint knows what he wants to do with his life --- he would like to be a super sleuth. He already has a detective's watch and a pen that writes even while upside down, and is aware of the advantages of having pockets. But he also knows that he has lots more to learn and needs to find a trustworthy partner. So for now, Alec is a super sleuth-in-training. He does have the advantage of his dad being an undercover police officer, and it's through him that he stumbles upon his first case.

The museum has become the victim of a robbery. A thief has stolen the entire Christopher Columbus exhibit, including gold coins, a journal and a telescope, among other priceless items. The police call on Alec's dad to check out the burglary, and Alec tags along with him, eager to start gathering his own clues. But before he can get too far, Alec has to show up for school. Little does he know that he has two surprises waiting for him on this day.

First, Alec takes notice of the new girl in his class. Gina seems really smart, always getting the morning's riddles and math puzzles figured out correctly. Plus, she knows a secret code and offers to share with Alec. Could she be the perfect crime-solving partner? Alec decides to take a chance and ask her, and she says yes. As he fills her in on what he knows of the museum whodunit so far, they stumble upon a second mystery. The school's art teacher is missing. Alec and Gina begin digging around for clues, including sneaking into the empty art classroom after school, visiting the library and searching the museum. Will they be able to solve the two crimes and be on their way to becoming super sleuths?

The amazing Alec Flint erupts from the ingenious mind of Jill Santopolo, billowing out with clever mysteries, mind-challenging riddles and lots of good, wholesome fun. Her characters are diverse, believable and likable (at least to the good guys). Alec is especially admirable, providing an awesome role model for young people. Santopolo writes with a flowing grace that's so in touch with her audience. She adds in a dash of humor and wonderfully descriptive words that all add up to a fast-moving story and an exciting plot line. Readers will quickly become fans and adamantly demand more from this talented writer.

--- Reviewed by Chris Shanley-Dillman, [...]

Warning: adults often have no idea what kids in 2nd and 3rd grade like to read. If you're a kid in 2nd or 3rd grade and you like goofy, easy to read mysteries that are just plain fun- you'll love this book.

A really enjoyable read. Used to love reading Encyclopedia Brown stories back when I was in elementary and middle school but this story is so much more developed and I didn't know how all the clues would fit in until the very end. Should be part of all elementary school libraries and a fun read even for the more mature readers. Can't wait to get started on the next one AND looking forward to more stories about Alec and his sleuth partner Gina!

Alec Flint uses his super sleuthing powers to solve more than just a mystery! He solves the secret of being a good friend! Middle graders will find this well written "who done it" a quick read as they try to resolve the mystery and get the bad guys along with Alec and his best friend Gina. Teachers and parents alike will applaud the ending where Alec shares glory and gives everyone who helped him credit. What's not to like?