3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Perfect for Boys and Girls, September 11, 2002
This review is from: The Disappearing Jewel of Madagascar (The Accidental Detectives Series #2) (Paperback)
Ricky Kidd is a responsible sort. He keeps busy by doing odd jobs for old Mrs. McEwan and hanging out with his friends Mike and Ralphy. His younger brother, Joel, follows him everywhere, but has a knack for being unseen.
One day, Mrs. McEwan has a special job for Ricky. She wants him to meet her long lost nephew at the train station, but before he leaves, she shows him her valuable antique jewelry collection. In the center of the collection is the jewel of Madagascar - a huge, beautiful, red stone; unlike any Ricky has ever seen.
Mrs. McEwan encourages Ricky to take a closer look. He immediately grabs the stone with both hands instead of using the tongs on the table.
At the look on Mrs. McEwan's face, he places the stone back on the cloth. Mrs. McEwan proceeds to tell him about the curse placed on the stone many years ago.
Whoever touches the stone, their friends will become enemies and their enemies will become friends. Ricky doesn't believe in curses, but he feels funny after touching the stone.
A few minutes later, Joel comes in carrying a baby crow. Not only does Joel have a knack for being unseen, he also has an uncanny ability with animals. Mrs. McEwan's five cats are at Joel's feet, eyeing the bird hungrily.
When Joel hands the bird to Ricky, the cats pounce. Ricky's hands are scratched and he is knocked off balance. The baby crow frantically tries to get airborne. In the struggle, Ricky bumps into the china cabinet, causing a bronze statue to hit the table and smash many of the antique jewels into small bits.
Ricky is devastated at the loss he has caused. Though Mrs. McEwan tells him not to worry, he feels he must pay for the damage, but he has no idea how. On the way to the train station to pick up the long lost nephew, Edward, he sees his pals, Mike and Ralphy. He tells them of his dilemma, and though they'd like to help, they don't have that much money either.
Once Ricky sees Edward, the supposedly long lost nephew, he knows something isn't right. He suspects this person is posing as Mrs. McEwan's nephew and is up to something.
Ricky makes it his mission to find out what Edward is up to. He's convinced that Edward is trying to steal from Mrs. McEwan so he sets out to prove it.
In the meantime, Ricky's friends are acting strangely. Mike and Ralphy seem to be doing things without him and keeping secrets from him. Ricky thinks back to the curse placed on whoever touches the jewel of Madagascar.
Is the curse coming true? Who is Edward and is he trying to steal from Mrs. McEwan? What do worms have to do with any of it?
"The Disappearing Jewel of Madagascar" blends childhood mischief with suspense. This book is a treat for both girls and boys. They learn the value of trust and friendship. The godly lessons subtly woven into the story teach kids about prayer and worry.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Friends Become Strangers...., July 6, 2002
This review is from: The Disappearing Jewel of Madagascar (The Accidental Detectives Series #2) (Paperback)
Ricky Kidd doesn't believe in curses. But soon after he touches the Jewel of Madagascar, the prize in neighbor Mrs. McEwan's jewelry collection, his friends seem to abandon him. Worse, he's crushed part of the collection, and now must figure out a way to repay the debt. Trying to work off his debt brings him in contact with Mrs. McEwan's nephew. Ricky's sure he's not all he claims to be, but no one seems to believe him or even care. Is Ricky right? If so, can Ricky prove it before it's too late? And what are his friends up to?
This is a reedit and reprint of a book from the original series. Rachel, Ricky's new baby sister, has been added. Several scenes that were humorous character scenes have also been cut. I didn't miss them until I looked back at my first copy, but it's still a shame they've been cut out. One of these cut scenes is referenced later in the book, so hopefully they'll do better editing jobs in the future.
The story itself is still intact and great fun. Rereading it, I was once again drawn into the mystery, even though I remembered the ending. The characters are great fun, and there were still lots of humorous parts.
Anyone looking for a great mystery with well-developed characters and great humor should definitely check this series out. It's a series that everyone will enjoy reading.
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