Man in the Moonstone (Dinah Galloway Mysteries) [Library Binding]

Melanie Jackson (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 3 and up | Series: Dinah Galloway Mysteries

Dinah Galloway, fresh from her adventures with spies and burglars, is back in a hilarious new adventure. Chosen for a lead role in the musical version of Wilkie Collins' The Moonstone, eleven-year-old Dinah, amateur detective, budding singer and owner of a huge appetite, is once again embroiled in a mystery that puts her in peril and offers plenty of opportunities for humor and good food. When Dinah wins the part of Coretta Cuff, a singing detective, in an adaptation of what many consider the first detective novel, she finds that all is not as it seems around the theater. The producer, trying to unload a bunch of knockoffs of his priceless ring, the famed Murdock Moonstone, has orchestrated a publicity stunt with the actual ring in attendance on opening night. Dinah is convinced that there is a plot to steal the gem. Armed with her freckled nose for mystery and her unerring sense of right and wrong, Dinah attempts to uncover the culprit before the curtain rises.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-6-Life imitates art in this hilarious second book in the series. Dinah, 11, has just beat out Angela Bridey for the lead in the musical play of Wilkie Collins's classic mystery, The Moonstone, and Angela's Aunt Violet--"Beak-nose" to Dinah--is not too happy about this fact. Neither is a mysterious "Uncle Leo," who suddenly appears in Dinah's chaotic life. In addition to rehearsals, meddling in her mother's love life, and her math homework, Dinah tries to uncover the mystery of Leo's identity, why he and "Beak-nose" want to steal the Moonstone ring, and how they are going to do it. The characters do not have a lot of depth, but they do have distinct voices. The subplot of the romance between the mother and the musical director adds dimension, but makes Dinah seem a little slow in her observations. The dialogue is funny, and children will enjoy the unbelievable situations that the young sleuth gets herself into. The book also includes themes of self-confidence and self-fulfillment as Dinah improves her singing, math, and detective skills.--Shilo Halfen, Chicago Public Library
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Library Binding
• Publisher: San Val (September 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0613874730
• ISBN-13: 978-0613874731
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 4.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)

More About the Author

Born in Scotland, raised in Toronto, Melanie Jackson is the author of acclaimed mystery novels for children and young adults. Melanie, who lives in Vancouver, BC, is the creator of the Dinah Galloway mystery series with Orca Books; and the new, history-themed Ailie Mooney mystery series with Gumboot Books. She also writes fast-paced, compelling novels for both reluctant readers and those who, in the tradition of Dashiell Hammett, like their literature terse and to-the-point, but always with an elegant twist of the noir.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Man in the Moonstone--excellent!, September 25, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: The Man in the Moonstone: A Dinah Galloway Mystery (Jackson, Melanie, Dinah Galloway Mystery.) (Paperback)

The girl with the Judy Garland-like voice and the irrepressible personality is back, this time in a theatre setting. Very funny story; my young readers group laughed and laughed when I read it out loud to them. Many sensitive parts, too.