Customer Reviews

To Oz and Back: A Bones & the Duchess Mystery (Bones and the Duchess Mysteries)

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

 

 

Bones Fatzinger is an ex-police officer kicked off the force for being too lenient with criminals. Left to live on a tight budget, he stays in the Broad Street Hotel, where he befriends the owner's granddaughter, 12-year-old Verity Buscador. ...

The story is narrated from the perspective of Bones, in a light-hearted and easy-to-read manner. Verity has Asperger's Syndrome, so interspersed throughout the text are subtle explanations of aspects of the condition, such as ritualistic behaviour and an inability to look people directly in the eyes. Each reference is explained with clarity, offering readers an extra bit of knowledge and, hopefully, understanding of the condition.

At the end of the book the codes are included for budding sleuths to unravel - a nice touch, and something I'm sure will be enjoyed.

The first in a promised series of Bones and the Duchess books, "To Oz and Back" is an enjoyable, entertaining and mysterious read.

To Oz and Back is a delightful story that's easy to read and helps bring some awareness of Asperger's Syndrome, which is a mild form of autism. One caveat, however, is that the author speaks only about the female protagonist's Asperger's Syndrome, so one who is not familiar with the condition shouldn't assume that all "Aspies" are the same way. This story is especially of interest for children from 7-14 and anyone who likes mysteries

Marketed for readers nine and up, this first offering in a planned series is a very enjoyable read. Both the children and adult characters are presented as being human with realistic problems and mannerisms. While some of the parents depicted as less than ideal, none are just over the top stupid as is so common these days in novels and the media. In this novel, no one talks down to another character, which is also a refreshing change of pace.

The novel is well written with plenty of clues to go along to help the reader decode the mystery. The Asperger's syndrome is handled well and with compassion. The Duchess has her limitations but at the same time, because of her situation she has unique talents that are celebrated in the novel. With more books on the way, if they are done as well, this should be a wonderful new series.

i like to read fiction books about aspergers to see how accrate they are. in this one the AS really only palys a minor part in the story. i think it would have been a better book if the duchess had narrated it.