Spy in the Alley (Dinah Galloway Mysteries) [Library Binding]

Melanie Jackson (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up | Series: Dinah Galloway Mysteries

Confronting a prowler in the backyard, Dinah is determined to find out why someone has taken an interest in her older sister and herself. Who is the buck-tooth burglar? Why are the Rinaldi's tomatoes always involved? And what is the connection between Madge's boyfriend and GASP, a group of well-intentioned anti-smoking activists? When it becomes apparent that Wellman Talent, the modeling agency Madge works for, is making deals with an unscrupulous tobacco company, and that the spy is out to sabotage GASP's plans to expose the connection, Dinah has to call on all her talents, both sleuthing and singing, to solve the case.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-6-When a bucktoothed prowler begins to stalk Madge Galloway, a local teen model in Vancouver, British Columbia, her inquisitive younger sister vows to track him down and bring him to justice. Dinah has an appetite for adventure as well as for gleaning fresh produce from the neighbors' yards. When she is not tormenting her sister over her stuck-up boyfriend, whose dad happens to own the agency where Madge works, the 11-year-old uses her resources to fight video-game monsters and sing for free ice cream at the local gelati shop. Dinah befriends a young man who is house-sitting for her neighbors, the Rinaldis, and who also does volunteer work for an antismoking organization. Before long, Dinah begins to suspect that there are connections among the prowler, repeated break-ins to the Rinaldi house, and a deal between the modeling agency and Fields Tobacco. The characters avoid broad stereotypes (Madge actually prefers painting to modeling) and have interesting backgrounds, even though the situations they find themselves in stretch credibility at times. Unfortunately, the vibrant personalities are often bogged down with forced dialogue and overexplained situations. Still, this is a fun, lighthearted story that also deals thoughtfully with serious issues such as substance abuse and self-esteem.
Farida S. Dowler, formerly at Bellevue Regional Library, WA
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Review

"A great hit for mystery buffs everywhere. Excellent." (Resource Links 20030101)

"Young mystery fans will look forward to Dinah's further cases. Highly Recommended." (CM Magazine 20030101)

"A fun lighthearted story that also deals thoughtfully with serious issues." (School Library Journal )

"...leaves us wanting to see much more of the Galloway family." (Children's Book News ) --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Library Binding
• Publisher: San Val (September 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 061388907X
• ISBN-13: 978-0613889070
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 4.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 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 Definitely recommended by my 11-year old niece, October 14, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Spy in the Alley (Jackson, Melanie, Dinah Galloway Mystery.) (Paperback)

My 11-year-old niece loved The Spy in the Alley! She laughed and laughed at all the funny parts -- and said she found the story a good plot-twister besides."