Fear Not the Unexpected.
Eleven-year-old Fairday Morrow is less than thrilled that her family is moving thousands of miles from civilization to the quiet country town of Ashpot, Connecticut, where she’s absolutely certain she’ll die of boredom.
As if leaving New York City and her best friend, Lizzy, the only other member of the elite Detective Mystery Squad (DMS), weren’t bad enough, Fairday is stuck living in the infamous Begonia House, a creepy old Victorian with dark passageways, a gigantic dead willow tree, and a mysterious past.
Before she can even unpack, strange music coming from behind a padlocked door leads Fairday up a spiral staircase and into a secret room, where an ancient mirror, a brass key, and a strange picture of a red-haired lady are the first in a series of clues that takes the members of the Detective Mystery Squad on an amazing adventure.
For the first time ever, I'm bringing in someone to help me review this book. My eight-year-old daughter, Ayla, and I read this book together, so I figured it only made sense to review it together too. So here are our thoughts on The Secret Files of Fairday Morrow.
We loved the mystery right from the start with the old newspaper article. The Begonia House really came alive for us. Ayla loved how the noises from the house and the woman who made an appearance in Fairday's room were really creepy. It really made her want to know what was going to happen next, so much so that we read the book in just three days. Without giving away spoilers, we'll just say that we really enjoyed how the setting came to life, adding to the mystery and excitement of the story. Ayla also would like a pair of those magical ruby sneakers. ;) Overall, this is a fast-paced mystery with just enough creepiness to draw readers in and hold their attention to the very last page. It's also a great story about friendship, both old and new.
Want your YA, NA, or MG book featured on my blog? Contact me here and we'll set it up.
Hi Kelly and Alya, Thank you for sharing this great review. We're so happy to hear you both enjoyed the book. The Begonia House has many more secrets to be revealed. Fear not the unexpected. :) ~ Jess & Stephanie
ReplyDeleteYay, bring on the next book! :)
DeleteWe are working on it! :) ~Jess and Stephanie
DeleteThis is exactly the kind of book I would read cover to cover in one night as a youngster. It sounds delightful!
ReplyDeleteIt is!
DeleteLisa- We are so glad The Secret Files of Fairday Morrow sounds delightful to you. We read books like it in one night when we were growing up too (and actually, we still do). :) ~Jess and Stephanie
DeleteWhat a super review - I've read a lot about The Secret Files but your words really brought the story alive.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad. :)
DeleteBarbara- We loved Kelly and Ayla's review too! So wonderful to hear their thoughts. :) ~Jess and Stephanie
DeleteGood review! Like Lisa, this is probably the sort of book I'd get through quickly growing up.
ReplyDeleteWe devoured it. :)
DeleteWilliam-
DeleteThanks for commenting! We read books like this growing up too. :) ~Jess and Stephanie
Wonderful review. I'm almost caught up with reading and The Secret Files is next. I've already sneaked a peek inside. Hopefully I'll be reading it this week.
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy it!
DeleteBeverly- Happy reading! Hope you enjoy the mystery of the Begonia House. :) ~Jess and Stephanie
DeleteThat's wonderful you read it with your daughter. I really enjoyed this book when I read it awhile ago.
ReplyDeleteWe read a lot together. :)
DeleteMedeia- We love that they read it together too! So cool to have parents and kids reading together. :) ~Jess and Stephanie
Delete