Skip to main content

The Big Splash by Jack D. Ferraiolo


Rating: 5/5 Stars
Genre: Mystery
Release Date: 9/1/2008
About the Book: “The Frank” may seem like a typical middle school, but it’s actually run by Vinny Biggs and his gang. Need a stolen exam? Or want a sugar high? You’ll have to go through Vinny. Cross Vinny, and you’ll be facing one of his “hired assassins.”
Vinny’s “hired assassins” hold your social life fate in their hands. These assassins hide water guns, and with one quick shot you’ll look like you peed your pants, face social humiliation, and immediately are put in “the outs.”
Nikki Fingers used to be the fastest and most feared shooter at “The Frank,” but at the beginning of seventh grade decides for a fresh start. But when Nikki is taken out, seventh grade detective Matt Stevens is hired.
Could it have been her former boss, Vinny? The boy who had a crush on her? Or one of the many students at "The Frank" with a reason to hate Nikki? Matt only has a week to find out or he might find himself in “the outs” as well.
GreenBeanTeenQueen Says: Does anyone else remember the movie Bugsy Malone? It's had a young Jodi Foster and Scott Baio and a cast of other young teens in a gangster setting. This book reminded me a lot of that movie-kids in typically adult roles. That said, this book was very clever. It’s wonderfully written in a clever noir style that kept me laughing and guessing all night. It reads just like an old pulp detective novel and includes many of the characters you would expect to be there - the mob boss, the hired guns, the detective, the girl crush - only this time they’re in sixth and seventh grade.
There were so many things sprinkled in this story that made me smile. The kids who would do anything for a pixy stick rush, the frazzled newspaperman, and the kid-owned sandwich shop all added to the style, and I felt like I really was transported back into one of those old pulp detective novels.
The mystery had plenty of twists and turns and kept me guessing and second-guessing who did Nikki in. The dialogue is witty and snappy and is full of humor. Although the setting is middle school, readers who have gotten through their middle school years are sure to enjoy THE BIG SPLASH, as well.
Fans of great detective novels or gangster stories should add this one to their reading pile! I’m looking forward to reading more from Jack D. Ferraiolo - and hope that Matt Stevens is on another case soon!

Comments

  1. YAY! I'm so glad you read this and liked it! It was one of my favorites last year.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Lenore-I'm glad you liked this one too. It's such a fun middle school read.

    Paradox-It was very funny. If you enjoy mystery/detective stories, this one will make you laugh!

    -Sarah

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

I love hearing from other readers! Share your thoughts and chime in!

Popular posts from this blog

Contact Me

  I love to hear from fellow readers and librarians! Send me an email to say hello! You can reach me at greenbeanteenqueen (at) gmail (dot) com

Bedtime Books for the Weary

Today I'm over at the ALSC Blog talking about some of my new favorite bedtime-themed books!

13 District Mockingjay Tour: District 4

Hello and welcome to District Four. I'm sorry that Finnick isn't here to be your host. I know as a member of District Four I should be cheering for my own tribute, but after watching the last two Hunger Games play out I have fallen in love with Peeta Mellark! Why do I love Peeta? He's smart, he's funny, and he's charming. He stands up for what he believes, he's loyal and he's not afraid to do what's right. He's sensitive and caring but can also be strong and kick butt. He fights for Katniss and with Katniss. Peeta is a great diplomat and he knows how to bring people together. He can also be sneaky to get what he wants. Plus, did I mention he can bake? And he's hot!! But it's not just me! We have an underground club of sorts here in District Four-Seafaring Librarians for Peeta! Here's what some of our members had to say about their love for Peeta: - Team Peeta!! I love their relationship because they balance each other perfectly. Where