Thursday, June 11, 2009

CLOSED FOR THE SEASON by Mary Downing Hahn




New to the neighborhood, Logan isn't exactly thrilled when Arthur, the weird kid next door, bustles over to welcome him. Right away Logan can tell that Arthur is going to be a challenge.

The other less than thrilling thing that Logan learns about his new home is that its previous owner, Myrtle Donaldson, was murdered. How come his parents didn't check out something like that before they agreed to buy the rundown place?

At least it's summer vacation so Logan has time to get to know the place before he's thrust into making friends at school. He's not much of an athlete, and if his past school experiences are any indication, making friends with the cool kids will probably be a disaster. When Arthur shows up on Logan's doorstep and offers to show him around, he guesses his friendship is better than nothing. The two end up having a lot in common and finding Myrtle Donaldson's killer gives turns them into a sort of crime fighting team.

The murder, the possibility of the killer's involvement in embezzlement, and the bulldozing of a local, historic amusement park all combine for some great adventure. Normally law-abiding Logan find himself following the lead of reckless Arthur as they investigate Logan's musty attic, the local library, and the overgrown grounds of Magic Forest. They are clever and creative enough to discover some clues that lead them into some dangerous territory.

Mary Downing Hahn is a master of mystery. As the author of novels for young people, she captures the spooky atmosphere of the old amusement park and the excitement of the chase as she reveals the clues to the years old murder mystery. CLOSED FOR THE SEASON is an excellent addition to any middle grade mystery collection

20 comments:

Unknown said...

Seems interesting!
I will have to check it out!


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Jill said...

I enjoyed this one, but not nearly as much as All the Lovely Bad Ones. I do think it will appeal to many young readers, though - I just think my expectations may have been a bit too high.

Anonymous said...

i love this book , well so far so good, i am still reading it

mannal98 said...

well i am the anonymous my name is mannal98

katie said...

i have not started the book yet but i read the summaries and thinks it a absolutely lovely story and i recommend you to buy the book and read it yourself........!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

i am a 13 year old girl and even i enjoyed reading this book.

Anonymous said...

its so long the book!

Unknown said...

im a 13 year old girl and i absolutely loved the book :D

Anonymous said...

its a intresting book

Anonymous said...

i loved this book! it is my favorite book im doing it for book report its so good i loved it. i highly recamend reading this book i hope you enjoy it:)

Sam said...

Horrible book hating every single thing abort this stupid book.

Readingjunky said...

Sam,
Sorry you feel that way. I've had many readers who have enjoyed it.

RJ

Anonymous said...

I am doing this book for a book report! It is so great!

Anonymous said...

awsome

Anonymous said...

i love this book i think its a spine chilling thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat i really think everyone should read it

Allison said...

I actually liked the book!!

Anonymous said...

im a freshman in high school and this is one my favorite books ive ever read!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Im 12 and i love this book, but not as much as All The Lovely Bad Ones and Deep Dark and Dangerous.

Anonymous said...

i really liked this book!!!

Anonymous said...

Great book! I loved it! The ending was such a twist!!!!