Synopses & Reviews
The treacherous, hormone-soaked hallways of Franklin Middle School are the setting for this sharp, funny noir novel about tough guys and even tougher girls. "The Frank"is in the clutches of a crime syndicate run by seventh-grader Vinny "Mr. Biggs" Biggio, who deals in forged hall passes and blackmarket candy. Double-cross him and your number is punched by one of his deadly water gun-toting assassins. One hit in the pants and you are in "the Outs" forever. Matt Stevens is a proud loner with his own code of justice. He's avoided being pulled into Vinny's organization until now: Mr. Biggs has offered him a job he can't resist, even if it means bringing down one of his oldest friends.
Nominated for an Edgar Award in 2009, The Big Splash revitalizes the noir novel while delivering a terrific, addictive mystery that crackles with wit and excitement.
Awards and praise for The Big Splash
2009 Edgar Award nomination
"Jack Ferraiolo shines a light on middle school and reveals what we've always suspected: It's a sinister place ruled by crime bosses and thugs. The Big Splash will make you laugh out loud."
--Jeff Kinney, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Diary of a Wimpy Kid
"Entertaining and thrilling."
--New York Times Book Review
"An ingenious premise: junior high noir. . . . Twists and curve balls keep readers guessing; extended jokes will keep them laughing."
--Publishers Weekly, starred review
"Well paced, funny, and suspenseful, with some real commentary on bullying and mob mentality."
--School Library Journal
"If middle school has an 'underworld,' this book is The Godfather and The Maltese Falcon all rolled into one. Better still, it's funny, and not just a little."
--Gordon Korman, author of Born to Rock
Review
"Combine Sam Spade's manner, Encyclopedia Brown's curiosity and Columbo's deductive tenacity....Half Moon is full-fledged fun and a sure-fire booktalk....[A] fast-paced romp..." Kirkus Reviews
Review
"A typically funny Colfer offering without the mania of the Artemis Fowl series, the story wittily delivers....Kids who enjoy comic mysteries will have a great time with Half Moon, and the conclusion drops plenty of hints that this could become a series." School Library Journal
Synopsis
Fletcher Moon has never been like other kids. For one thing, he has had to suffer the humiliating nickname "Half Moon" because of his short stature. But the real reason Fletcher is different is that ever since he was a baby, he's had the nose for sniffing out mysteries. And let's just say, it's not a skill that has been appreciated by many people, including his own family.
That doesn't bother Fletcher, though. After graduating at the top of his Internet class, he is officially certified as the youngest detective in the world. He even has a silver-plated detective's badge to prove it. Everything is going along fine until two things happen: a classmate hires him to solve a crime, and his prized badge is stolen. All signs point to the town's most notorious crime family, the Sharkeys.
As Fletcher follows the clues, evidence of a conspiracy begins to emerge. But before he can crack the case, Fletcher finds himself framed for a serious crime. To clear his name, he will have to pair up with the unlikeliest of allies and go on the run from the authorities. Fletcher has twelve hours to find the guilty party or he is the guilty party.
Synopsis
Ever since he can remember, 12 year old Fletcher Moon has had to suffer the nickname "Half Moon" because of his short stature. However, what Fletcher lacks in height he makes up for in brains, because Fletcher Moon is the youngest qualified private detective in the world.
To achieve this extraordinary feat, Fletcher changed his age on his birth certificate and signed up for an internet diploma course. He graduated top of his class and received a gold plated detective's shield for his effort. Armed with his prized shield, Fletcher takes on various petty crime cases in his school. Things are going pretty well until one day his shield is stolen and Fletcher is caught up in an investigation involving the town's biggest crime family. Grevious bodily harm, arson, dangerous undercover work ensue as Fletcher is framed for several crimes he did not commit. He is forced to go on the run from the authorities, with twelve hours to find the guilty party, or he is the guilty party.
Synopsis
In this much-anticipated sequel to
The Big Splash, junior high detective Matt Stevens is back on the case, bringing us another hilarious middle school noir.
When the star of the basketball team is blackmailed, its up to Matt, the lone voice for justice in a morass of middle school corruption, to figure out whos behind the scheme. Is it eighth-grade crime lord Vinny Mr. Biggs” Biggio, who has made his name peddling forged hall passes and leading a crew of social assassins who send enemies to the Outs with a humiliating squirt-gun blast below the belt? Or is it his lieutenant and Matts former best friend, Kevin? Or a pair of scheming twins who sell Pixy Stix to sugar-addicted classmates? One things for sure: There wont be a quick fix for the trouble at this middle school.
Praise for The Quick Fix
"The quick-moving plot and interesting characters give this detective story plenty of reluctant-reader appeal."
School Library Journal
Award
Winner - Edgar Award for Best Juvenile Fiction
About the Author
Eoin Colfer was born and raised in Ireland. He is the author of the highly acclaimed book for children The Supernaturalist, but he is best known for his award-winning Artemis Fowl books which have sold more than 2 million copies. Eoin lives in Ireland with his wife, two sons, and an overactive imagination.