Amber-lee+reading+log

Title: Smiling Jack Author: Ken Catran Rating: 10/10 Genre: Murder Mystery Date: 23 March 2011

Plot summary:

This book is about a boy named Robert, who's Father and Uncle are killed in a suspicious car crash. At the crash scene Robert finds a Jack playing card with a big malicious grin drawn in pen. Sargent Peggy becomes involved with the murder scene but they can not find his father's body. As the story develops Robert becomes friendly with Nicole, his cousin's (Susan) American gap student. The further you get through the book the more Smiling Jack keeps appearing at every muder scene and the more you become suspicious and confused over who could be Smiling Jack. All who read this book will be in for an unexpected turn of events in the very end.

Personal response:

I love this book, as it's thrilling, the story get's more intense towards the end when almost all the characters have been killed in one grusome way to another; from being drowned, to being sliced to pieces by the dreaded 'cheese cutter'. Throughout, Ken Catran maintains the page turning momentum for all, you think you might of cracked who is Smiling Jack... but then, they are murdered along with all of your other suspicious characters. My mum also read this book and she loved it just like me. I would reccomend this book to 12+. I think that boys may enjoy this book more as it can be a bit grusome at times. Although over all it is my favourite book; but be careful, you may end up like Robert, frequently looking over your shoulder. I will be looking for more of his books to read.

JUNO OF TARIS

**Title:** Juno of Taris **Author:** Fleur Beale **Rating:** 10/10 **Genre:** Mystery fiction **Date:** Sunday 5th June 2011


 * Plot Summary: **

This book is about a young girl called Juno. Juno is one of the 500 people who live on the island of Taris wich has been separated from the rest of the outside world by a huge dome. Taris is located in the Southern Ocean and has its own balmy climate and its own survival rules and laws. One of these laws Juno despises: she doesn't understand why everyone on Taris must shave their heads bare. Juno is a mischevoius child who understands what it feels like to have the whole community to withdraw (turning their backs and not speaking to her until she complies with the rules) from her. Juno chooses to refuse to have her head shaven, this this brings untold stress to her family, the whole island despises her and her father withdraws from Juno and her mother.

**Personal Response:**

I enjoyed this book very much as the author develops the characters so that they are not just characters but real humans. I love the way that Fleur Beale has taken an idea and brought it to life with real life problems and complications. This book is the first book in the Juno of Taris triology, I am now currently reading the second book in the triology: Feirce September. I would reccomend this book to anyone who is looking for a good read and loves an adventurous story. This book is best for 12+ as sometimes the plot is hard to understand.

NANCY DREW: STOP THE CLOCK

Title: Nancy Drew: Stop the Clock Author: Carolyn Keene Date: Thursday 1st September Rating: *****

Plot Summary:

This is the 12th book in a huge series of Nancy Drew books. This particular book, Stop the Clock follows Nancy as she plans for the 75th anniversary celebration of the Mahooney Library, when the library's old clock, which is the centerpiece of the celebration, is stolen. This book twists and turns as Nancy has to jump hurtles to solve the mystery of who stole the clock.

Personal Response:

I love this series of books and this book is no exception. I loved the mysterious feel of this book and how the author describes the scene's which makes me feel as though I'm standing in the middle of all the action. I would reccomend this book to any girls who love a good book and are in between the ages of 10-13.