Jennifer Chambliss Bertman

4-1/2 stars

I think I liked this one better than the first book. As with the first book it would have been a 5 star book, and a favorite, had I read it at ages 9-12.

When I started this I thought I’d made a mistake and that I should have let more time elapse between reading books in this series, but I ended up thoroughly enjoying it, and I’ve reserved book 3 at the library; it’s currently on order. I was in the mood for a light and fun book and that’s what these books are, but they show more also have some substance to the and I appreciate that.

It’s a great San Francisco series. I love the multiple places mentioned, especially the real places, but the made up places too. Great San Francisco and area scenes!

I did find this a bit scary and at one point wondered whether there was going to be a too dark sociopath character for a middle grade mystery, but it never gets too, too dark.

I could do without “Steve” and don’t think I’d have much liked that aspect of the book at 9-12 either, though Steve didn’t seem to be mentioned as much as in the first book and I hope will be mentioned even less in the third book.

I love spending time with these people, particularly Emily, James, and Hollister, but experiencing reading time with almost all the characters is interesting and enjoyable.

The author’s notes at the end are wonderful. She explains what is real and what is made up for the story, and gives a bit of a mini history lesson at the same time, and I learned quite a bit, even though I’m a San Francisco person. I love learning new to me things about the city.

Something I think I neglected to mention in my review of the first book is that the illustrations are charming. I loved them and I’m happy that they’re included. Story and pictures together make for a fun romp. It’s a great children’s mystery series! show less

With mystery, family, friendships, and secrets, SISTERHOOD OF SLEUTHS has something for everyone.

Sisterhood of Sleuths is an entertaining middle-grade novel featuring both a mystery and the effects of growing up on friendships. It feels like the main character, Maizy, is faced with change from all sides: at school with her best friend, Izzy, at home with her older brother leaving for his first year at college, and even in her relationship with her beloved Jacuzzi who is definitely keeping show more secrets.

The author subtly portrays how individuals mature at different rates, with their interests evolving along the way. She shows how friendships also change over time. For some, the changes are gradual and gentle but leave others, sometimes, sorrowful and bereft. I loved how that theme was developed to include the three generations of women in Maizy’s family, how those relationships were damaged, and how they are eventually resolved.

I felt the Nancy Drew plotline was brilliant: how it connected the generations and the actual history of the series, its beginnings, the revisions of the 50s, and Mildred Wirt Benson’s entire story. I particularly liked the parallels Maizy could draw between herself and Benson’s experiences.

With its emphasis on friendships, especially at the middle-school age range, the mystery of Jacuzzi’s old photo, Cam’s rejection of stereotypically feminine dress and assignments, and the sprinkling of that unique style of middle-school boy humor from Link and Ben in the school project, the story has a little something for everyone. I recommend SISTERHOOD OF SLEUTHS to middle-grade fiction readers, especially those who enjoy the Nancy Drew series and those experiencing changes in their childhood friendships.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author or publisher through NetGalley and TBR and Beyond Book Tours. show less

Had I read this book when I was 9-12 I think I would have given it 5 stars. The children’s mysteries available to me then were nowhere near as good, and none that I can remember took place in San Francisco.

This story is great for both boys and girls, and will likely also be appealing to many reluctant readers. Even though this is a children’s book I think many older people (13 and all the way up) can also enjoy it. I particularly loved the San Francisco setting and that this is a book show more about books. I thoroughly enjoyed the real San Francisco portions. The fictional San Francisco parts felt a bit jarring to me (though likely not true for readers who didn’t/don’t live in the city) but they were still gratifying and a hoot.

This was a fun, light, enjoyable book. At times I found it scary, with a tad more feeling of menace that I prefer, but given that this book is for middle grade children I knew it wouldn’t get too dark, and it didn’t. There were a couple times I had to suspend disbelief, but not so much that it took me out of the story. Some smartly done red herrings too!

Interestingly, the instructions that start the story, although short, were a bit of a drudge for me (I have a story about the exercise my wonderful fifth grade teacher gave us about the importance of carefully reading instructions and they reminded me of that.) But they made the book’s story feel all that more authentic, and I think many readers will enjoy them.

I was left feeling love for the main characters and happiness for them. I felt invested in their lives: the three kids, the parents and some of the other adults, and properly scornful of the villains.

This is a lovely friendship story and a great romp. Lots of fun, with heart. Perfect for children who are fans of mysteries, puzzles, codes, and definitely children who’ve lived in or visited San Francisco or who have some interest in the city.

The author’s notes at the end are wonderful, and I learned a lot about Poe and some other subjects related to this story. show less

I have a soft spot for Nancy Drew, as it was one of the first series I read in elementary school. I like to think she was responsible for my lifelong love of reading. So that explains why if it has anything to do with Nancy Drew, I am interested – the original Nancy Drew mystery series, the history of Nancy Drew, puzzles, games, and books inspired by the famous girl detective. So when I learned about “Sisterhood of Sleuths,” a middle grade mystery based on the Nancy Drew books, I show more couldn’t wait to read it. And I wasn’t disappointed.

This is a sweet story about young girls solving a mystery concerning a box of Nancy Drew books. It’s told in the first person by Maizy, who has never heard of the iconic girl detective before discovering the box of books at her mom’s thrift shop. In addition to the mystery of where the books came from, is the books’ mysterious connection to Maizy’s grandmother, Maizy’s school project, and the ups and downs of friendship.

I agree with author Jennifer Chambliss Bertman when she notes what she admired about Nancy Drew: “her friendships, her smarts, and her ability to problem-solve just about any situation. Everyone respected and listened to her. And the stories were exciting – unexpected twists and turns and peril that ended nearly every chapter with a cliffhanger. But Nancy always kept her cool.”

This book is a great way for young readers to continue following Nancy Drew after they’ve read the 56 books in the original series. Or to generate interest before beginning the series. But it also stands alone as an enjoyable middle grade mystery about friendship, forgiveness, and family. show less