Carl Ashmore

Derek Brundle loves Christmas. All of a sudden Munkle, a member of S.E.S (Special Elf Service) appears at his bedroom window knocking to be let in. Derek lets her in, and she tells him she needs his help. Derek is baffled. How can he help her? He's only seven years old. Turns out he is needed for a special mission as Santa is missing. Why was Derek chosen for the mission? Will they be able to find Santa?

I enjoyed this story. I laughed as Derek and the elves go searching for Santa. Seems like show more there are things Derek does not know about his life and finds out from the elves. Also, he learns things about Santa that debunks what we have grown up knowing. Naturally, there is a villain--a truly hiss-worthy villain but I know Derek has the tools (and the brains) to defeat the villain and his minions.

This is a great story for the Christmas season. It is fresh and imaginative. Your elementary school kids will enjoy it and so will you. It will probably become a family tradition to read each year. show less

A terrific kids book that I would recommend to readers both young and old. I can’t say that I’ve ever read a book that combines time travel and mythology. The author blends these genres with great success and has produced a book with lots of fun, adventure and appeal. This is the first book in a series that is sure to do well.

I struggled to write a review for this very enjoyable book. So much so that I decided not to post my first attempt.

Let me begin by saying that the Amazon blurb I originally read didn't really do it justice. What, another rebellious teenage girl? So?

The twist is that the protagonist, Becky, and her brother, are sent to their eccentric uncle's house for the summer, and that the uncle just happens to be a time traveler.

Still not hooked? Hmm. Maybe neither was I, at first. However, the author show more perfectly captures the voice of a difficult girl who doesn't want anything to do with being sent away from her friends or home. She doesn't know what to think of her estranged uncle, nor does she particularly appreciate the antique car he brings to pick her and her brother up.

One could almost find her protests annoying, except it does capture the rebellious spirit of a kid either unimpressed or embarrassed by every single thing adults do. And she does get better, a little less screechy, as she begins to fit in at her uncle's estate.

Her brother, Joe, is also aptly captured as an adventurous, annoying little brother.

Becky begins to warm to her uncle first as she sees the place they'll be staying, and then to adventure, as she and her brother find out that he's a time traveler. Who just happens to mostly travel in an old camper van. (Which embarrasses Becky to no end, of course.)

Becky grows a close bond with her uncle, who is painted part English gentleman and part reckless adventurer. When I read the book, I imagined him to look and sound much like Jon Pertwee did in Doctor Who. (Who also liked his gadgets)

Their adventures mostly revolve around solving a dangerous puzzle steeped in Greek mythology. The ending surely points to a sequel, one I will eagerly await.

Hmm, you see why I struggled with this review? I still didn't capture why I liked it so much. Let me try again.

Good, fast-paced adventure with a definite British feel, mixed together with Greek mythology, history and the accurate voice of a child who is not easily impressed. show less

Not my usual fare but this was fun read and very cleverly written. I haven't read the previous book which did leave a few gaps that I might have understood better but nevertheless a great read.

The Narrator, Lee Beddow, gives a stellar performance throughout.