Wednesday 28 August 2013

The Gubbins Club : Review

 
Today we are delighted to be a part of a blog tour for "The Gubbins Club"
by Melinda Talianchich Falgoust
 
Description:
 
X marks the spot. At least in fiction. That's what ten-year old Colin "Smout" McManus always thought, but when a mysterious package arrives at Edinburgh Academy from his archaeologist uncle, Smout finds himself embarking on a dangerous adventure throughout the streets of historical Edinburgh to find a lost pirate treasure. Smout and his ragtag group of friends must solve a series of strange clues and riddles to puzzle out the mysterious trail. But they're not the only ones in search of the gold. Someone as ruthless as the pirates of old is hot on their heels. Will they find the treasure before he finds them?

 
 
My Review:
 
We begin when Bernie Mc Manus, a curator at the museum, goes missing in search of a legendary treasure.  Not without leaving a trail of clues for his young nephew Smout (Colin) Mc Manus.  School was more like a torture chamber for Smout, with regular dackings and wedgies by the school bully Mad Dog. Little did he know, that a food fight involving Mad Dog, would end not just in a detention, but a treasure hunt to boot. Along with the other food fight offenders, Emma the school bookwork, Rory the Athlete and Bogey the nostril hunting treasure seeker, they embark on an adventure to solve the riddle of the mysterious package that Smout receives during their incarceration.  The package arrives with the dreadful news that Smout's uncle has disappeared. Convinced that the clues not only hold the key to the treasure but the whereabouts of his uncle, Smout and the motley crew band together and utilise each other strengths in order to solve the case. They are drawn into a web of intriguing puzzles and clues focused around the works of none other than the famous Robert Louis Stevenson. The crew find themselves in mortal danger, pursued by a real pirate sick with gold fever, but things always as they seem.  Smout and his new friends, solve the clues and in turn, discover new friendships born out of the desperate need for survival and the ever present lure of treasure.
This was a truly intriguing read, full of intricate clues, that will have you guessing to the very end. With a mystery steeped in facts throughout history, I was delighted to learn so much about Robert Louis Stevenson and his literary adventures. The cast of characters is extensive and the clues extremely  clever, so I would definitely recommend this to upper middle grade 12+
5 Stars 
  
 I received this book as part of a blog tour in exchange for an honest review
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Where Can You Find Melinda and Her Book
 

Website: www.melindatfalgoust.doodlekit.com
 
PURCHASE LINKS
http://www.amazon.com/The-Gubbins-Club-Legend-Charlies/dp/1482690403
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/326921
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-gubbins-club-melinda-taliancich-falgoust/1115165307?ean=9781482690408
http://www.walmart.com/ip/26928714
GOODREADS
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18106236-the-gubbins-club
BOOK TRAILER VIDEO

3 comments:

  1. That sounds like a good read! I'll add it to my growing pile. . .

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  2. I'm jealous you got to read this already! I'm really looking forward to this one! I also wanted to let you know your link for the Giveaway Hop isn't working. I'm getting an error page every time I click it.
    Tina

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  3. I love puzzles and clues. This sounds like a book Paul would love too. I just went off tracking checking out your lesson plan and the educational site. I'd love to have you do a guest post on that.

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