Murder At Midnight

Reader: Frances W
Age: 12
Title: Murder At Midnight
Author: Avi
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
Pub Date: 9/2009
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teens’ Top 10: No
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: Books don't often surprise me because I'm pretty good at predicting. Yet, this book did. Plus, the characters were likable and interesting (except for the ones you aren't supposed to like).
Compelling Aspect of the Book: The constant question of who wants to overthrow the king is mysterious and makes you want to keep reading.
Did you finish: Yes
Were you disappointed with the book at all: I wasn't exactly disappointed, just annoyed. Every two or three pages someone would say "As they say..." and then came some kind of wise or interesting saying that has nothing to do with the story. Now, I liked these enough until the fifth or sixth one came along and I felt irritated. They are great, but they should be MUCH less frequent.
Did the cover tempt you and/or reflect the contents of the book: The cover was extremely tempting and well done. The colors are great. It does sort of reflect the contents, but there is so much more to the book than the murder and I wish the cover and title showed that.
Age Range: Under 12, 12-13, 14-15
Quality: 4Q Better than most
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal