Previous Finalists

A WISHING SHELF BOOK REVIEW
1st September 2019
TITLE: Snake Food
AUTHOR: Kristin A. Fulton
Star Rating: 5

‘A wonderfully exciting mystery adventure younger teenagers will love. Highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf

REVIEW
How fun! Why? Well, the thing is, I love Enid Blyton. I do. I loved all of her books, from The Secret Seven to Malory Towers. So, for me, this exciting mystery/adventure for 9 – 14 year olds was right up my street.
So, what’s the plot? Well, two children go to stay with a professor for the summer. But, when they get there, he’s vanished. In his place, there is only the hired help, a housekeeper and a lab assistant. They insist the professor’s on a trip but, of course, he’s not. Or, the children suspect he’s not. What follows is a gripping adventure, as the two - with a little help from a local boy - do all they can to outsmart two criminals intent on taking the professor’s secrets and using them for evil.
This is very, very good storytelling. Like Enid Blyton, it has a comfy feel to it. Sort of, I don’t know – ‘safe’ is possibly the word I’m looking for. For me, a 42 year old woman who hid in books for most of her teenage years, a book of this nature is like coming home; like putting on comfy slippers.
The writing style is perfect for this age group. Short paragraphs, not overly descriptive, and not too full of the terrible adverb! Regarding the plot, it’s been cleverly planned so I think most teenagers will be surprised by the many twists and turns.
All in all, I’d happily recommend this gripping adventure to any and all 9 – 14 year olds, boys and girls. And, also, to any adult who fondly remembers The Famous Five and all that ginger beer!

A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk