S.W. Lothian – Author

FRANKIE DUPONT AND THE SCIENCE FAIR SABOTAGE (FD3)
by Julie Anne Grasso
Published May 2015 | Purchased | Kindle edition | Ages | 8-12

Frankie Dupont is less than impressed when he has to attend the Sustainable Science Fair with Kat and Amy. Upon his arrival, he learns that Amy’s brothers have had their robotics chip stolen.

Keen to recover the chip, Frankie questions the kids in the competition, but everyone seems to have a motive. When baffling clues start rolling in via “Snap-Goss” instant messages, Frankie realises it will take all of his detective muscles to solve this case.

An illustrated mystery for ages 8-12 – GOODREADS

My Review

There’s been a mystery theft at the science fair and time is running out to find the culprit before the judge swoops in to choose the winning invention. A microchip has gone missing from a robot, and unless it’s found, twin brothers, Angus and Archie, look like being knocked out of the competition. It’s up to Frankie to use his brilliant detective skills to solve the case so they can be in with a chance.

In this third book in the series, Frankie is learning and honing his detective skills. With each new case it’s good to see his growing expertise, and that he learns from his mistakes. In this new mystery it’s clear that Frankie has mellowed a little, and isn’t as quick to accuse along the way. He is learning that a good investigator thinks things through and shouldn’t jump to conclusions.

One of the strengths of this series is that it steps keen young investigators through the evidence that is scattered throughout the story. They read and learn as Frankie uses the process of elimination to discount false leads and solve the case. As he moves from suspect to suspect, we find that the twins were a common link throughout. I won’t say too much, but it was fitting to see some karma in action. When crunch time arrives and it’s time to solve, Frankie uses a very clever tactic to make the big reveal.

It’s another good mystery, solved by a keen young detective that is sure to inspire young readers.

Recommended for ages 8+.

FYI – Julie Anne Grasso is a fellow BookElf. We are a group of MG/YA authors who occasionally collaborate in MG fiction. I purchased my own copy at my own choice. I was not approached by the author to read and review this book.

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 Note: I don’t claim to be a pro-reviewer, I am a reader. My reviews are based on my personal thoughts around the story that the book is trying to tell. I try to focus on the story (which is the reason I read) rather than dissect the book and pass comment on typos, writing style or structure.