Goldie Vance: The Hotel Whodunit
By Lilliam Rivera
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers Copyright Year: 2020 ISBN/ISSN: 9780316456647
Review
This easy-to-read and enjoyable mystery is a throwback to the days of Nancy Drew. Goldie Vance is a character with spunk who doesn't always follow the rules. She works as a valet and aspiring detective at the hotel her father manages, which is currently occupied by a slew of Hollywood actors and a starlet who is filming an underwater adventure film nearby. Goldie's mother is also in the film and soon becomes the main suspect in the disappearance of an exquisite diamond-encrusted swimming cap that is being used in the movie. With the assistance of Walter Tooey, hotel detective, and her friends, Goldie sets out to prove her mother's innocence. She steadfastly follows her instincts, which often implies ignoring the advice of adults, but may also result in catching the thief. Her courage and determination will appeal to young readers who long for a sense of adventure and the desire to be accepted for who they are. Readers will enjoy this smart, independent, and quirky character who isn't afraid to go after what she wants.
Reviewer: Susan Anderson, District Media and Technology Integrator, Clinton Community School District, Clinton, WI
Rating: Recommended
Grade (as stated by Reviewer/SLC): 3-8
Review Date: February 1, 2020
Marigold "Goldie" Vance lives and works at the Crossed Palms Resort Hotel in Florida with a whole slew of characters: her dad, Art, the manager of the joint; Cheryl Lebeaux, the concierge and Goldie's best friend; and Walter Tooey, the hired hotel detective. Her mom, Sylvia, works nearby at the Mermaid Club.
While life at the Crossed Palms is always busy, the resort is currently overrun with Hollywood-types filming the hottest new creature feature, and tensions are at an all-time high. Even Goldie's mom is in on the movie act, doing what she does best: playing a mermaid. Just when Goldie thinks the movie biz couldn't get any more exciting, a diamond-encrusted swimming cap goes missing, and all fingers point to Goldie's mom as the culprit. Can Goldie uncover the true thief before it's too late?
Hope Larson and Brittney Williams's critically acclaimed Goldie Vance comic series explores never-before-seen mysteries in this thrilling, original middle-grade debut by Lilliam Rivera. Features 16 full-color comic pages that are essential to unraveling the mystery.
Media Type Book, eBook
Binding HC
# Pages 252
Price 14.99
Grade (as stated by publisher) 3-7
Grade (as stated by Reviewer/SLC) 3-8
Genre Fiction
Sub-Genre Crime, Detective, & Mystery
Content Subject 1 Crime
Content Subject 2 Friends, Peers, Family & Growing Up
Time Period 21st century
Region North America
Story: Action Packed
Characters/Characterization: Familiar/Realistic/Lifelike
Language: Engaging
Tone/Mood Suspenseful
Pace: Leisurely/Relaxed/Unhurried
Setting: Immersive
Entry ID: 2232002