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As a mother who screens everything her 11-year-old daughter reads, I was thrilled to discover a new (for us) author: Mary Downing Hahn. Her stories are insightful and sensitive, and I truly appreciate her empathy when dealing with serious life issues like murder and loss. We did "Daphne's Book" and "Closed for the Season" back to back, and I found that Ms. Hahn is able to adapt her tone and language - and pacing - through the years: "Closed for the Season" is much more modern in the way the protagonists speak, and in the pacing of the book, while "Daphne's Book" reads now like a classic, atmospheric like Lois Duncan's and Philippa Pearce's best, but appropriate for said daughter, even though ( as I knew she would) found the ending to that book bittersweet. "Closed for the Season", though, moves along briskly, and the character of Arthur! You have to read it! In the words of said daughter:
"The book, 'Closed for the Season', by Mary Downing Hahn was fabulous: it was both clever and suspenseful.
"When Logan moves into a house in which an old lady was murdered, he is confronted with a series of adventures. His new friend, Arthur, can be very annoying; Nina the reporter is really a detective, and Danny the bully can actually be nice. Top that with a secret letter, a rundown nursery rhyme park, bullies, society problems and gingerbread men, and you've got this fantastically funny, witty book.
"My favorite part in the book was in the end when the dog, Bear, chose to go live with Danny because it was sweet and loyal.
"I gave the book 4 stars only because the cover put me off; otherwise I would give it 5 stars.
"I would recommend the book for anyone who loves to read quick stories about mysteries and friendships just like me!"
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It is very difficult to find a book that my young son will enjoy but this one he read and couldn't stop til he finished. That says more than I could.
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Not much more to say other than 1. I am happy she enjoys reading books and 2. she and her friends trade this author... it's sort of a MDH book club :). She says she has yet to read a book of Mary Downing Hahn's that she doesn't like.
I say, give this book a try!
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Ms. Hahn has the best books. Since I read my first one by her this past spring, I've been hooked. I'm not a teen or a child, I just like a good book and her latest one, Closed for the Season, is excellent. It moves fast and the characters are engaging. The plot is very believable and it takes the reader inside and you actually feel like you're with these boys. I'll read everything she writes because its a good adventure--every single book.
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I had loved the Old Willis Place book and I loved this one too! the only reason that I rated it four stars is because it takes a while for the plot or the "action" to take place but otherwise it is a great book for people of ages 9 and above.
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