Books, 2012.
Johnny Delgado, who wants to be a detective, finally
has his first case. A really hot girl has
paid him $50 to find out if her boyfriend, Lee Kirk, is cheating on her. Upon taking the job, Johnny realizes he has
broken two of the three rules he has set for himself. His rules are simple. Rule #1: Never get involved with relationship
problems; Rule #2: Never get involved with local gangs; and Rule #3: Never get
involved with the police. He has now
broken rules one and two. Still, he has
agreed to solve the case.
When Johnny realizes he has been framed for the murder
of the current gang boss, Tyrell Jones, by Lee Kirk, he must use his wits to
save himself. With the help of his
friend, Della, her brother, Marcus, a former client, Toog, and an elderly
woman, Betty Travis, Johnny is able to prove his innocence and find out the
name of the man who supposedly murdered his father.
This short novel has everything a reluctant
reader needs—beautiful girls, murder, gangs, and non-stop action, all in under
a hundred pages! The story is told in
first person by Johnny Delgado, a likable teenage boy, who aspires to be the next
Sherlock Holmes. Other characters in the
book are extremely interesting—Della, who has a heart condition; Marcus, who
knows everything that goes on in the projects; Toog, a large, forgetful man
with a soft heart; and Betty Travis, the spry old woman who seems much younger
than she actually is.
Johnny
Delgado: Private Detective is
reminiscent of the old Encyclopedia Brown
mysteries, but for older readers. Avid
mystery and detective fans will really enjoy it! I recommend it for high school libraries
needing hi/lo additions to their collections.
**Reviewer's note: The copy reviewed was received from Library Media Connection in exchange for an honest review.
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