K-9

January 20, 2014
What if The Secret were evil? That’s what 13-year-old Darkus Knightley and his father seem to be up against in Gavin’s debut, in which a self-help book called The Code appears to be tied to a rash of criminal activity. Darkus adores his father, private investigator Alan Knightley, though it isn’t always easy: Alan never betrays much emotion, and that’s when he’s conscious (he’s been in a comalike trance for four years). Darkus has memorized his father’s case files, which comes in handy after Alan suddenly awakens, ready to take on the Combination, a criminal organization he believes is “responsible for almost every unexplained crime, both great and small, in towns and cities across the country... and possibly even the world.” Cerebral and humorless “disciples of reason,” Darkus and Alan aren’t the most engaging team, and the supporting cast is underutilized, especially the women, whether it’s Darkus’s mother, his revenge-driven stepsister, or his father’s Polish housekeeper, who’s the center of too many “jokes” about her stilted English. The action picks up toward the end, but it’s a long haul to get there. Ages 10–12.

December 1, 2014

Gr 7 Up-The latest "Knightley & Son" adventure (Bloomsbury) is a paranormal mystery following the same format as its predecessor. This time, readers encounter a werewolf story. As Darkus struggles with his relationship with his father, he is also drawn into a rather unusual mystery. The young detective doesn't believe in werewolves, so what else could be leaving such odd footprints? Gavin continues the character development from his previous book, though readers attempting to jump into this second installment may be a bit lost; it's best to start with Knightley & Son (2014). Overall, a fun, engaging romp, perfect for middle school students looking for suspense with a touch of the paranormal.-Saleena L. Davidson, South Brunswick Public Library, Monmouth Junction, NJ

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