Who Killed Darius Drake?: A Mystery

by Rodman Philbrick Narrated by Sean Welsh Brown

Overview

In award-winner Philbrick's new page-turning mystery, Arthur "Bash Man" is the school thug, paid with candy to bully and threaten other students. When genius orphan Darius Drake employs Arthur to help him discover the origin of a suspicious threat, written in blood, they uncover a mystery that involves Darius's estranged grandfather, who was imprisoned for forging evidence in a search for a long-lost diamond necklace worth millions. The boys make the dangerous decision to search for the jewels themselves -- and in the process, they discover that the car crash that killed Darius's parents was not an accident at all. Who will be next?



Where are the diamonds? And who is stalking the boys? In his first mystery for children, Philbrick delivers yet another suspenseful, unpredictable tale filled with twists and turns that will leave readers breathless.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

"A smart and worthy mystery." — Kirkus Reviews"Dropping tantalizing hints of grisly events to come, Philbrick leads readers to a melodramatic denouement. An artful mix of clues, cons, and violence, with prizes at the end that glitter both literally and figuratively." — Booklist"Mystery and adventure abound in Philbrick's latest middle grade novel.... the odd friendship of the two main characters builds throughout the novel. The feeling of being an outsider, or of just being different, will resonate with students. The mystery elements are well plotted, and readers will enjoy trying to piece together various clues." — School Library Journal "Philbrick's lean prose is richly descriptive (an abandoned house “looks so Halloween, with a roof peaked high like a witch's hat, and the windows boarded up, and a saggy old porch melting into the dirt”). The short novel is big enough to contain an engaging mystery, thought-provoking reflections on class, and satisfying character development." — The Horn Book "This mystery has it all: a spooky old house, unreliable and untrustworthy adult characters, intelligent and resourceful children, family secrets, and a sweet love story that has reached almost urban legend status. The ending is particularly action-packed. Ultimately, the mystery works and a perceptive reader should be able to figure out the bad guy. A fun, fast-past story that will be enjoyed by readers maturing in their reading interests." — School Library Connection"Arthur's straightforward narration and direct addresses to the reader make this highly accessible, and the plot's quick pace, with the appearance of a bloodstained letter and a decrepit old house within the first few chapters, gives it immediate appeal.... For kids who've moved beyond Encyclopedia Brown but aren't quite ready for the various YA iterations of Sherlock, this will hit the sweet spot." — BCCBPraise for The Big Dark"A riveting, credible, and even inspiring vision of life just after the apocalypse." —Kirkus Reviews "A fast pace, pulse-pounding premise, and approachable first-person narration." —Booklist"Philbrick (Zane and the Hurricane) weaves an absorbing tale about the breakdown of contemporary civilization, the return to chaotic vigilante justice, and the strength of kindness and community." — Publishers WeeklyPraise for Zane and the Hurricane2015-2016 Texas Bluebonnet Award Master List*"Vivid descriptions of the toxic waters, the commotion at the Superdome, and racial tension are handled factually yet sensitively." —School Library Journal, starred review*"An appropriately serious and occasionally gruesome tale of surviving Hurricane Katrina, buoyed by large doses of hope and humor."—Kirkus Reviews, starred review*"Zane's first-person account is tense and authentically youthful as the group paddles through the flooded streets of New Orleans seeking refuge." —Publishers Weekly, starred reviewPraise for The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg A Newbery Honor Book*"The horror of war and injustice of slavery ring clearly above the din of playful exaggerations." —Publishers Weekly, starred review

School Library Journal

08/01/2017
Gr 4–6—Mystery and adventure abound in Philbrick's latest middle grade novel. Arthur "Bash Man" Bash and Darius Drake are an unlikely pair who team up to solve the mystery of a missing diamond necklace. The mystery takes the boys through secrets in Darius's past that intertwine with old town folklore. The duo is soon joined by Arthur's stepsister Dierdre. Reminiscent of Philbrick's outstanding middle grade novel Freak the Mighty, the odd friendship of the two main characters builds throughout the novel. The feeling of being an outsider, or of just being different, will resonate with students. The mystery elements are well plotted, and readers will enjoy trying to piece together various clues. VERDICT Fans of mystery or adventure titles such as Tracy Barrett's "Sherlock Files" and Trenton Lee Stewart's "The Mysterious Benedict Society" will appreciate this novel.—Elizabeth Pelayo, St. Charles East High School, IL

Kirkus Reviews

2017-06-27
In a typical Philbrick (The Big Dark, 2016, etc.) combination of humor and insight, two kids become unlikely partners in detection. In this comfortable whodunit for readers discovering the genre, genius white orphan Darius takes the role of lead investigator, while fat white kid Arthur Bash narrates the unfolding plot. "Thug-for-hire" Arthur, also known as Bash Man, plays the role of class heavy, taking payment in candy bars from kids who want someone scared. Darius offers Arthur three Snickers bars to win his protection as he investigates the note—written in blood—asking, "Who killed Darius Drake?" Soon both boys are headed into the scary Stompanado projects and confronting the legendary Scar Man. It's all somehow connected to the mysterious disappearance of a diamond necklace estimated to be worth $15 million. With the addition of Deirdre, Arthur's bubbly white stepsister, the detective team is off and running through libraries and official records as well as contacting a local historian. Frighteningly perilous encounters ensue. While readers will ID the bad guy, there are enough red herrings to keep them engaged along the way. Throughout, it becomes clear to both readers and kids that the old saw Arthur quotes, "never judge a book by its cover," applies to all concerned: smarter-than-he-acts Arthur, frightening Scar Man, and their down-and-out postindustrial town—Philbrick's interrogations of class assumptions are pointed. A smart and worthy mystery. (Mystery. 9-12)

Product Details

BN ID:	2940170564606
Publisher:	Scholastic, Inc.
Publication date:	09/26/2017
Edition description:	Unabridged
Age Range:	8 - 11 Years

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