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Trouble at the Tangerine
Award-winning author Gillian McDunn pens a delightfully quirky mystery that examines the meaning of home, perfect for fans of The Vanderbeekers series.
Simon's family is always on the move. Every few months, they load up their van, “Vincent Van Go,” and set off for a new adventure. According to his dad, you can't live an extraordinary life by staying in one place. But all Simon wants is to settle down, so he's hatched a to make their latest apartment in the Tangerine Pines building his forever home.
When a priceless necklace is stolen, clues indicate the thief might actually be another neighbor. Simon worries he'll have to move again if the thief isn't caught. He usually doesn't go looking for trouble, but if retrieving the necklace means establishing home, Simon is willing to risk it. With the help of his neighbor Amaya, pet-sitter, plant-waterer, and podcaster extraordinaire, Simon is determined to crack the case and finally put down roots.
Simon's family is always on the move. Every few months, they load up their van, “Vincent Van Go,” and set off for a new adventure. According to his dad, you can't live an extraordinary life by staying in one place. But all Simon wants is to settle down, so he's hatched a to make their latest apartment in the Tangerine Pines building his forever home.
When a priceless necklace is stolen, clues indicate the thief might actually be another neighbor. Simon worries he'll have to move again if the thief isn't caught. He usually doesn't go looking for trouble, but if retrieving the necklace means establishing home, Simon is willing to risk it. With the help of his neighbor Amaya, pet-sitter, plant-waterer, and podcaster extraordinaire, Simon is determined to crack the case and finally put down roots.
256 pages, Hardcover
Published April 2, 2024
16 people are currently reading
332 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
September 15, 2024
✰ 3 stars ✰
“Sometimes the gulf between perfection and reality loomed especially large. To anyone looking at the pictures, their life was perfect and full of adventure.
But all Simon wanted was a chance to settle down.”
Decided to read Trouble at the Tangerine for its vibrant cover and to give Gillian McDunn a try. 🍊🍊 A moderately enjoyable quick read that wasn't exactly great, but then again, it wasn't written with me as a target audience, so I guess it's not exactly fair for me to complain too much. Especially since I can't quite relate to eleven-year-old Simon's sadness and troubles about being on the move constantly simply so his parents can manage their wanderlust Instagram account, when all he wants is to finally settle down in one permanent residence that he can build a home and memories from. He's eager and determined to make their current move to Tangerine Pines be their final one for a while; but when a robbery occurs in the apartment building, it looks like that might be the case. So with a little help from his new friend, Amaya, the two of them work together to solve the case before the thief strikes again - where next time, it may be a little too close to home. 😟
“Stay there forever. This was the most important part —and also the most complicated. He’d have to keep an eye out for any signs of restlessness.
He’d have to make sure his parents truly loved every part of their new city.”
With a little bit of friendship and feelings, mischief and mystery nicely rolled into one, I did enjoy it, just not enough to really make me go wow. I felt for Simon's desire to have a place that he could call a home - a chance to stay somewhere long enough to build some memories that didn't only have to be where he collected rocks to keep a memory of them. 😥 'What would it be like to stick around long enough that he would see other new kids come in?' It was hard to see how his parents were so intent and keen on their own wanderlust desires that they could not see how their own son just wanted an opportunity to have a little stability in his life - a chance to make a friend. Amaya was a rather obnoxiously clever young girl, who made some rather insensitive comments, but she was able to break down Simon's walls and help him to be braver and more confident. A chance to live a little by trying to figure out who was behind the robbery of the Magnificent ruby necklace. 📿
Simon and Amaya made for an interesting team; Amaya was... a handful. 😅 Compared to the slightly more laid-back Simon, she definitely didn't hold back her words or mince her thoughts, which made it harder to like her, but then again, I think kids will definitely relate to how difficult, if not daunting it is to make new friendships when you're a newcomer. I can certainly appreciate the efforts the author took to capture that overall feeling of being the oddball, the unwelcome party, and how trying it is to get someone to like you for who you are. 'Some people wait to find the time, but a real friend will make time, no matter what.' 🥲 I liked seeing them work together through their hurtful words and eventual reconciliation of understanding each other's insecurities and emotions. It was fun seeing them figure out the clues that eventually led them to solve the mystery that tied up together in a believable, yet action-packed fashion. ✨✨
“He was willing to be patient, if that’s what it took. He would wait and watch.
But it would help a whole lot if he had the slightest clue what he should be watching for.”
The dialogue and humor were nicely evened out amongst the colorful residents of Tangerine Pines. I liked the idea that as Simon and co. investigated the mystery, he was able to get to know each of them on a more personal level, thus, making it more of a reason why he would be so eager to stay here. It was also a decent enough mystery - an intriguing one that its bite was bigger than its bark, but I can't exactly complain since it is written with younger readers in mind, so it was a nice fit for them to test their deductive skills and trace the clues that hinted to all the possibilities of who the thief really is. While the culprit was easily figured out for me - again, that is okay - I liked the steady pacing in which each clue was revealed that eventually led to the final showdown, which played out quite well and tied all the pieces together in a very agreeable fashion. 👍🏻
What I couldn't stand was the nonchalant attitude of Simon's wanderlust parents - parents who were so focused on updating their Instagram account with their travel adventures without highlighting the truth behind their various adventures. 🙍🏻♀️ Even the eventual point when Simon was able to voice his concerns about the constant moving, I don't think the parents fully acknowledged or understood why Simon wanted a more stable footing for building a little stability to his life. The ending, while a happy one, wasn't one that really made me feel inwardly satisfied by their reaction or their ready acceptance of their son's concerns. 🫤 A little more heart-to-heart on his feelings would have been nice; but I guess, if that would have been done, it would have made for a more serious tone to the story. 🤷🏻♀️
So, overall, not too bad of a read; it was a relatively quick one with a lot of promising potential that my next try with this author may just be a more positive one. 🤞🏻🧡🧡🤞🏻
“Sometimes the gulf between perfection and reality loomed especially large. To anyone looking at the pictures, their life was perfect and full of adventure.
But all Simon wanted was a chance to settle down.”
Decided to read Trouble at the Tangerine for its vibrant cover and to give Gillian McDunn a try. 🍊🍊 A moderately enjoyable quick read that wasn't exactly great, but then again, it wasn't written with me as a target audience, so I guess it's not exactly fair for me to complain too much. Especially since I can't quite relate to eleven-year-old Simon's sadness and troubles about being on the move constantly simply so his parents can manage their wanderlust Instagram account, when all he wants is to finally settle down in one permanent residence that he can build a home and memories from. He's eager and determined to make their current move to Tangerine Pines be their final one for a while; but when a robbery occurs in the apartment building, it looks like that might be the case. So with a little help from his new friend, Amaya, the two of them work together to solve the case before the thief strikes again - where next time, it may be a little too close to home. 😟
“Stay there forever. This was the most important part —and also the most complicated. He’d have to keep an eye out for any signs of restlessness.
He’d have to make sure his parents truly loved every part of their new city.”
With a little bit of friendship and feelings, mischief and mystery nicely rolled into one, I did enjoy it, just not enough to really make me go wow. I felt for Simon's desire to have a place that he could call a home - a chance to stay somewhere long enough to build some memories that didn't only have to be where he collected rocks to keep a memory of them. 😥 'What would it be like to stick around long enough that he would see other new kids come in?' It was hard to see how his parents were so intent and keen on their own wanderlust desires that they could not see how their own son just wanted an opportunity to have a little stability in his life - a chance to make a friend. Amaya was a rather obnoxiously clever young girl, who made some rather insensitive comments, but she was able to break down Simon's walls and help him to be braver and more confident. A chance to live a little by trying to figure out who was behind the robbery of the Magnificent ruby necklace. 📿
Simon and Amaya made for an interesting team; Amaya was... a handful. 😅 Compared to the slightly more laid-back Simon, she definitely didn't hold back her words or mince her thoughts, which made it harder to like her, but then again, I think kids will definitely relate to how difficult, if not daunting it is to make new friendships when you're a newcomer. I can certainly appreciate the efforts the author took to capture that overall feeling of being the oddball, the unwelcome party, and how trying it is to get someone to like you for who you are. 'Some people wait to find the time, but a real friend will make time, no matter what.' 🥲 I liked seeing them work together through their hurtful words and eventual reconciliation of understanding each other's insecurities and emotions. It was fun seeing them figure out the clues that eventually led them to solve the mystery that tied up together in a believable, yet action-packed fashion. ✨✨
“He was willing to be patient, if that’s what it took. He would wait and watch.
But it would help a whole lot if he had the slightest clue what he should be watching for.”
The dialogue and humor were nicely evened out amongst the colorful residents of Tangerine Pines. I liked the idea that as Simon and co. investigated the mystery, he was able to get to know each of them on a more personal level, thus, making it more of a reason why he would be so eager to stay here. It was also a decent enough mystery - an intriguing one that its bite was bigger than its bark, but I can't exactly complain since it is written with younger readers in mind, so it was a nice fit for them to test their deductive skills and trace the clues that hinted to all the possibilities of who the thief really is. While the culprit was easily figured out for me - again, that is okay - I liked the steady pacing in which each clue was revealed that eventually led to the final showdown, which played out quite well and tied all the pieces together in a very agreeable fashion. 👍🏻
What I couldn't stand was the nonchalant attitude of Simon's wanderlust parents - parents who were so focused on updating their Instagram account with their travel adventures without highlighting the truth behind their various adventures. 🙍🏻♀️ Even the eventual point when Simon was able to voice his concerns about the constant moving, I don't think the parents fully acknowledged or understood why Simon wanted a more stable footing for building a little stability to his life. The ending, while a happy one, wasn't one that really made me feel inwardly satisfied by their reaction or their ready acceptance of their son's concerns. 🫤 A little more heart-to-heart on his feelings would have been nice; but I guess, if that would have been done, it would have made for a more serious tone to the story. 🤷🏻♀️
So, overall, not too bad of a read; it was a relatively quick one with a lot of promising potential that my next try with this author may just be a more positive one. 🤞🏻🧡🧡🤞🏻
September 18, 2024
Original, creative. Most of the common cliche tropes of MG fiction are missing, for example bullies, orphans, tears, envy. The kids (and Simon's parents) do actually talk to one another. It's a mystery, so Simon does a little sneaking around, but nothing egregious or gratuitous.
I love that the epigraph is "Very few of us are what we seem," by Agatha Christie, the iconic mystery writer (btw, her work, though intended for adults, is G-rated, so let your kids at it). So true.
Ultimately, though, the book is a little light, at least for this adult. If you're interested, you'll enjoy it, but I can't say it's a classic or that I necessarily want to read anything else by the author. I rounded up because I'm too much like Simon's dad and want to be even more so, so it was interesting to see that perspective.
I love that the epigraph is "Very few of us are what we seem," by Agatha Christie, the iconic mystery writer (btw, her work, though intended for adults, is G-rated, so let your kids at it). So true.
Ultimately, though, the book is a little light, at least for this adult. If you're interested, you'll enjoy it, but I can't say it's a classic or that I necessarily want to read anything else by the author. I rounded up because I'm too much like Simon's dad and want to be even more so, so it was interesting to see that perspective.
April 28, 2024
Absolutely loved this new middle grade mystery novel from Gillian McDunn.
Simon Hyde’s family is always moving. His parents document their adventures on a social media platform called “The Hydes Go Seek.” But Simon’s getting tired of moving around all the time, trying to navigate new schools, new friends, new places. He’s hoping that when they settle into their latest adventure, an apartment in Tangerine Pines, he can convince his parents to stay for good. But on their first day there, a priceless necklace is stolen, and Simon needs to figure out a way to solve the crime and convince his parents that this is a safe place for his family to put down roots.
Full of twists and turns, quirky characters, and friendship, this one is perfect for middle grade classrooms and libraries. Out now!
Favorite lines:
Pages 33/34:
Sometimes the gulf between perfection and reality loomed especially large. To anyone looking at the pictures, their life was perfect and full of adventure.
Page 98:
“You can learn a lot about a person by their books,” Amaya said, star earrings swinging. “ I don’t mean just the titles – I mean the way they read them.“ She removed a well worn copy of Tristan Strong from the shelf and began to flip through it.”
Pages 158/159:
“Sometimes pushing isn’t the answer. Sometimes it’s best to wait and watch,” Mrs. Kobayashi said….
”Be patient and allow yourself to observe. You may be surprised about the answers that appear when you aren’t looking quite so hard.”
Page 181: “You always talk about these rocks,” she said. “You said they connect you to all the places you’ve ever been. But the place isn’t what matters, Simon. It’s the people. But I guess you don’t care as much about that.“
Page 239: Life can be a mystery of its own. He and his family had traveled thousands of miles looking for something extraordinary. But Simon was learning that sometimes you had to stay close to home to find what was truly magnificent.
Simon Hyde’s family is always moving. His parents document their adventures on a social media platform called “The Hydes Go Seek.” But Simon’s getting tired of moving around all the time, trying to navigate new schools, new friends, new places. He’s hoping that when they settle into their latest adventure, an apartment in Tangerine Pines, he can convince his parents to stay for good. But on their first day there, a priceless necklace is stolen, and Simon needs to figure out a way to solve the crime and convince his parents that this is a safe place for his family to put down roots.
Full of twists and turns, quirky characters, and friendship, this one is perfect for middle grade classrooms and libraries. Out now!
Favorite lines:
Pages 33/34:
Sometimes the gulf between perfection and reality loomed especially large. To anyone looking at the pictures, their life was perfect and full of adventure.
Page 98:
“You can learn a lot about a person by their books,” Amaya said, star earrings swinging. “ I don’t mean just the titles – I mean the way they read them.“ She removed a well worn copy of Tristan Strong from the shelf and began to flip through it.”
Pages 158/159:
“Sometimes pushing isn’t the answer. Sometimes it’s best to wait and watch,” Mrs. Kobayashi said….
”Be patient and allow yourself to observe. You may be surprised about the answers that appear when you aren’t looking quite so hard.”
Page 181: “You always talk about these rocks,” she said. “You said they connect you to all the places you’ve ever been. But the place isn’t what matters, Simon. It’s the people. But I guess you don’t care as much about that.“
Page 239: Life can be a mystery of its own. He and his family had traveled thousands of miles looking for something extraordinary. But Simon was learning that sometimes you had to stay close to home to find what was truly magnificent.
March 29, 2024
Trouble at the Tangerine is a new middle grade mystery about a stolen necklace. Simon is used to moving around a lot. His family has a YouTube channel that is based around them moving around a lot. Simon wants to settle down and he has found the perfect place. When him and his parents arrive, an expensive necklace is stolen. Simon teams up with a new friend and they try to solve the case so Simon can stay in a new place.
I really enjoyed this book! The characters were good and the writing kept me interested. I liked the mystery and I think kids will enjoy this one. I guessed the twist but I don’t think kids will be able to as easily.
It also says a lot of important things about social media and life in general. Like how social media shows the perfect part of life but not the messy stuff. I think that’s important for kids to learn. It also has some lessons about friendship and forgiveness as well.
Thanks so much to netgalley and Bloomsbury Children's Books for the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I really enjoyed this book! The characters were good and the writing kept me interested. I liked the mystery and I think kids will enjoy this one. I guessed the twist but I don’t think kids will be able to as easily.
It also says a lot of important things about social media and life in general. Like how social media shows the perfect part of life but not the messy stuff. I think that’s important for kids to learn. It also has some lessons about friendship and forgiveness as well.
Thanks so much to netgalley and Bloomsbury Children's Books for the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review!
June 4, 2024
I loved it a lot! Very suspenseful.
August 18, 2024
Great mystery book for 4th/5th graders
August 28, 2024
Can a family always on the move find a forever home . . . or will a series of burglaries at their new apartment building wreck all of Simon's plans?
January 5, 2025
Yes! A middle grade mystery that my students will actually read and understand. Delightful - I read it in two sittings!
December 28, 2023
Gillian McDunn "gets" middle grade kids and readers are in for a treat with great characters and a mystery to solve! I read this all in one sitting and loved it - highly recommend!
April 3, 2024
Another wonderful realistic fiction for children and middle grade readers from the author of other heart-warming books such as Caterpillar Summer, These Unlucky Stars, Honestly Elliott and When Sea Becomes Sky. While “Tangerine” might not make readers reach for the tissue while reading, they will connect with MC Simon as he yearns for fewer home changes so that he can put down some roots, make and keep friends and stop being on the road quite so much. The town of Rigsby might be just that for him if his parents can a) put aside their wanderlust and b) get over the anxiety caused by thefts in their currently temporary apartment building. Teaming up with new friend Amaya to solve the crimes is the means used by Gillian McDunn to have Simon risk getting attached to a building and the people and places connected to it. Characters have secrets, quirky habits and unusual pets and may keep readers guessing until the very end as to the identity of the thief. Some lessons learned include how to better communicate with parents and make/keep friends. Great addition to library collections for those in grades 3-5. Read aloud possibility for ELA classes with plenty of material for character profiles, changes over time, inference, prediction and more. Text is free of profanity, violence and sexual content. Representation: a variety of family configurations, 2 MCs are identified as medium brown skinned and Black.
Thanks for the print arc, Gillian McDunn and Bloomsbury Kids.
Thanks for the print arc, Gillian McDunn and Bloomsbury Kids.
January 1, 2024
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Simon Hyde's parents love life on the road and are always looking for their next adventure. They both have jobs that can be done remotely, and also have a social media presence called Hydes Go Seek about the family's travels. This means that Simon is always the new kid at school and can't really make lasting friendships, and while he does pretty well, it's tiring. In a leg cast after an incident at his last school, Simon is determined to make his family's move to Rigsby their last. Things don't start out too smoothly at the Tangerine Pines apartment building, since the superintendent, Oscar, gets mad at Simon for propping a door open and also because the family has mail that preceded them. Not only that, but on their very first day, one of the residents has a valuable family necklace stolen during a fire alarm! Ginger, whom Simon had met before the alarm went off, seemed fun and quirky, but is now very upset about the missing necklace. She also has a very cute rescue dog, Bianca, who is expecting puppies. Simon has wanted a dog, but moving and sometimes living in their van, Vincent Van Gogh, makes this impossible. Another neighbor, Amaya, is just Simon's age and suggests that the two investigate the theft so she can record about it for her podcast. She also pet sits, and is always in and out of the building. Investigating helps Simon get to know his neighbors, including Mrs. Kobayashi, who is a retired detective! When he's not investigating, Simon is trying to convince his parents that Rigsby is a great place to be, but his father is itching to move on, and is talking about taking an entire year on the road! Since he has also met Calvin and started to learn how to throw Frisbees with him, Simon really wants to get his parents to stay. When another piece of jewelry goes missing, Simon knows he has to get to the bottom of things, especially since someone seems to be breaking into other apartments and moving things around, even if nothing is being stolen. Will he and Amaya be able to figure things out?
Strengths: Growing up, I was enthralled by books set in city apartment buildings, because they seemed so exotic! This reminded me a little of Marks' A Soft Place to Land or Graf and Patterson's Minerva Keene's Detective Club, and I loved the descriptions of the apartment building and its environs, even the shiny new building next door that blocked Ginger's view of the park. I'd also love to see more books about children with slightly unusual living arrangements, like Goeble's Alpaca My Bags or Hawes' Big Rig. Simon is a great character, and his attempts to sway his parents into staying in one place are very well thought out. He also gets some good information from Mrs. Kobayashi about talking to his parents. The minor characters are well developed, and Oscar is a fun addition.
Weaknesses: The mystery of the missing necklace wasn't that strong, but for me, that wasn't really the point of the book! I did want to know more about Amaya's living arrangement, and the building next door to the apartment building.
What I really think: This is much more up beat than When See Becomes Sky (2023), These Unlucky Stars (2021) and Caterpillar Summer (2019), and even happier than Honestly Elliot (2022), or The Queen Bee and Me (2020). I'd love to see McDunn tackle realistic middle grade problems with more humor and perhaps some mystery, because those are the type of books my students love, and they are hard to find!
Simon Hyde's parents love life on the road and are always looking for their next adventure. They both have jobs that can be done remotely, and also have a social media presence called Hydes Go Seek about the family's travels. This means that Simon is always the new kid at school and can't really make lasting friendships, and while he does pretty well, it's tiring. In a leg cast after an incident at his last school, Simon is determined to make his family's move to Rigsby their last. Things don't start out too smoothly at the Tangerine Pines apartment building, since the superintendent, Oscar, gets mad at Simon for propping a door open and also because the family has mail that preceded them. Not only that, but on their very first day, one of the residents has a valuable family necklace stolen during a fire alarm! Ginger, whom Simon had met before the alarm went off, seemed fun and quirky, but is now very upset about the missing necklace. She also has a very cute rescue dog, Bianca, who is expecting puppies. Simon has wanted a dog, but moving and sometimes living in their van, Vincent Van Gogh, makes this impossible. Another neighbor, Amaya, is just Simon's age and suggests that the two investigate the theft so she can record about it for her podcast. She also pet sits, and is always in and out of the building. Investigating helps Simon get to know his neighbors, including Mrs. Kobayashi, who is a retired detective! When he's not investigating, Simon is trying to convince his parents that Rigsby is a great place to be, but his father is itching to move on, and is talking about taking an entire year on the road! Since he has also met Calvin and started to learn how to throw Frisbees with him, Simon really wants to get his parents to stay. When another piece of jewelry goes missing, Simon knows he has to get to the bottom of things, especially since someone seems to be breaking into other apartments and moving things around, even if nothing is being stolen. Will he and Amaya be able to figure things out?
Strengths: Growing up, I was enthralled by books set in city apartment buildings, because they seemed so exotic! This reminded me a little of Marks' A Soft Place to Land or Graf and Patterson's Minerva Keene's Detective Club, and I loved the descriptions of the apartment building and its environs, even the shiny new building next door that blocked Ginger's view of the park. I'd also love to see more books about children with slightly unusual living arrangements, like Goeble's Alpaca My Bags or Hawes' Big Rig. Simon is a great character, and his attempts to sway his parents into staying in one place are very well thought out. He also gets some good information from Mrs. Kobayashi about talking to his parents. The minor characters are well developed, and Oscar is a fun addition.
Weaknesses: The mystery of the missing necklace wasn't that strong, but for me, that wasn't really the point of the book! I did want to know more about Amaya's living arrangement, and the building next door to the apartment building.
What I really think: This is much more up beat than When See Becomes Sky (2023), These Unlucky Stars (2021) and Caterpillar Summer (2019), and even happier than Honestly Elliot (2022), or The Queen Bee and Me (2020). I'd love to see McDunn tackle realistic middle grade problems with more humor and perhaps some mystery, because those are the type of books my students love, and they are hard to find!
August 26, 2024
Four stars from me, but my kids LOVED it, so I'm giving five stars. I really was pleasantly surprised by it and we really enjoyed it as a family read-aloud, the kids kept asking for more chapters and when could we read "the Simon book" again! :-)
Contemporary middle-grade is sometimes a bit too angsty for me, but this one was just-right. Simon struggles with the nomadic lifestyle his parents have chosen for the family and wants to set down roots. I really appreciate, though, that he doesn't hate his parents and they aren't obnoxiously clueless. His mom is even being more conscientious of what she posts about Simon on the family's blog, The Hydes Go Seek, but Simon still feels uncomfortable that the blog only shows the sunny side of life and that his parents can't see how much he wants to stay in one place and make some lasting friendships. He really hopes that their apartment at the Tangerine Pines will become a long-term home and he sets about making everything about the town seem super awesome. But, when some burglaries start occurring in the building, his parents really don't seem comfortable with sticking around for long. If only Simon could get to the bottom of what's happening!
The sleuthing is well-done for a modern middle grade. Simon goes around by himself a bit more than I would personally be comfortable with for my own kids if I was new to an area and didn't really know the neighbors well, but the parents do keep tabs on him and there are curfews and such he needs to follow and he's generally trying to be a really "good kid" and not break any rules or do anything questionable. The cast of supporting characters is interesting and diverse--and I loved the animals, too. I guessed one of the big "reveals" and also the main mystery pretty easily, but the target audience might be more surprised, especially if they haven't read a lot of mysteries before. For me, the story was more character-driven than mystery-driven, but that isn't a complaint.
Overall, a pleasure to read and to share with my kids and we hope this will become a series. It would be great to see Simon solve some more mysteries.
Contemporary middle-grade is sometimes a bit too angsty for me, but this one was just-right. Simon struggles with the nomadic lifestyle his parents have chosen for the family and wants to set down roots. I really appreciate, though, that he doesn't hate his parents and they aren't obnoxiously clueless. His mom is even being more conscientious of what she posts about Simon on the family's blog, The Hydes Go Seek, but Simon still feels uncomfortable that the blog only shows the sunny side of life and that his parents can't see how much he wants to stay in one place and make some lasting friendships. He really hopes that their apartment at the Tangerine Pines will become a long-term home and he sets about making everything about the town seem super awesome. But, when some burglaries start occurring in the building, his parents really don't seem comfortable with sticking around for long. If only Simon could get to the bottom of what's happening!
The sleuthing is well-done for a modern middle grade. Simon goes around by himself a bit more than I would personally be comfortable with for my own kids if I was new to an area and didn't really know the neighbors well, but the parents do keep tabs on him and there are curfews and such he needs to follow and he's generally trying to be a really "good kid" and not break any rules or do anything questionable. The cast of supporting characters is interesting and diverse--and I loved the animals, too. I guessed one of the big "reveals" and also the main mystery pretty easily, but the target audience might be more surprised, especially if they haven't read a lot of mysteries before. For me, the story was more character-driven than mystery-driven, but that isn't a complaint.
Overall, a pleasure to read and to share with my kids and we hope this will become a series. It would be great to see Simon solve some more mysteries.
June 17, 2024
I am going to unofficially retitle this book as "The Only Burglary in the Building". For those who might like a better clue to what that means, you can compare the plot to a famous adult tv show that involves the main characters following clues to create a podcast that will solve a murder in their building. This is like that only on a middle grade/school level with an age-appropriate mystery to solve. On the day Simon's family move into their "next" home; an apartment building called the Tangerine Pines; he meets his neighbor Amaya and they quickly bond over a podcast they create when a valuable necklace goes missing during a fake fire alarm.
The story is quirky, cool, and a good mystery for the intended readers of middle grade books. I have enjoyed reading two other Gillian McDunn novels (Caterpillar Summer and When Sea Becomes Sky so I was doubly pleased when an ARC of this title landed in our consortium review pile and my librarian middle grade reading book club selected this for our June meeting. It was a perfect summer read, as the story takes place in summer.
The core mystery in the plot evolves well as it starts with a dramatic bang, and with lots of interesting suspects in a building of 16 apartments there is always something new to learn and ponder over how it fits into the ending. What I liked most though, was how much I was invested in Simon and not only for the mystery, but in his personal story as he is longing to put down roots and not be the new kid in school anymore. The middle school themes of friendship, family, and self-actualization are met with great aplomb while giving us a great mystery to figure out. It is a wonderful heart and head story!
I would recommend this book for purchase by any school or public library.
This book was provided by the publisher for professional review in uncorrected ARC for professional review by SWON Libraries.
The story is quirky, cool, and a good mystery for the intended readers of middle grade books. I have enjoyed reading two other Gillian McDunn novels (Caterpillar Summer and When Sea Becomes Sky so I was doubly pleased when an ARC of this title landed in our consortium review pile and my librarian middle grade reading book club selected this for our June meeting. It was a perfect summer read, as the story takes place in summer.
The core mystery in the plot evolves well as it starts with a dramatic bang, and with lots of interesting suspects in a building of 16 apartments there is always something new to learn and ponder over how it fits into the ending. What I liked most though, was how much I was invested in Simon and not only for the mystery, but in his personal story as he is longing to put down roots and not be the new kid in school anymore. The middle school themes of friendship, family, and self-actualization are met with great aplomb while giving us a great mystery to figure out. It is a wonderful heart and head story!
I would recommend this book for purchase by any school or public library.
This book was provided by the publisher for professional review in uncorrected ARC for professional review by SWON Libraries.
January 16, 2024
Thank you to #NetGalley, Gillian McDunn, and the publisher of the book for the eARC copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Simon's family is always moving and looking for their next adventure! Simon loves adventure but is also ready to put their van "Vincent Van Go" in a more permanent spot. Simon is happy when his family ends up in Rigsby at the Tangerine Pines apartments and is determined to make it their forever home. Soon though, a priceless necklace is stolen and Simon's parents are worried about the safety of their new home. Simon does not want to move again so he is determined to find the missing necklace before it is too late. With the help of new friend/pet-sitter/podcaster, Amaya, will they be able to find the missing necklace?
I have had the privilege of seeing Ms. McDunn not only speak in person but also to have read all of her books. They are all wonderful middle grade novels and "Trouble at the Tangerine" did not disappoint either.
This novel is a wonderful and fast paced mystery that will keep you guessing the whole time. There is also an amazing sounding pancake restaurant that I am very sad it not a real place! Simon and Amaya are wonderful characters that deal with issues/situations that all kids face! I cannot wait to buy a physical copy to add to my Gillian McDunn collection!
Simon's family is always moving and looking for their next adventure! Simon loves adventure but is also ready to put their van "Vincent Van Go" in a more permanent spot. Simon is happy when his family ends up in Rigsby at the Tangerine Pines apartments and is determined to make it their forever home. Soon though, a priceless necklace is stolen and Simon's parents are worried about the safety of their new home. Simon does not want to move again so he is determined to find the missing necklace before it is too late. With the help of new friend/pet-sitter/podcaster, Amaya, will they be able to find the missing necklace?
I have had the privilege of seeing Ms. McDunn not only speak in person but also to have read all of her books. They are all wonderful middle grade novels and "Trouble at the Tangerine" did not disappoint either.
This novel is a wonderful and fast paced mystery that will keep you guessing the whole time. There is also an amazing sounding pancake restaurant that I am very sad it not a real place! Simon and Amaya are wonderful characters that deal with issues/situations that all kids face! I cannot wait to buy a physical copy to add to my Gillian McDunn collection!
March 9, 2024
Simon and his parents have just moved to a new town and into the apartment building called The Tangerine Pines. That’s nothing new. Simon’s family has built a huge social media following by documenting their constant moves.
On their first night, the fire alarm goes off, everyone evacuates the building, and when they return a priceless necklace has gone missing.
(As a grown up reading this book, I got a little hung up on how similar the initial plot was to the TV show “Only Murders in the Building,” but I’m assuming that the middle grade readers this book is written for wouldn’t get the reference.)
On one level, this book is a fun “whodunit” mystery that will keep kids guessing. But what I really loved about this, and why I think it would be good to read in school, was the approachable way it dealt with how we portray ourselves on social media. Simon sees the reality of what his family is dealing with but their followers only see the good parts and this isn’t sitting right with him.
Thanks to #NetGalley for the ARC of this book! If you want to check it out, it comes out April 2nd.
On their first night, the fire alarm goes off, everyone evacuates the building, and when they return a priceless necklace has gone missing.
(As a grown up reading this book, I got a little hung up on how similar the initial plot was to the TV show “Only Murders in the Building,” but I’m assuming that the middle grade readers this book is written for wouldn’t get the reference.)
On one level, this book is a fun “whodunit” mystery that will keep kids guessing. But what I really loved about this, and why I think it would be good to read in school, was the approachable way it dealt with how we portray ourselves on social media. Simon sees the reality of what his family is dealing with but their followers only see the good parts and this isn’t sitting right with him.
Thanks to #NetGalley for the ARC of this book! If you want to check it out, it comes out April 2nd.
August 27, 2024
Simon's parents don't like to stay in one place, and even have a blog dedicated to their nomadic lifestyle. Although Simon is only 11 years old, he's lived in 27 different places and is used to making temporary friends. He's moved so many times that he's devised a plan for coping with transitions; according to Code Name Chameleon, fitting in means going with the flow and not doing anything weird. That's why Simon took up surfing when they lived by the ocean and hasn't told anyone about his passion for rock collecting.
But the truth is, Simon's sick of moving around. The town of Rigby seems perfect--maybe Simon can finally convince his parents to call it home for good? But shortly after moving into an apartment at the Tangerine Pines complex, a jewelry theft in the building jeopardizes Simon's plan. If Simon can just solve the mystery, he's sure that he can set his parents at ease and convince them to stay--but to do so, he'll need help--from a girl with a scooter and a talking parrot on her shoulder, who couldn't blend in if she tried.
Sweet and fun, but not my favorite McDunn.
But the truth is, Simon's sick of moving around. The town of Rigby seems perfect--maybe Simon can finally convince his parents to call it home for good? But shortly after moving into an apartment at the Tangerine Pines complex, a jewelry theft in the building jeopardizes Simon's plan. If Simon can just solve the mystery, he's sure that he can set his parents at ease and convince them to stay--but to do so, he'll need help--from a girl with a scooter and a talking parrot on her shoulder, who couldn't blend in if she tried.
Sweet and fun, but not my favorite McDunn.
May 21, 2025
Another book by Gillian McDunn that I just love and can't wait to recommend it to kids.
One grown-up perspective, I've been thinking a lot lately about the social media I consume, particularly when parents put their kids in a lot of content, and I think Simon's perspective on his parents use of social media is very thought provoking.
And this little love letter to books...I love it!
"You have to be gentle with library books or any that belong to other people. But something from your own shelf? You have a right to read exactly the way you want to...if you're reading a really good story and you can't put it down, isn't that the biggest compliment an author could ever get? When I have a book I love, it's with me constantly. That means I have it when I"m eating my breakfast and brushing my teeth and even when I'm on public transportation. It goes with me in my school bag and to the park and the beach. So what if it gets a little rained on or a little smooshed at times? If you can still read the words, then everything is fine. If you ask me, the only people you shouldn't trust are those with shelves and shelves full of books that look like they've never been touched."
One grown-up perspective, I've been thinking a lot lately about the social media I consume, particularly when parents put their kids in a lot of content, and I think Simon's perspective on his parents use of social media is very thought provoking.
And this little love letter to books...I love it!
"You have to be gentle with library books or any that belong to other people. But something from your own shelf? You have a right to read exactly the way you want to...if you're reading a really good story and you can't put it down, isn't that the biggest compliment an author could ever get? When I have a book I love, it's with me constantly. That means I have it when I"m eating my breakfast and brushing my teeth and even when I'm on public transportation. It goes with me in my school bag and to the park and the beach. So what if it gets a little rained on or a little smooshed at times? If you can still read the words, then everything is fine. If you ask me, the only people you shouldn't trust are those with shelves and shelves full of books that look like they've never been touched."
March 27, 2024
I received an electronic ARC from Bloomsbury USA Children's Books through NetGalley.
Simon is tired of moving to new locations. His parents, especially his dad, love to move and explore new areas as often as possible. Their lifestyle works with this as both parents can work from anywhere and they have a popular travel blog. Simon yearns to stay in one location and build friendships. He hopes to get his wish when they arrive in this new location. However, some major events threaten their staying. Simon works with a new friend, Amaya, to solve the mysteries and reassure his parents that this is the place to stay. In the end, the mystery is solved and his parents agree to try staying in one location.
McDunn's style will appeal to middle grade readers. She offers enough action blended with humor and mystery to make readers feel they are helping to solve the mysteries along with the three. She throws a couple red herring hints to see if readers will guess incorrectly and be surprised by both culprits in the end.
Simon is tired of moving to new locations. His parents, especially his dad, love to move and explore new areas as often as possible. Their lifestyle works with this as both parents can work from anywhere and they have a popular travel blog. Simon yearns to stay in one location and build friendships. He hopes to get his wish when they arrive in this new location. However, some major events threaten their staying. Simon works with a new friend, Amaya, to solve the mysteries and reassure his parents that this is the place to stay. In the end, the mystery is solved and his parents agree to try staying in one location.
McDunn's style will appeal to middle grade readers. She offers enough action blended with humor and mystery to make readers feel they are helping to solve the mysteries along with the three. She throws a couple red herring hints to see if readers will guess incorrectly and be surprised by both culprits in the end.
April 10, 2024
Trouble at the Tangerine is the sort of quirky mystery that will appeal to a large group of kids from diverse backgrounds.
At the center of the story is Simon, a bright kid whose aversion to heights may or may not have contributed to the cast on his leg. Though pretty easygoing, Simon is tired of going along with his parents’ need to keep moving.
So, Simon made a plan. A plan that involves staying put for a while. A plan for which he thought he’d considered everything. Then the necklace is stolen, and Simon becomes desperate. So desperate that he stops trying to blend in. He makes friends. He gets to know the neighbors. He actually begins to feel like he belongs.
The mystery at the center of Trouble at the Tangerine is what will draw in young readers, but it’s family, friendship and the concept of home that will keep them reading to the end.
Author Gillian McDunn’s writing is conversational in tone and pacing. And because of this, the book is a fast read, even at 250 pages. This would be a fun one to read aloud in a classroom.
At the center of the story is Simon, a bright kid whose aversion to heights may or may not have contributed to the cast on his leg. Though pretty easygoing, Simon is tired of going along with his parents’ need to keep moving.
So, Simon made a plan. A plan that involves staying put for a while. A plan for which he thought he’d considered everything. Then the necklace is stolen, and Simon becomes desperate. So desperate that he stops trying to blend in. He makes friends. He gets to know the neighbors. He actually begins to feel like he belongs.
The mystery at the center of Trouble at the Tangerine is what will draw in young readers, but it’s family, friendship and the concept of home that will keep them reading to the end.
Author Gillian McDunn’s writing is conversational in tone and pacing. And because of this, the book is a fast read, even at 250 pages. This would be a fun one to read aloud in a classroom.
December 5, 2023
Another gem from Gillian McDunn. This one is a mystery and it reads like a middle school version of HULU's "Only Murders in the Building" no murders but offbeat mysteries that twist and turn.
The characters are charming. Simon Hyde's family moves constantly keeping a current log on a social media account, "The Hydes Go Seek." They drive their van, “Vincent Van Go,” and set off for a new adventure every few months. However, Simon desires to stop moving and is ready to settle in or as he put it find his forever home in Rigsby. They move into the Tangerine Pines apartment and begin to meet the divergent residents. Simon meets good friends and the mystery begins. A robbery occurs, and then another so Simon and his new friend, Amaya, commence to solve the case.
A fun read. Friendships, family, home. Delightful.
The characters are charming. Simon Hyde's family moves constantly keeping a current log on a social media account, "The Hydes Go Seek." They drive their van, “Vincent Van Go,” and set off for a new adventure every few months. However, Simon desires to stop moving and is ready to settle in or as he put it find his forever home in Rigsby. They move into the Tangerine Pines apartment and begin to meet the divergent residents. Simon meets good friends and the mystery begins. A robbery occurs, and then another so Simon and his new friend, Amaya, commence to solve the case.
A fun read. Friendships, family, home. Delightful.
Read
January 17, 2024I just can't get enough of Gillian McDunn books! Her writing and her characters speak to me! When I recommend them to kids, they come back reporting that they read and loved them too! (Sometimes, you recommend a book and a kid takes it but doesn't feel it like you do. Not the case with these!) I am ready to recommend this one when it comes out and I will also be putting it up for suggestion for our district's next Battle of the Books list. This one gives me Only Murders in The Building vibes but for middle grade readers. The characters are certainly quirky, unique and interesting! The building itself is fun! I know kids will love the idea of kids being the ones who are investigating the mystery and podcasting about it. A great blend of everything I love about mysteries and realistic fiction. Definitely plan to order for my school library.
February 20, 2024
I have been on a search for a book that gave me the same feelings as the popular title THE FIREFLY SUMMER that released last spring… something heartwarming, wholesome, kids being kids in a modern world that feels reminiscent to my childhood minus the technology. TROUBLE AT THE TANGERINE evoked those same vibes and I’m happy to report it is a 2024 favorite for me!
🧡🧡🧡
With it taking place in the summer I think this will be an awesome one to add to your summer reading lists. It follows Simon and his parents… social media family travel influencers…as he tries to get them to settle down in the town of Rigsby at the memorable Tangerine Pines apartment building. He’s craving a place to call home since adventuring to new places each month. When arriving at the Tangerine he meets an eclectic group of residents and finds himself in a burglary investigation…
This book has my heart… we read this as a read aloud and my midde daughter could not get enough. We are hoping Gillian has more adventures at the Tangerine… we are curious who the new tenant will be 🧐
🧡🧡🧡
Thank you Bloomsbury Children’s Books 📖
Releases 4/2
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Lyon.brit.A...
🧡🧡🧡
With it taking place in the summer I think this will be an awesome one to add to your summer reading lists. It follows Simon and his parents… social media family travel influencers…as he tries to get them to settle down in the town of Rigsby at the memorable Tangerine Pines apartment building. He’s craving a place to call home since adventuring to new places each month. When arriving at the Tangerine he meets an eclectic group of residents and finds himself in a burglary investigation…
This book has my heart… we read this as a read aloud and my midde daughter could not get enough. We are hoping Gillian has more adventures at the Tangerine… we are curious who the new tenant will be 🧐
🧡🧡🧡
Thank you Bloomsbury Children’s Books 📖
Releases 4/2
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Lyon.brit.A...
April 22, 2024
Simon’s family is always on the move. Every few months, they load up their van and set off for new social-media-adventures. All Simon wants is to settle down, so he has hatched a plan to make the latest apartment in the Tangerine Pines building his forever home.
When a priceless necklace is stolen, clues indicate the thief might actually be another neighbor. Simon worries that if the thief isn’t caught he will have to move again. With the help of his neighbor Amaya, Simon is determined to crack the case and finally put down roots.
Super-sleuthing kids and a quirky mystery made this a fun read. His life was not a social media post, but a life with its messy parts and with friends that argued and a life that sometimes needed two hundred tries in order to get things right.
“Some people wait to find the time, but a real friend will make time, no matter what.”
When a priceless necklace is stolen, clues indicate the thief might actually be another neighbor. Simon worries that if the thief isn’t caught he will have to move again. With the help of his neighbor Amaya, Simon is determined to crack the case and finally put down roots.
Super-sleuthing kids and a quirky mystery made this a fun read. His life was not a social media post, but a life with its messy parts and with friends that argued and a life that sometimes needed two hundred tries in order to get things right.
“Some people wait to find the time, but a real friend will make time, no matter what.”
April 9, 2025
Apparently this is "Only Murders in the Building" for kids, minus the murders- I haven't watched so I wouldn't know. This is a cute story that I would gladly recommend to the younger end of middle grade; 3rd/4th grade, younger or older if this suits their reading level. As the blurb says it is a good readalike for "The Vanderbeekers" series except with a simple mystery. The story follows the son of famous traveling podcasters who desperately wants to just settle in one place, and moves to a building called the Tangerine where he finds himself in the middle of a burglary just as he's trying to make a home. Good concept and quick read. I think older kids will want/ have read much more complex mysteries than this was; with maybe three characters it's pretty easy to figure out. "Honestly Elliott" (not a mystery) remains my favorite McDunn so far.
April 2, 2024
This was a fun mystery and read quickly. I liked most of the characters but had a little bit of a hard time with Simon’s parents. They felt a little self-absorbed and a tad selfish to me. I didn’t like the way they seemed oblivious to Simon’s struggles and discomforts with their lifestyle. Besides that, I liked the way the mystery played out. I thought there could have been a couple more clues scattered throughout, but I liked how things came together in the end. I also really enjoyed Simon’s journey to finding his voice and learning that it’s okay to like the things he likes. Overall, a heartwarming story with a light mystery thrown into the mix. A good middle grade read.
Note: I received a free copy from Bloomsbury in exchange for an honest review.
Note: I received a free copy from Bloomsbury in exchange for an honest review.
May 23, 2024
Another heart-squish of a book from Gillian McDunn. Think Only Murders in the Building but with a jewelry theft instead of murder and three kids who work on a podcast to try and solve the crime.
Simon Hyde and his family are social media influencers with their travelblog "Hyde-and-go-Seek." Problem is, Simon is beyond ready to spend some time in one place. Go to one school for the year. Make actual friends. And he wants Tangerine Pines to be home.
But then a priceless necklace is stolen. And his parents don't want to live somewhere it's not safe. So Simon, and his newfound friends that oddly, he can be himself around, follow the clues to uncover the mystery of the missing Magnificent.
This is my third Gillian McDunn book and the heart-squishes get me every time.
Simon Hyde and his family are social media influencers with their travelblog "Hyde-and-go-Seek." Problem is, Simon is beyond ready to spend some time in one place. Go to one school for the year. Make actual friends. And he wants Tangerine Pines to be home.
But then a priceless necklace is stolen. And his parents don't want to live somewhere it's not safe. So Simon, and his newfound friends that oddly, he can be himself around, follow the clues to uncover the mystery of the missing Magnificent.
This is my third Gillian McDunn book and the heart-squishes get me every time.
October 31, 2025
Simon Hyde’s family moves a lot, 26 times!. His parents document their adventures on social media ("The Hydes Go Seek.” )
Simon is tired of moving around all the time, He hopes that when they settle into their latest adventure, an apartment in Tangerine Pines, he can convince his parents to stay for good. But on their first day there, a priceless necklace is stolen. Simon suddenly finds himself pulled into a search for the thief with a new friend/pet sitter/podcaster who introduces herself when she crawls in his window off the fire escape.
There are many interesting characters and the author does a really good job at keeping the reader in suspense wondering who stole the necklace.
Well done!
Great for grade 4+.
Simon is tired of moving around all the time, He hopes that when they settle into their latest adventure, an apartment in Tangerine Pines, he can convince his parents to stay for good. But on their first day there, a priceless necklace is stolen. Simon suddenly finds himself pulled into a search for the thief with a new friend/pet sitter/podcaster who introduces herself when she crawls in his window off the fire escape.
There are many interesting characters and the author does a really good job at keeping the reader in suspense wondering who stole the necklace.
Well done!
Great for grade 4+.
January 25, 2024
I absolutely adored Trouble at the Tangerine. I read it in two sittings! This perfectly paced mystery is infused with Gillian McDunn's signature emotional depth. Kid readers will enjoy it as they try to solve the mystery alongside Simon and Amaya. Underlying the surface story about a stolen necklace are reflections on how appearances can be deceiving, the balance between attachments to people vs places vs things. A wonderfully quirky but not over-the-top cast of characters, including several appealing pets, rounds out the well drawn setting. And I could definitely see the set up for a sequel, or a series. This is a must read!
April 19, 2024
Trouble at the Tangerine is a fun heartwarming mystery. I love the elements of family and friendship and learning to communicate in these relationships as the characters navigate a mystery that they did not see coming. The book gives a great balance of possible suspects as you try to navigate the mystery with Simon and Amaya. The main characters remind me of the boy and girl from the movie Up. While he is quieter and reserved, she is outgoing and often surprises him with her words. The characters’ stories are so well written and relatable. I love how the writer describes each of their backgrounds, making me feel for them each in a different way.
June 24, 2024
TROUBLE AT THE TANGERINE is a quick read that's full of heart. Simon is a nice kid who is desperate to live an authentic life in a forever home instead of an always-on-the-road lifestyle that is curated to attract likes from fans on social media. When he finds the place where he wants to be, he fights for it, even taking risks to convince his parents it's a safe, comfortable place to stay. The mystery at the heart of the novel isn't complicated—it's pretty predictable, actually—but it provides a fun, engaging plot line to keep readers turning pages. With likable characters, an intriguing plot, and a warm, wholesome vibe, it's a sweet, entertaining read. I enjoyed it.
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