Someone Was Watching

by David Patneaude

1995-1996 South Dakota Prairie Pasque Award
1997-1998 Utah Children's Book Award
1995-1996 Texas Lone Star Reading List
1997-1998 Young Hoosier Book Award Master List (Indiana)
1995-1996 Nebraska Golden Sower Young Adult Award Runner-Up
1996 Sunshine State Young Reader's Award Master List (Florida)
Runner-up for Rebecca Caudill Award (Illinois)
Best of the Texas Lone Star Reading Lists When his baby sister disappears from the river near their summer home, eighth grader Chris fights the assumption that she has drowned and sets off on a journey to discover the truth. It's been three miserable months since 13-year-old Chris Barton lost his little sister, Molly. "Missing, presumed drowned" was what the paper said, and surely that is what everyone believes. After all, the Bartons had been picnicking by the river when Molly disappeared. One night, Chris views a video he made the day Molly was lost. There doesn't seem to be anything unusual a rest stop, lunch by the river, a hungry squirrel, a familiar ice cream van. But the video harbors an awful secret. In the middle of the night, Christ Barton wakes from fitful sleep―and begins a journey filled with fear, doubt, and impossible hopes.

Genres: Mystery, Young Adult, Fiction, Middle Grade, Childrens, Read For School, Teen

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

About the author

David Patneaude began writing seriously (more or less) in the 1980s. His first novel, SOMEONE WAS WATCHING, was published in 1993. His books have been named to dozens of state young readers' lists and honored by the New York Public Library, the Society of School Librarians International, the Winnetka (Illinois) Public Library's "One Book, Two Villages" program, and the Washington State Public Library. His latest was EPITAPH ROAD, a recent nominee for the Nebraska Golden Sower Book Award. But on June 1, 2018, his newest YA novel, FAST BACKWARD, launches. Check it out! When he's not in a coffee shop writing, or at a school or library or conference discussing writing, or out on the trail thinking about writing, he's home in Woodinville, Washington, with his wife Judy, a middle school librarian.

Reviews

[Allie]

I read this book years ago and, up until five minutes ago, I had no idea what the title was. This book has left an impression on me, though. Little bits and pieces of it are always floating in the back of my mind. The whole idea really disturbed me, which is probably the point-the world is not always as it seems, so you have to watch your back, you have to be careful. When I decided to google "book about little brother who was kidnapped on vacation by ice cream truck man", I didn't expect to find it. But ot was the first suggestion on google, which is especially surprising because it's the main character's sister who is kidnapped. He doesn't have a brother at all, in fact. And now that I have found it, I'm going to try my hardest and get my hands on this book and see just why it left such an impact on me.

[Rosa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Exciting mystery/action novel. A family is saved.

[Payton N · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading this phenomenal book; Someone was watching By David Patneaude. When I started reading it I can honestly say I couldn’t put it down! It was a mystery book, that’s probably why! This book was about a thirteen-year-old boy named Chris. Chris and his family have just experienced a tragic loss of his little sister, Molly. They say she drowned. One night Chris was reviewing his video that had been made the day Molly disappeared. He sees something in the video that makes him question what really happened to Molly. Did she really drown? Her coloring book was in the water but the rescue divers couldn’t find her. Or did she get kidnapped? Chris and his friend Pat decide to investigate. They even told Chris’s parents, but they didn’t believe them, would you? Or is Chris just not willing enough to give up on the possible truth? So they go on an adventure to set out to find the truth. Did Molly get kidnapped? By who? Where? How? So many questions I asked myself while reading this book. If you are the type of person that enjoys mysteries, but not the scary kind, then this is your book! If someone would ask me my rating for this book, I would probably say a full 10. It is amazingly good. David Patneaude is a fantastic author! I can’t wait to read more of his books. Maybe there are more books out there like this one. I highly recommend this book; you will not be able to put it down! This is a book that I would be willing to read again and again and again! It’s not one of those “girly” or boy books, it’s for everyone! Someone Was Watching, by David Patneadue. Go read it! I hope you enjoy it!

[Kyle]

I thought it was a really good the book had some moments where you would never want to stop reading it because it was intense. It is a really good mystery book to read if you like people missing. I hated part of the book because of a character that "Died" of drowning in a river on a nice summer day.
Other wise I like the book.

[Avika Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Am I too old to read this? Probably. Did I need one more book to finish my reading goal? Yes and this was at my mom’s house. 3/5 for a pretty good mystery

[Meg GlitteryOtters · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Jan- Content Advisories (Ratings) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Children's lit. Was this a throwback to the '80s or what? Actually written in 1993, it reminded me so much of growing up in the 80s, without internet or cell phones, or even access to information. Two young teen boysgo in search of their missing sister. They can board a plane without I.D., etc. It's a lot of fun to read and remember things back in the day.

Note on content: No sex, language. Rated G violence. Themes of child kidnapping. Recommended for ages 8 and up.

[Lindsey VanderMay · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, it is a great Mystery. The only thing I would change is the dialogue of Molly (it didn't really seem like it was a litle kid was talking other than the fact she called her brother "Kis") and more of an explanation of what happened to Bud and Clover and backstory of why they took her. Other than that it was a great read and very hard to put down.

[Devora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my god- I LOVED IT!!!!!!

What happens when Chris' little sister goes "Missing, Presumed Drowned" at the river? Are he and Pat to believe? At first. But then, they are not so sure...

[Bushra · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book

[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Someone was Watching is the story of Chris and his family who have suffered the tragedy of losing one of their own. Chris's family was at the river enjoying a relaxing afternoon when Molly, Chris's sister goes missing. After a lengthy search, Molly is presumed to have drowned in the river. Chris and his parents suffer through three months of loss, anger, and pain before their therapist suggests that they spend some time reliving the day when Molly died in order to find some closure on what has happened. Chris and his parents view the videotape that Chris made of their afternoon together. Something starts to bother Chris about what he sees on the tape, which leads him to question everything he thought he knew about Molly's death. After Chris's friend Pat sees the tape, he helps Chris start to piece together what might really have happened that day. When Chris's parents fail to believe him, Chris realizes he and Pat are going to have to do some investigating on their own.
This story is full of suspense and mystery. I was so tempted to turn to the back of the book to see if Molly was really alive or not, but I was glad that I resisted. Overall, a good quick read that will make you want to keep coming back for more.

[Eli L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eli Leonhardt
Mrs. Albers
English 1
22 September 2017

I read the book Someone Was Watching by David Patneaude. This was a mystery book and I liked this book because it was about a brother who loves his sister and a friend that will do anything to help out that friend.

Chris and his best friend Pat think that Chris’ little sister Molly is still alive. It was thought that Molly had fallen of the edge of the dock at a lake and drowned while the rest of her family was sleeping and the only was that her coloring book was at the end of the dock.

One thing that I disliked about the book was when the found a plane to get on. I disliked this part because it felt a little unrealistic that two thirteen year olds booked a flight and were able to get by with fake names.

I like that the setting of the book takes place in Florida. When the family thinks that Molly is dead they’re all in a sad mood.

I would say that kids from the age ten to fifteen both boys and girls would like to read this book. I would give this book a eight point five out of ten. I gave it this score because it was unrealistic at some parts but otherwise it was good.

[DaniLanglie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's funny because I remember reading this book as a kid and finding it kind of scary. Now, reading it all these years later, I'm surprised by how many stark images and moments stuck in my head from within this book, much more so than other books for kids that I read back in elementary school. I remembered the ice cream truck in the video, I remembered the coloring book and the search party, I remembered Chris and his friend going to buy plane tickets at a travel kiosk in the mall.

Reading this now, a full 30 years after it was written, it's so bizarre how many basic facts of life have changed. The fact that these two are able to get onto an airplane using false identities... the idea of eighth-graders in middle class suburban America without cellphones... it's just fascinating to see how all the minute logistics of this novel don't really bear out in today's world.

I really enjoyed this, though - I feel like the author wrote a very convincing twelve/thirteen-ish year old protagonist. He was old enough to figure stuff out and accomplish a lot, but he still had some realistic childlike tendencies and ways of thinking.

[Kyrianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was recommended by the bestie. She told me it was one of her favorites from childhood, and she wanted to see if I enjoyed it.

I'm happy to report I definitely did. This is a fantastic book to get middle school kids interested in the mystery/thriller genre.

It was predictable, but the story was still fun to read. Definitely fast-paced. Chapter 18 and 19 made my heart race quite a bit. I think that this book is a fun read at any age.

Now it didn't get 5 stars only because I don't know if I'd read it again right away, and I did want a bit more. I wanted the why. Or at least a scene where we had some conversation with 'who was watching.'

It was a good story, and if you're a parent wanting to get your child an age appropriate book, that's a thriller...10 out of 10 recommend. Also, read it with them. You'll enjoy it too!

[J. Robinson-Readersgottoread · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 rounded up

Readers will need to dismiss reality with young people getting on planes without parental permission. Also this was of its time with pay phones, people choosing their own plane seats when they embark on a flight, and $32 hotel rooms. Weight was mentioned more than once in a very negative way.

The suspense was pretty good and I was cheering for the brother and his family. His friend was very loyal. I cannot verify the mental health rep, but I appreciated it being included after the family’s loss.

I listened to the audiobook on NC Kids Digital.

Story- 3.75
Narration- 4.0

[Harley Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Molly is missing; presumed drowned. Her older brother, thirteen-year-old Chris, does not want to believe it. After reviewing the tapes he and his dad had made that day, Chris becomes convinced that Molly was kidnapped and is still alive somewhere. The only person who agrees with Chris is his best friend Pat. Stifled by the disbelief of his parents, Chris and Pat see the only way to know for sure is to follow the clues. And, that means running away.
This is a great story of a brother's love and persistence. It should be on your favorites list.

[Alyssa Hubbard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember I read this in the 7th grade and I loved it. I loved it so much I remembered the storyline 10 years later! I remember that I really enjoyed this book and that it was hard for me to put down. My heart was constantly racing & I was always in a race to know what happened next. I read a copy of this book from my school’s library. I have yet to actually buy it, but I decided on my next book haul that I will get this & reread it to see if it gives me all those same emotions I felt when I was 13.

[Kimberly DuBois · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 6th grade students LOVE this novel and trying to solve the mystery of a missing child. They often begged me to "Keep reading please"! Then they enjoy comparing the book with the movie - isn't that what we adults when we read a book and then see the movie? It's also a really good book to teach kids how the technology in books can help you determine the setting. Characters are very relatable to 6th graders too. An older book but worth reading!

[Jacquelyn Bytyqi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was honestly a great little book. My twelve year old daughter got it from the library thinking it looked intriguing, read it in one day and said Mom, you have to read this! I also read it in one sitting -because I couldn’t put it down! Predictable, yes, but well written. Also I just really needed a story with a happy ending! Also PAT IS THE G.O.A.T EVERYONE NEEDS A FRIEND LIKE PAT OMG 😭
Lol, sorry for shouting.

[Eliza · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first read this book back in 2003 when I was in the third grade. My teacher told me that it was too scary for someone my age to read and to wait to read it until I was in the fifth grade. But I read it anyway and loved it! I have remembered it after all these years. So I decided to reread it and it was such a fun, nostalgic, and quick read. Although, I will say that it was not as exciting this time round. Because the book is not complex, I knew exactly what was going to happen the entire time.

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember reading this book in 6th grade. It had a lingering impact on my and I had to reread it. Obviously intended for tweens and a dated (VCRs, pay phones, lack of airport protocol/security). I still loved it. Planning on having my fourth grade give it a go. The suspense and mystery is just right. An emotional journey for kids without being too scary.

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started reading this book to a 5th grade class I was subbing. I got so involved, I had to find out what happened. Such a great story of following your instincts. Mystery, suspense, and the power of love all rolled into one. Such a good, quick read.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

An all time favorite

I had to read this book back in elementary school and loved it. It's a year jerker for sure, but in the end its a happy ending. It's not your typical story but a real life story that could happen to just about anyone. A must read

[Jill · Rating 1 out of 5]

I remember being forced to read this in fifth grade and I hated it. It literally SPOILS ITSELF six chapters in and the characters’ personalities resemble wet cardboard. I almost wanna reread it to see if it’s as bad as I remember

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

“If the first part of that day seemed like a pleasant dream now, the rest of it was a nightmare, a dark merry-go-round on fast forward. The feelings had stuck with him; they wouldn't go away. And the events were intermingled; it was hard to remember one without the others.”

[Cari Orozco · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in middle school and it has lived in my head since then. I feel like it presents real world horror in a child friendly way; which is such a hard line to walk. I plan to find a copy of this to be able to read it to my kids.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exactly what I expected, a great story about taking things at face value. It was a great mystery and a gripping read.

[Lee Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good storyline. Some characters are a bit flat, but it moves along nicely and ends with a tidy resolution.

[Connie T. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This definitely left an impression.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Little dated but I couldn't put it down!