Madhattan Mystery

by John J. Bonk

All set to spend their summer in New York City with their aunt while their father is honeymooning with his new wife, Lexi and her younger brother Kevin discover their snoozy summer plans turn into high-stakes adventure when Lexi overhears a plot to steal Cleopatra's famous jewels from the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Joining forces with budding investigative journalist Kim Ling Levine, they ditch day camp to track down the thieves and rake in the reward money. Can Lexi, Kevin, and Kim find out who's behind the jewel heist without getting into too much trouble themselves?

For fans of Chasing Vermeer, comes a hilarious who-done-it that will keep readers guessing to the very end.

Genres: Mystery, Middle Grade, Adventure, Childrens, Fiction, Juvenile, Thriller

304 pages, Paperback

First published May 22, 2012

About the author

JOHN J. BONK is a former musical comedy performer turned author, who has hung up his tap shoes and devotes his time these days to “performing on the page.” He is the author of Madhattan Mystery, (2012, Walker/Bloomsbury) a madcap middle-grade adventure novel which Booklist calls "A delight in every way" and gives a starred review! He has also written the comic MG novel, Dustin Grubbs: One-Man Show,(Little, Brown) about a 12-year old actor wanna-be, which School Library Journal calls “Lighthearted and uproarious!” and Booklist describes as having “Great lines, hilarious scenes and a very satisfying ending.” The sequel, entitled, Dustin Grubbs: Take Two! (Little, Brown) is described by Children’s Literature as “Hilarious, delightful, a perfect choice–even for the most reluctant readers” and has Kirkus declaring, “The giggles never stop!”

John grew up in Chicago where he earned a degree in theatre from Loyola University and currently lives in the heart of Manhattan with his indefatigable kitty, Dinah Blue.

Reviews

[Sherri Huntley · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a terriffic book for kids and young teens but even I enjoyed reading it. I am glad to have won this book from Goodreads and I am glad to share it with my teens! The book surrounds the mystery of the stolen Cleopatra jewels, two young tourists and a sassy New York teen. The plot is anything but straight forward, it keeps you interested as the group explores the theft as a result of a plot young Lexi overhears right after arriving in the city. The book highlights New York institutions such as Radio City Music Hall, Grand Central Station and Central Park. It's not a gritty book but touches on the challenges of crime and homeless in New York City which is a plus. Truely enjoyed reading this book.

[Ranie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Humorous, mildly suspenseful and highly addictive! An overall enjoyable book for young readers, recommend by my adorable niece!

[Suspense Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Madhattan Mystery” is the latest book written by author John Bonk. John does a good job of writing a mystery that while targeted to the younger fans, should be enjoyed by all that love mysteries.
Lexi and her younger brother Kevin are spending some time away from their small town. Because their father is away on his honeymoon, they stay with their aunt Roz in New York City. While in Grand Central Station, Lexi overhears a plot by two men to steal Cleopatra’s Jewels, which are going to be on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Lexi and Kevin meet up with Kim Ling Levine, another teen that wants to be an investigative journalist, and has the attitude to succeed.
Kim Ling is a New York City native and she gets the ball rolling, getting Lexi and Kevin to skip summer camp and solve the crime. The pace of the book is a little slow at the beginning, but revs up quickly, taking the three kids on an adventure of a lifetime.
John does a great job of exploring Lexi and her emotional battles of having a new stepmother, which she does not like. She also has to cope with Kim Ling, who is very forceful and brash.
It is a roller coaster ride, not only in solving a mystery, but also in seeing the ups and downs of a friendship building between two strangers, Lexi and Kim Ling.

Reviewed by John Raab, CEO/Publisher of Suspense Magazine

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Madhatten Mystery by John J. Bonk is the perfect mystery for young kids to seniors! This book sparkles with creativity and character.

I couldn't ask for better characters. Lexie and her younger brother, Kevin who live in the small town of Cold Springs, New York are shuttled off to New York. Lexie missed her mother and is suspicious of her new step mother. Her younger brother is started to regress to a younger age and she has taken up mothering him. They stay with their colorful Aunt Roz, an ex Rockette,
and actress looking for parts. They are already signed up for Day Camp but are not looking forward to it.

Lexie meets Kim Ling Levine who has "a brain the size of Utah. The adventure starts from the moment that Lexie and her brother are in Grand Central Station. They experience the subway, the mole people, Metropolitan Museum of Art, the homeless and being really sacred.

The writing is engaging and won't let you stop reading until you have met the final twist of the mystery. All the characters are so memorable and well developed that I hope to join them on other adventures.

I highly recommend this mystery to all book lovers, young and old. This is perfection!

I received this book as a part of the GoodReads Program but that in no way influenced my review.

[Daph (Loving Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

In an adventerous story, Lexi and her brother Kevin find themselves in the middle of investigating a jewel theft instead of spending their time in day camp. With a very annoying, yet very smart journalist-to-be, they set off to follow up on the clues they found. Fueled with intrigue and humor, Bonk has written a story that sucked me in and will appeal to even the most reluctant reader.

I really liked this book! It was a really cute story, and a great middlegrade adventure without adding all sorts of paranormal elements. Lexi was a nice character to follow around and I especially liked Kevin's smartass-ery. Kim was obnoxious, yet very refreshing while following Lexi's thoughts.

The story was a bit predictable, but that didn't make it any less enjoyable. I was thoroughly entertained while I flipped the pages to see what would happen next. I've never been to New York, but I would love to be able to check out the Whispering Corner one day!

I really liked reading this one and will be checking out more of Bonk's work in the future, which will hopefully be just as good as this book!


Find this review and others on Loving Books.

[Karen Arendt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lexi and Kevin visit their Aunt Roz while their dad goes on his honeymoon with his new wife, Clare. Their mom died several years ago; the reader learns about mom through Lexi’s memories. On their first day in NYC Lexi overhears two men discussing where to hide some stolen jewels. The next day Lexi sees that the Cleopatra Jewels were stolen from the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Lexi and Kevin, along with their neighbor, Kim Ling, decide to investigate. Were the jewls really stolen or was it all just make believe?

Lexi’s dislike of her new stepmother is a sub-story in the book. While Lexi is very clear about this dislike, Kevin is okay with the new stepmom. We also learn about mom’s death which helps the reader to understand Lexi’s anger toward her stepmother. By the end of the book readers have a better understanding of why Lexi has a hard time. With plenty of up-to-date wit and disobeying the rules, this mystery will appeal to many boys and girls.

[Barbara Huskey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this from the Goodreads First Reads Giveaway.

I really felt a little bad for winning this when it was meant for an audience 20 years younger than I am. I am so glad I did though! This was a fantastic book. I thoroughly enjoyed it! The characters were interesting, the dialogue was believable and well done. The pacing was good. I would recommend this book to anyone with kids who love to read, and any adults who still enjoy reading a good book regardless of target audience.

I was very impressed that this book wasn't dumbed down the way some books in this age range are. The author managed to insert a large amount of vocabulary and meanings as part of the story and I liked that.

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. What fun! It's the perfect summer read, and especially since this is my first summer in ten years that I'm not living in New York I absolutely loved walking the streets and seeing the sights of NYC with the characters. Bonk, who has the same agent as I do, has written a fun, madcap book that also has tons of heart. The characters are all spot-on, fully developed and fun to read about. He gracefully tackles some pretty serious topics like homelessness and the death of a parent but never loses the fun feel of the story. Well done! I highly recommend this book to tweens, especially those looking for a little trip into the great city of New York.

[L · Rating 2 out of 5]

The adventures of Lexi McGill! Quick read with lots of fun moments. I wanted to love this book, but maybe I'm too old for it. The characters never really grabbed me, and I saw the plot twists coming a mile away.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mysteries, stories, don't get much better than this newest title created by the mind of John J. Bonk. This middle grade read comes highly recommended for individuals or as a read-aloud. My full review at:
http://bit.ly/MYjYF3

[Nancy Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It takes place in New York City. Three kids get caught up in a crazy search for stolen jewels and have many mis-adventures along the way. Endearing characters and many twists and turns.

[Sarvenaz Tash · Rating 5 out of 5]

My kind of MG: filled with humor, adventure, mystery...and a wonderfully zany ode to my favorite city, the one and only New York.

[Hoover Public Library Kids and Teens · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book immerses you in the wonder of New York City and the intrigue of a mind-boggling jewel theft.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Manhattan setting, spunky sleuths, an actress aunt and a mystery to be solved. And it's funny! Third to fifth graders.

[Joan Arbogast · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great middle grade read with high stakes, intrigue, and the excitement of New York City! But then I'm partial to most things New York!

[Katie Dickson · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book put me on the edge of my seat. I recommend this book to any 4-5 graders who love mysteries.

[Hannah Belyea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Staying with their actress of an aunt in the big city, Lexi and her little brother Kevin stumble upon a mystery involving stolen treasures from Cleopatra, and decide to team up with the rambunctious Kim Ling to solve the crime and earn the reward! Bonk delivers a witty mystery for young readers that will capture the hearts of kids with its lovable cast and enticing clue hunt. Can Lexi and her friends figure out the secret, or will their hunt end before it can even begin?

[Barbara Hawley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although geared to younger readers, this book held my attention and made me chortle throughout. Snarky Kim Ling was over the top, but memorable. I liked Lexi’s timid yet brave personality and her mothering way with Kevin, and the way she made peace with a new step-parent at the end. Creative twist with only 60 pages to go almost ‘had’ me, but phew, a satisfactory resolution!

[aem · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining and enjoyable middle grade mystery. A couple of kids happen upon a mystery while visiting their Aunt in NYC. They begin detecting along with their teen aspriring investigative reporter/neighbor.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Want to read again

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picked this up to potentially use with a student. It wasn't a great fit for them, but it was a good enough story that I decided to finish it, even knowing we wouldn't be using it.

[Katie Fitzgerald · Rating 3 out of 5]

While their father honeymoons with his new bride, Lexi and her little brother Kevin are staying with their Aunt Roz in Manhattan, where they are scheduled to attend a city summer camp. On the first day of the visit, in the Whispering Gallery at Grand Central Station, Lexi overhears two men discussing plans to steal some jewels. The next day, the jewel heist is all over the news! With some coaxing from her aunt’s neighbor, a Chinese-Jewish New York native named Kim Ling, Lexi decides to skip City Camp and instead solve the mystery. This leads to adventures on the streets of Manhattan, as well as the basement of Grand Central and everywhere in between.

This book deserves credit, first and foremost, for including a homeless teen as a supporting character. Melrose Merritt, whom Lexi, Kevin, and Kim Ling meet on their first foray into the hidden corners of Grand Central, becomes a friend to the group, and she proves to have as much in common with them as any other kid. Instead of being an object of pity or mockery, Melrose is an integral part of the story with a fully developed personality and a strong desire to become an actress. Though Lexi makes some mistakes in some of her naive assumptions about Melrose, the story itself reaches beyond stereotypes, and that is very refreshing. Kim Ling, too, has this great, big personality which makes a nice foil for Lexi’s nervous, overprotective, and worried outlook on things.

Another aspect of the story that really sticks with me is the memories Lexi has of her deceased mother. Flashbacks of Lexi’s time with her mom are infused throughout the book at critical moments, slowly sharing with the reader the story of Lexi’s mother’s death and how it has affected Lexi. Though it is a mystery, the book is also about Lexi’s healing process and how her experiences in New York help her treasure her mother’s memory without having to remain stuck in the past.

The mystery plot itself isn’t the strongest, and I was never that interested in whether the kids actually find the jewels or not. It is neat to think about the secrets of Grand Central Station, and I like that they were incorporated into the mystery, but the mystery seemed like an excuse to explore those secrets, rather than the central focus of the story. I also had some trouble believing the ending. I think it can be difficult to provide a happy ending that doesn’t feel too neatly wrapped up, so I want to be somewhat forgiving, but at the same time, Lexi’s apparent change of heart about her stepmother comes about too easily, and the ultimate resolution to the mystery itself is equally unconvincing.

Finally, just a word about the cover. It's pretty much perfect. It advertises exactly what the story is about and also manages to reveal each character's personality as well as the nature of the relationships between those characters. The cover is what drew me to the book, and I have no doubt it will draw in kids as well.

Give this book to middle graders who have enjoyed these other city-based mysteries: Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett, The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd, and When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead.

[Kirstin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Twelve-year-old Lexi and her nine-year-old brother, Kevin, have come to New York City to stay with Aunt Roz, an actress, and attend an urban summer camp. Shortly after arriving at Grand Central Station, Lexi overhears two men planning what sounds like a jewel heist. Although Lexi puts the conversation out of her mind for a while, when a newspaper article reports that gems purportedly belonging to Cleopatra have been stolen from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, she wonders if she really did hear the thieves.

Kim Ling Levine, an aspiring investigative journalist whose parents own the building where Aunt Roz lives in, takes the McGill kids under her wing. When camp ends early on the first day and when Lexi discovers her wallet is missing, Kim introduces them to the city where she has grown up. And when she learns that Lexi may have discovered a clue to the whereabouts of the missing jewels, she kick-starts an adventure that promises the summer will be extraordinary.

There are a couple things I really liked about this story. First, as with many New York-based books, the city stands on its own. Bonk frames the mystery of the book around the Whispering Gallery of Grand Central Station (which I’d never heard of, but which you can bet I’ll be trying the next time I’m there), but offers us additional glimpses of the train station, Central Park, Carnegie Hall, the Met, and general ambiance of a very alive location and the assortment of characters you’ll find there. Second, he gives us a modern novel that makes good use of current technology. Kevin is regularly texting on his smart phone, conversing with a friend. They do research via computer. Bonk makes use of technology well in a genre that tends to have a hard time figuring out how to do that. Finally, Lexi is a complicated character. She’s recently lost her mother and is having a tough time dealing with her father’s remarriage. But while only time can heal such wounds, a really big adventure in a really big city can do wonders for helping you along the path.

Definitely an enjoyable read for the elementary school set.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lexi and her brother Kevin are spending three weeks in New York while their father and his new wife, Clare, are on their honeymoon. Lexi is not in the mood for "City Camp," or really for anything--she still misses her mother, who died, and loathes Clare trying to take her place. Then Lexi overhears two men in Grand Central Station talking about hiding jewels, and then learns that a collection of Egyptian jewelry intended for the Metropolitan Museum has been stolen. When the police won't listen to her, Lexi, Kevin and the abrasive Chinese-Jewish Kim--who lives in her aunt's building and wants to be a journalist--try to solve the mystery themselves. Soon Lexi finds herself ditching City Camp, befriending homeless people, and poking around the bowels of Grand Central Station. Will they find the jewelry and get the reward? If they do, can Lexi convince her father to leave the wealthy Clare, whom he only married for her money?

This book is well-structured and builds the world of New York with lots of sensory details and colors. The characters are memorable and distinct, and have interesting quirks. That said, this is sadly the most joyless mystery I've ever read. Seriously, Lexi has no fun at all, what with the endless lying and sneaking around, the obnoxious Kim, worrying about homeless teen Melrose, and making only vague stabs at solving the mystery--most of what she learns just falls in her lap as she overhears people talking. This is really just a problem novel masquerading as a mystery, and Michael Beil does it so much better. Read The Red Blazer Girls series if you want actual fun mysteries set in NYC.

[mandyfujita · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alexandra or Lexi as she likes to be called goes to New York with her brother Kevin. Their mother recently passed away and their father is on his honeymoon with his new wife in Europe. Their aunt Roxy is watching them for a few weeks. As they wait to eat at a restaurant, Lexi overhears two men talking about some stolen jewels. Kimmy, a girl that lives in the same building, drives Lexi and Kevin out of their comfort zone to try to find the stolen jewels.

The story sounded promising, but there was too much of Lexi going back and fourth with the memories of her mom. This is supposed to be for 8 to 12 years olds. Not sure if they would understand the anxiety Lexi is going through. I didn't particularly care for all the trouble Lexi put herself through with the runaway girl with nothing really to show for it except getting herself in trouble. It gives the reader the wrong idea that helping others that are not as fortunate can cause the giver anguish and penalties.

[Akoss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lexi and her brother Kevin are sent to spend Summer with their Aunt in NYC while their father leaves for a honeymoon with his new wife.
Although Lexi isn't expecting her stay to be perfect, things get turned upside down after she shares a secret related to Cleopatra's stolen jewels with her new frenemy Kim.

Before reading the book I've always wondered about the significance of "mad" in the title. Now I know and let me tell you it is not an understatement.

From the get go, Kim's hunger for adventure got things going fast and soon enough it spiraled out of control with some headache and heartache inducing consequences. I love how their adventures also served as an impromptu tourist guide through Manhattan with pretty vivid imagery as a bonus. Although the mystery is quite straight forward (no plot twists) I like the fact that it isn't delivered in a linear fashion (bee line to resolution).

The book makes an excellent quick summer mystery read with a truck load of fast paced action and mayhem.

[Kaycee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lexi and her little brother Kevin are in New York City staying with there actress aunt while their father and new stepmother are off honeymooning in Europe. Immediately upon arriving in the city though Lexi overhears a plot involving stolen jewels from the Metropolitan Museum of Art. After the police don't believe her it's up to Lexi, her brother Kevin, and Kim Ling Levine, a girl who lives in their aunt's apartment building, to solve the crime and find the jewels. This is a story that's more than a mystery. In addition to that overarching, plot the book also deals with death of a parent, acceptance of a newly married parent, and homelessness. That's a lot of heavy stuff all in one book but it is all added to the story and works well in the context it is given. In addition to the fun mystery aspect of the story it can also help with children who are dealing with the death of a family member. I recommend this book for 5-7 graders.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Memorable characters, a familiar setting, and a whole lot of mystery make for a very enjoyable ride. Lexi is a strong character in her own right, dealing with the death of her mom and taking care of her younger brother, but Kim Ling is New York at its finest. She is quick-witted, has a vocabulary NPR would be proud of, and she's Chinese-Jewish. It's pretty impossible not to love this girl. She wants to be an investigative journalist, and when Lexi overhears what might be a clue into a jewelry heist, Kim Ling is on it like "white on rice." Along the journey, they will find out the secrets of Grand Central: the hidden track underneath, and meet some of those who live in the shadows of its great walls. They will attend a show at Radio City and explore Central Park. In short, New Yorkers will relish in the New Yorkness of it all.

[Nancy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to win the book through Goodreads first reads.

When reading this book I had to keep in mind that the targeted audience was a middle schooler, not a grown woman with 2 children. I did give it to my 9 year old to read but it didn't quite grab him.

I liked the premise of the story...stolen Cleopatra jewels and a child who may or may not have information on who the culprits may be.

When reading the book I tried to put my brain in middle schooler mode. This being said, yes, it's exciting, the kids are brave and smart and eventually solve the crime. The story is an easy read with a plot that is easy to follow.

[Luanne Hatcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun read! Lexi and her younger brother, Kevin, are sent to NYC to stay with their Aunt Roz and attend a summer camp while Dad is honeymooning with his new bride. Lexi is bitter about having a stepmom. Their mom had passed away. Soon after meeting up with Roz, Lexi overhears two men discussing the Cleopatra's jewels and something about burying them. The next day it is reported on the news that the jewels had been stolen. Teaming up with Kimmie, Roz' neighbor, Lexie and Kevin form a dynamic trio to solve the mystery of the missing jewels. They hope to find them and receive the reward money. This book provide lots of mystery, adventure, NYC sites, and even homeless people.