The Adventures of the Flash Gang, Episode Two: Treasonous Tycoon

by S.J. Waugh, M.M. Downing

Where is the Flash Gang? Pittsburgh’ s most notorious thieves haven’ t struck for a year, not since a devastating fire resulted in the supposed death of two streeters. Pearl and Lewis— along with their pals, Duck and Mac— are alive and well, just in hiding. But now, their hideout is crumbling under the relentless rain. It’ s been a winter of bitter winds and slim pickings, and their friendship is starting to fray. To make matters worse, streeters are disappearing. Are they skipping town or is something more nefarious afoot? When one of their own vanishes, the gang goes all out to unravel the mystery, which once again points to enemy #1: the steel tycoon who had Lewis’ s father killed. But Pittsburgh is flooding and the tycoon’ s plans are in motion. If they want to save their friends, they’ re running out of time.

Genres: Childrens

218 pages, Paperback

Published March 5, 2024

About the author

MM DOWNING & SJ WAUGH really intended to be secret agents disguised as flappers in the Roaring Twenties, if only to don beaded headbands and twirl long strands of pearls while solving delicious crimes involving gangsters.

Or Scotland Yard detectives, wearing tailored, double-breasted suits, and sneaking up rickety fire escapes before pursuing criminals across the rooftops of Victorian London. Unfortunately, they were born in neither place, and without access to a time machine.

So they decided to write books.

If you too are a bit of a sleuth, you may uncover the other stories they’ve written separately and with (maybe) their full names—but here they are simply known as Downing & Waugh…which does sound just a bit like a detective agency…from another era.

Reviews

[Stephanie McKinney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun and whimsical book. The characters are well developed and fun to follow through the story. Now that I’ve read Episode Two, I definitely need to read the First one. Great read for fifth-eighth graders as well adults.

[Gill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wrote almost an entire review and then lost it - facepalm.

Bottom line - if you like Katherine Woodfine's excellent Sinclair's Mysteries, you will probably like this.

An excellent middle grade adventure in the classic "kids without parental supervision" mould. Set in Depression-era Pittsburgh, this is the second in the series; I hadn't read the first but enough background is given to get the gist and make this a readable standalone.

The Flash Gang are a group of street kids - or streeters - scraping a living while trying to avoid the gangsters they encountered in book 1 when they barely escaped with their lives.

They discover that streeters are leaving Pittsburgh, apparently to be adopted by loving families - but is something more sinister going on?

Downing and Waugh juxtapose the precarious life of the streeters with the wealth of Pittsburgh's select few to good effect. They have created an engaging set of characters and I will follow the series with interest.

[Mark Buxton · Rating 5 out of 5]

What worked:
The book is set in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, during the Great Depression and the descriptions of that time in history make it historical fiction. The plot centers on streeters, kids living on the streets, and their struggles to survive. They shoplift, pickpocket, and do random menial jobs, anything to find food and shelter from the elements. Some of them even run errands for the mob or sell information to those who can afford it. The steelworkers during the Depression are struggling too and there is unrest between them and the factory owners. Hitler is gaining power in Europe (a few years before WW II) and he’s being supported by the antagonists in this book. The concept of fascist sympathizers underlies the conflict in the plot and highlights an issue that’s not often talked about. Pittsburgh suffered one of its worst natural disasters in 1936 and the book reflects this when the city is devastated by a torrential flood.
Lewis, or Brain, is the leader of the Flash Gang, although he is determined to not use the Recipe again. The Recipe is a mixture of powders from the previous book that creates a blinding flash of light allowing Lewis to steal food for his gang, the church, and others in need. The four members of his gang behave like a family and they combine their efforts to survive. However, the enemies of Lewis and Pearl think they’re dead, and using the Recipe again will let those enemies realize Lewis and Pearl are still alive. Young Mac doesn’t understand why using the Recipe is a big problem and he’s angry at Lewis for not using it to keep them from feeling starved all of the time. A huge problem arises when Mac disappears from their hideout after Lewis chooses not to use the Recipe to rescue him at a critical moment.
As always, Pearl is a highlight of the book. She calls herself Lola and Lewis is called Sir Nigel after characters from her favorite radio show. She talks incessantly and her creative mind generates various stories out of the most mundane tasks. She often speaks of her father, a world-famous explorer, and it’s hard for Lewis to tell when to separate her imagination from reality. She was mistreated while staying with her aunt so she’s now living with Lewis in an abandoned factory. Pearl quickly gets worked up when she even thinks about Nazis and she has her sights on J.J. Pickering, a major Pittsburgh benefactor and entrepreneur. Lewis and her determination to stop Pickering the ongoing conflict in the series.
What didn’t work as well:
Much of the book follows Lewis as he investigates the disappearance of many streeters but Pearl is absent for chunks of the story. The interest level drops a little when she is gone even though the author continues to develop the mystery of the streeters. Pearl adds flair to the story and she will reappear at the most critical moments.
The final verdict:
The book continues the wonderful underdog story of the Flash Gang. I recommend you begin with the first book but it’s probably not essential to enjoy this one. The flooding in the second half of the book provides an exciting, natural complication to the plot that enhances the conflict with Pickering. Overall, young readers will become engrossed with Lewis and his gang and I highly recommend you give this book a shot.

[Tonja Drecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Living on the streets in the late 1930's isn't only hard, it's a non-stop adventure with thieves, missing orphans, and evil intrigue.

Lewis and his best friend, Pearl, are dead...or so one of the most notorious criminals in Pittsburgh believes. Since the entire Flash Gang survived by the skin of their teeth, they're trying their best not to draw attention...which means no more secret explosions of light. Without the help of the flashes, their ability to nab food and to find information to put the criminal, who killed Lewis' father,. behind bars has suffered. When one their own members disappears, they stumble across what might be another scheme of the criminal organization. And this time, all of their lives are in danger.

I did not read the first book in this series, which proved not to be too much of a problem. While incidents from the first adventure are mentioned and the story builds from one book to the next, the author makes sure to sneak in enough information to give readers a pretty good handle on what's going on. I do, however, recommend reading this as a series, since the adventure is written as such.

The streets of the late 1930's in Pittsburgh set the stage for this fast-paced adventure. The Flash Gang is a small group of streetlers, who pinch (steal) to survive but help others where they can. They're a fun, kind, and lively bunch of friends, and each has their own talents and quirks. The historical setting comes through nicely, and while the problems the kids face in every day life isn't hidden, the tale doesn't concentrate on that aspect. Instead, these issues slide in naturally, giving the world vividness and depth without obvious descriptions.

It's the mystery and adventure, which drive this read forward. The clues steadily stream in, but these aren't easy to decipher...not that there's much time spent on the contemplation as the dangerous situations keep the heroes on their toes. There's quite a bit of action and tension to make to a fast-paced read the entire way through. Then, there's the characters, who aren't only dealing with the mystery and danger but also deal with issues surrounding trust and loyalty. Add a fitting sprinkle of humor, especially from Pearl's side, and it's a very balanced read with lots to enjoy. I received an ARC and found this to be a very grabbing read.

[LitPick Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Adventures of the Flash Gang, Episode Two: Treasonous Tycoon by Sandra Waugh and M.M. Downing is set in the 1930s, and it follows the story of Lewis and Pearl, two "streeters" who are thought to be killed in a horrifying fire. While hiding in Grub Factory with their friends, the two children are determined to expose the nefarious crimes of Pickering, a steel baron who murdered Lewis' father. As one of their friends and other streeters begin to disappear all of a sudden, Lewis and Pearl go to great lengths to find out what is going on. In the process, they realize that Nazi sympathizer Pickering's plot is more deeply rooted than they had imagined. Can they save their fellow streeters before it is too late?

Opinion:
Treasonous Tycoon, the second episode of Sandra Waugh and M. M. Downing's The Adventures of the Flash Gang trilogy, is a brilliant piece of work that kept me glued from beginning to end. The action-packed story never gets dull, and I absolutely love how Waugh and Downing paint the picture of the turbulent lives of the street children. The character of Pearl is marvelous; her optimism and loyalty, even in the face of acute misery and danger, are simply unmatched. The way Waugh and Downing portray the friends' emotions makes the characters sound quite natural. Despite occasional moments of conflict and envy, their bond remains intact throughout the story. Though it is not the primary focus of the story, I feel that the perspective of the streeters in the book can invite important discussions about why many disadvantaged children engage in misdemeanors. I would recommend the book to readers aged ten and above.

[Amys Bookshelf Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

S.J. Waugh and M. M. Downing write an adventurous YA tale with The Adventures of the Flash Gang, Episode Two: Treacherous Tycoon

In The Adventures of the Flash Gang, Episode Two: Treacherous Tycoon, the reader is introduced to the Flash Gang. I haven't read Episode 1 yet, but I plan on it, after reading this book. I haven't read anything by this author before, and what a hidden gem. I enjoyed it so much, that I have now followed the author and look for more books to read. First, just because it is a YA book, does not mean that adults won't enjoy it. I really liked the characters and the adventures of this group of friends. The reader meets Pearl, Lewis, Duck and Mac, who are now in hiding. Living on the streets of Philadelphia is not an easy task, especially in the winter, where food and shelter are hard to find. The group learns that one of them is missing, and they think they believe who the culprit is. The Tycoon is someone they have encountered before, and believe he is responsible, even if indirectly. A Grand suspenseful story. A very unpredictable story, my favorite kind! Both thrilling and intriguing, all the way to the end. I like that the story had different layers and the characters were their own, with their flaws, perfections, and the in-between that fits their personality and tenacity to survive. The Adventures of the Flash Gang, Episode Two: Treacherous Tycoon is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book, to also write a review.

[OpenedBooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

"The Adventures of the Flash Gang: Episode Two - Treasonous Tycoon" by S.J. Waugh and M.M. Downing continues the journey of Lewis and Pearl, whose friendship is put to the test in this emotionally charged installment. The duo faces a challenging choice between doubt and trust, a significant theme given their upbringing in an environment fraught with uncertainty.

With the introduction of new friends Mac and Duck, who have been part of their world for a year now, the dynamics within the group appear harmonious at first. However, their failing investigation into the crimes of a treacherous tycoon begins to strain the bonds between Pearl, Lewis and Mac. This narrative explores the impact of new secrets that threaten to unravel the carefully constructed world they've built together.

The plot takes a gripping turn when Mac goes missing, and the fragile ties within the group begin to fray. A new rescue mission ensues, bringing both allies and adversaries into the mix. This installment may not match the sheer excitement of the first book, but it compensates with deeper emotional connections and the introduction of intriguing new characters.

One of the notable aspects of this book is its integration of real historical events, such as the Pittsburgh flood, which adds an element of authenticity to the story. This historical backdrop enriches the narrative, making the adventure more immersive.

As a reader, the anticipation for the next book is heightened by the promise of the story moving to Berlin. The challenge of how two young kids with limited resources will manage to embark on their biggest rescue mission yet adds an intriguing layer of suspense. While it’s difficult to see how they will accomplish this feat, the prospect of surprises keeps the anticipation alive.

Overall, "Treasonous Tycoon" might not be as action-packed as its predecessor, but it delivers a more nuanced exploration of relationships and trust. The combination of historical references and new character introductions keeps the series fresh and engaging. With the promise of exciting developments in Berlin, readers are left eagerly awaiting the next adventure in the Flash Gang series.