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Darcie Lock: Girl on the Run #1
RingMaster - Complete And Unabridged
From: High Commissioner, Nairobi
To: Head of MI6 Special Operations, London
Classification: Top Secret
Priority: Flash telegram
Operation Ringmaster seriously compromised. Agent Michael Lock missing in pursuit of suspect. Lock's daughter, Darcie, now in danger. Request her immediate evacuation from Kenya.
REQUEST DENIED.
Darcie’s sheltered expat life among the rich of Nairobi is about to change. Another side of Africa awaits – a world of international smuggling, espionage and corruption.
And that’s where the madness begins...
To: Head of MI6 Special Operations, London
Classification: Top Secret
Priority: Flash telegram
Operation Ringmaster seriously compromised. Agent Michael Lock missing in pursuit of suspect. Lock's daughter, Darcie, now in danger. Request her immediate evacuation from Kenya.
REQUEST DENIED.
Darcie’s sheltered expat life among the rich of Nairobi is about to change. Another side of Africa awaits – a world of international smuggling, espionage and corruption.
And that’s where the madness begins...
Audio CD
First published May 1, 2007
14 people are currently reading
555 people want to read
About the author
Julia Golding
88 books860 followersMy journey to becoming an author has been a roundabout one, taking in many other careers. I grew up on the edge of Epping Forest and was that dreamy kind of child who was always writing stories. After reading English at Cambridge, I decided to find out as much as I could about the wider world so joined the Foreign Office and served in Poland. My work as a diplomat took me from the high point of town twinning in the Tatra Mountains to the low of inspecting the bottom of a Silesian coal mine.
On leaving Poland, I exchanged diplomacy for academia and took a doctorate in the literature of the English Romantic Period at Oxford. I then joined Oxfam as a lobbyist on conflict issues, campaigning at the UN and with governments to lessen the impact of conflict on civilians living in war zones - a cause about which I still feel very passionate.
Married with three children, I now live in Oxford between two rivers, surrounded by gargoyles, beautiful sandstone buildings and ancient trees.
My first novel, 'The Diamond of Drury Lane', won the Waterstone's Children's Book Prize 2006 and the Nestle Children's Book Prize 2006 (formerly known as the Smarties Prize). I was also chosen by Waterstone's in 2007 as one of their 'Twenty-five authors for the future'. In the US, 'Secret of the Sirens' won the honor book medal of the Green Earth Book Award.
My latest series, which starts with Mel Foster and the Demon Butler, about an intrepid Victorian orphan who lives in a household of monsters, won Bronze in the Primary Teacher awards in 2015. The next part, Mel Foster and the Time Machine, has set the time-dial to arrive in 2016.
On leaving Poland, I exchanged diplomacy for academia and took a doctorate in the literature of the English Romantic Period at Oxford. I then joined Oxfam as a lobbyist on conflict issues, campaigning at the UN and with governments to lessen the impact of conflict on civilians living in war zones - a cause about which I still feel very passionate.
Married with three children, I now live in Oxford between two rivers, surrounded by gargoyles, beautiful sandstone buildings and ancient trees.
My first novel, 'The Diamond of Drury Lane', won the Waterstone's Children's Book Prize 2006 and the Nestle Children's Book Prize 2006 (formerly known as the Smarties Prize). I was also chosen by Waterstone's in 2007 as one of their 'Twenty-five authors for the future'. In the US, 'Secret of the Sirens' won the honor book medal of the Green Earth Book Award.
My latest series, which starts with Mel Foster and the Demon Butler, about an intrepid Victorian orphan who lives in a household of monsters, won Bronze in the Primary Teacher awards in 2015. The next part, Mel Foster and the Time Machine, has set the time-dial to arrive in 2016.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
October 15, 2018
Finished it in one day bcoz I'm participating Spookathon. First challenge - Read a thriller book. So, here's the books I've chosen.
Very very not disappointing. I love the author's writing - never heard of her bfr and for sure to hunt for the next book - love the plot and the twist, love the spy concept and it does sounds reality to me when I read. So..yeay!
First challenge of the Spookathon going very well. ☺
Very very not disappointing. I love the author's writing - never heard of her bfr and for sure to hunt for the next book - love the plot and the twist, love the spy concept and it does sounds reality to me when I read. So..yeay!
First challenge of the Spookathon going very well. ☺
May 25, 2011
Ringmaster is an action packed book about a girl, Darcie lock, who's trying to save her father. Darcie finds out that her father is part of a secret agency and that he's now in trouble. She soon finds out all the secrets that her parents have been hiding from her.
The book is set in Nairobi but the description of the area is not very good. Some things are very exaggerated. "As a male cyclist wobbled in front of him out of a side road, a woman on the back and a live chicken strapped to the handlebars." (pg. 5) Also, some information given out is inaccurate. " Nairobi was notorious for vioolent burglaries..." (pg.8) Living in Nairobi, I have never heard of such violent burglaries.
There are many Swahili words used in the book. If you've lived in Nairobi then they are common words one might hear everyday. If you haven't live in Nairobi then it can sometimes be confusing to rad.
The title of the book does not suit it. A ringmaster is someone who controles a circus but there is no circus in the book. If the author was trying to convay the thought of someone controlling many things then there should have been a clearer indication.
Ringmaster is an action book but it's not one of the best I have read. I would not recommend this book to anyone who want's a fast paced action book.
Olivia
The book is set in Nairobi but the description of the area is not very good. Some things are very exaggerated. "As a male cyclist wobbled in front of him out of a side road, a woman on the back and a live chicken strapped to the handlebars." (pg. 5) Also, some information given out is inaccurate. " Nairobi was notorious for vioolent burglaries..." (pg.8) Living in Nairobi, I have never heard of such violent burglaries.
There are many Swahili words used in the book. If you've lived in Nairobi then they are common words one might hear everyday. If you haven't live in Nairobi then it can sometimes be confusing to rad.
The title of the book does not suit it. A ringmaster is someone who controles a circus but there is no circus in the book. If the author was trying to convay the thought of someone controlling many things then there should have been a clearer indication.
Ringmaster is an action book but it's not one of the best I have read. I would not recommend this book to anyone who want's a fast paced action book.
Olivia
December 3, 2011
This book really deserves to be very popular . First the setting is unique (Kenya) i am used to books being in usa , canada. The characters are very very nice Darcie , you feel kinda related to her , i really like stingo as well. Well the story was predictable but the way the author described everything was really nice. So i wish this book gets what it deserves and beocmes more popular.
August 14, 2011
its really good needs more romance!!!
September 1, 2022
A great introduction to a series of books, but lacking in story and emotional depth. The story starts well with the contrast of the main characters, from the UK/USA, being outsiders to the parts of Kenya. The plot progresses as Darcie is given the task of finding her abducted Dad by befriending her school friends. Although this story is exciting and constantly moving in order to keep you turning the page, the chemistry between Darcie and other characters is weak, with the only real relationship being between Darcie and Stingo. The book only feels like it is scratching the surface between the possibility of relationships for Darcie, and I just want it go deeper and make me feel something, . All in all, still a good first book that has the potential to pave the way for later books in the series to take the extra time to engross you in Darcie's life as a spy.
April 13, 2019
This book is definitely one of the best unknown middle grade books. I absolutely love it having read it many times my copy is certainly well loved.
This book revolves around a strong and independent teenager called Darcie who is roped into MI6 after her dad goes missing and her mother has to hide in the states. As the story progresses, we see Darcie’s strength rising to the occasion as she manages to come out ok. It definitely isn’t unrealistic either as Darcie rarely escapes unscathed but she never lets that slow her down and whilst her walls weaken at times, she picks herself back up and grows stronger for it.
It definitely gives me Alex Rider vibes so anyone who enjoyed that series will probably love this one as well.
A worthwhile read to any middle grade students or and adults who want a nice relaxing read with a bit of investigating and a feminine hero.
This book revolves around a strong and independent teenager called Darcie who is roped into MI6 after her dad goes missing and her mother has to hide in the states. As the story progresses, we see Darcie’s strength rising to the occasion as she manages to come out ok. It definitely isn’t unrealistic either as Darcie rarely escapes unscathed but she never lets that slow her down and whilst her walls weaken at times, she picks herself back up and grows stronger for it.
It definitely gives me Alex Rider vibes so anyone who enjoyed that series will probably love this one as well.
A worthwhile read to any middle grade students or and adults who want a nice relaxing read with a bit of investigating and a feminine hero.
January 31, 2019
It's ok to read. I think it's better be read by adolescents. Not a kind of book for matures. Just like famous five
14 yrs old girl who can't even wake on the time and who's most of the time irresponsible find her self in a tough spot.
Suddenly she's such a responsible and thinking character with a lot of hard working.
Within couple of days she saves her father, her friend and Prince as well as country going in to chaos.
What a marvellous fantasy, but just won't happen
14 yrs old girl who can't even wake on the time and who's most of the time irresponsible find her self in a tough spot.
Suddenly she's such a responsible and thinking character with a lot of hard working.
Within couple of days she saves her father, her friend and Prince as well as country going in to chaos.
What a marvellous fantasy, but just won't happen
November 21, 2017
It was a fun story, but the writing style wasn't my favorite, nor did I feel a ton of story and character development. (Part of me wonders if I read an official copy of the book? There were a lot of typos, plus the page count was at under 260 while the hardback here is listed as having 327 pages; the version I have has rather short pages, so I can't imagine those being stretched to 327.)
April 23, 2021
Good quick read as I used to love this author when I was younger. Strong female protagonist for young girls to read and certainly action packed. I listened to an audiobook version though and some of the accents but on were questionable... Also not sure of the accuracy of the depiction of Nairobi.
April 13, 2019
Only a young adult could believe that this book had any basis in reality. It was a pacy but unbelievable scenario that as a proper adult i find a bit patronising
August 20, 2019
Not one of my favourite books from Julia Golding . But it is a good mystery.
June 28, 2021
I read a lot of %v_array_gen[1]% books. If you do too, then you will love .
July 19, 2021
Quick read
July 26, 2022
Complete review available: Ringmaster
As middle grade novels go, this was definitely up there with some of the best, and even better, it brought entirely new elements to your usual teenage-spy trope as well. The characters were great – sure, at times Golding played up some of the cliché good guy/bad guy traits but this didn’t negatively impact the book, and even now I’m not sure which of the side characters was my favourite (there are just too many gems among them to choose!) As for the storyline itself, Golding kept the reader on their toes from start to finish with its fair share of twists and turns, proving that this is certainly one of those little known gems that’s definitely worth a read.
As middle grade novels go, this was definitely up there with some of the best, and even better, it brought entirely new elements to your usual teenage-spy trope as well. The characters were great – sure, at times Golding played up some of the cliché good guy/bad guy traits but this didn’t negatively impact the book, and even now I’m not sure which of the side characters was my favourite (there are just too many gems among them to choose!) As for the storyline itself, Golding kept the reader on their toes from start to finish with its fair share of twists and turns, proving that this is certainly one of those little known gems that’s definitely worth a read.
August 17, 2010
I strongly recommend this book for both boys and girls who love adventure between the ages 10 and up. This is because the author, Julia Golding used descriptive language to create imagery in the reader’s head. She uses strong vocabulary and great synonyms like meticulous, which means careful. Her use of suspense catches the reader making he/she want to read on. She makes her characters so real that you can relate to how they feel. Since this books’ setting is in Nairobi she uses some Kenyan words such as jambo meaning hello and other cool words, which are listed in the glossary. I love this book and its series because how it really interests the reader and we can all relate to Darcie because she is like a real teenager with a twist. Also, just when you think the book is over Julia Golding surprises you with a suspenseful ending. You will feel obligated to read the second book, Empty Quarter. You will love it, an absolute great read.
I guarantee you will adore it!
I guarantee you will adore it!
February 9, 2012
I loved this book, the story line is great i picked it up after read Dragonfly by the same author at first i thought well most authors just write one really good book and then there rest are a bit of a dissapontment but not with this one!I loved everything about this book from her relationship to her new friends to the way she's always up for trying out new things. I would to her seen a bit more of time with her parents at the end but apart from that it was amazing. have already started the next one and i hope there will be new ones in this serise come out soon! :)
December 2, 2014
Thrust head first into danger, Darcie Lock will do whatever it takes to survive. Even if it means leaving her sheltered diplomatic life to spying on one of the deadliest smuggling rings in Nairobi to clear her father’s name. Get ready for an influx of espionage, secrets and danger that will have you on the edge of your seat.
I absolutely loved this book! The story and setting was fantastic, I mean who wouldn’t love a story about a expat girl in Nairobi struggling to understand her parent’s secrets while being thrown into a crash course of self defence and survival? One of the best children's books on spies. I would recommend this to anyone.
I absolutely loved this book! The story and setting was fantastic, I mean who wouldn’t love a story about a expat girl in Nairobi struggling to understand her parent’s secrets while being thrown into a crash course of self defence and survival? One of the best children's books on spies. I would recommend this to anyone.
September 9, 2023
A good spy series? Definitely up my alley! Darcie is a young, smart, unknowingly trained daughter of two spies who should've never had a child. This first book sets the stage for the future two (and technically, a few more) as Golding's writing expertly and entertainingly weaves a twisted web of life altering realizations and danger. While the steady pace made me appreciate the Cat Royal series to want to reread, the feel of the young 'spy' had the feel of the Gallagher Girls series (which I now also want to reread). Would recommend!
I've been wanting to read this for years, so I'm really glad it was available under Kindle unlimited!
I've been wanting to read this for years, so I'm really glad it was available under Kindle unlimited!
April 5, 2013
A quick, fast paced read that left you on the edge of your seat. Not too predictable and I loved the characters. Darcie was likeable, head strong and a typical teenage girl that everyone could relate to even if they couldn't relate to the situation. Which I doubt you would be able to seeing as she has just found out her parents are spies, her dad has been kidnapped for information he shouldn't know and it is up to Darcie to save him by befriending dangerous people!! A must read!! :)
October 18, 2012
I absolutely love this book! Darcie gets to do all those adventureous things that, if you had half the chance, you would go off and do! But it is very realistic, so Darcie's emotions comne through a lot. Julia Golding is a great author, I recommend reading her if you like adventures and a opputunity to empathise and sympathise with her characters.
July 21, 2014
I picked this book up in waterstones last year because I had already read some of the cat royal series by Julia goulding and I thought it looked good. I tell you this story does not disappoint with action, adventure and romance it's a girls James Bond and honestly I wanted to be as cool as darcie! This book keeps you guessing and is a brilliant story! A mutch read for any teens!
September 18, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed the book because of the constant unpredictable twists, the action packed scenes, which were sure to get the thriller in you, the fascinating perspective/form the book was written in and the adventurous, realistic characters.
It's packed with unanticipated twists and compelling plots- making sure you don't get bored! I definitely think this is worth the read!
It's packed with unanticipated twists and compelling plots- making sure you don't get bored! I definitely think this is worth the read!
May 23, 2016
This book is awesome ! If you are looking for a page-turner, an action and suspense filled book with relatable characters then take this book ! If I needed to say one bad thing about it, it would just be that I would have liked if we got a little bit more info on her parents ! But then I guess you have to read the next book to find out...
November 19, 2017
I have never been big on spy books but this one caught my attention and is one of my favourites. I love Darcie's attitude, the unique setting and the characters. Everything was just crafted brilliantly.
January 14, 2010
Boring.
June 2, 2012
Amazing book, really gets you hooked. I couldn't put it down :D
November 22, 2012
Read this a few years ago and loved it, defiantly for young teens and below. Great storyline and just the right amount of action for the target audience.
July 2, 2013
Couldn't get into this book at all, found it very boring and didn't like the characters. No romance what so ever, didn't really enjoy this book
July 18, 2014
I think if you'd like to read a good teenage spy book, you'd do better with Alex rider. however, I did enjoy her besting the guys.
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January 5, 2015Darcie Laack liked Darcie Lock's first adventure.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews