What do you think?
Rate this book
Randi Rhodes, Ninja Detective #2
The Sweetest Heist in History
Randi Rhodes and her friends are heading back to Brooklyn to solve another mystery.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2015
10 people are currently reading
537 people want to read
About the author
Octavia Spencer
9 books50 followersIn addition to being a writer, Spencer is an award-winning actress. She is best known for her role as Minny Jackson from Kathryn Stockett's The Help; as the audio-book narrator, in the BBC's 15 Minute Drama radio play, and in the 2011 film.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
October 14, 2019
This book caught my eye because I have a cousin named Randy Rhoades. Alas, that's where the interest ended.
April 28, 2018
Read and reviewed for School Library Journal (issue 2014-12-01):
Gr 4–7—Randi Rhodes, black-belt ninja and kid detective, is back again with her sidekicks, D.C. and Pudge, to solve another rousing mystery. This installment takes the trio from Deer Creek, TN to Brooklyn, NY, where a world-famous Fabergé egg exhibit is opening at the Brooklyn Museum, right across from Randi's aunt's apartment. After noticing suspicious behavior from the new neighbors and learning that pieces of the collection have mysteriously disappeared, the gang of detective ninjas is on the case. With a tae kwon do competition, Thanksgiving dinner, and a few familial hiccups standing in the way, this quick read is packed with action around every corner. Although the fast-paced plot deals with a mystery through and through, the diverse characters are well-rounded and experience their own tough personal situations with determination and grace. While the story is didactic at times, the importance of family, confidence, and free-spiritedness shine through the overall plot. Although a few clues fit almost too perfectly into place and the lax nature of adult accomplices involved in attaining them is sometimes questionable, this book will satiate any young detective's thirst for mystery.
Gr 4–7—Randi Rhodes, black-belt ninja and kid detective, is back again with her sidekicks, D.C. and Pudge, to solve another rousing mystery. This installment takes the trio from Deer Creek, TN to Brooklyn, NY, where a world-famous Fabergé egg exhibit is opening at the Brooklyn Museum, right across from Randi's aunt's apartment. After noticing suspicious behavior from the new neighbors and learning that pieces of the collection have mysteriously disappeared, the gang of detective ninjas is on the case. With a tae kwon do competition, Thanksgiving dinner, and a few familial hiccups standing in the way, this quick read is packed with action around every corner. Although the fast-paced plot deals with a mystery through and through, the diverse characters are well-rounded and experience their own tough personal situations with determination and grace. While the story is didactic at times, the importance of family, confidence, and free-spiritedness shine through the overall plot. Although a few clues fit almost too perfectly into place and the lax nature of adult accomplices involved in attaining them is sometimes questionable, this book will satiate any young detective's thirst for mystery.
July 28, 2024
In the latter three-quarters of the book, several impactful and thought-provoking moments emerged. While the characters intrigued me, the adults were less well-developed—they seemed to merely exist. Although it’s a children’s novel, their motivations remained questionable until the final quarter. The fathers and father figures displayed insensitivity and a lack of understanding toward the children in their care, but Randi and DJ eventually learned from them.
Among the characters, Randi and her father, along with D.C. and his complex relationship with his father, stood out as particularly poignant. Additionally, the intriguing backdrop of the Fabergé Eggs added depth to the story.
I recommend this series for upper elementary school readers.
Among the characters, Randi and her father, along with D.C. and his complex relationship with his father, stood out as particularly poignant. Additionally, the intriguing backdrop of the Fabergé Eggs added depth to the story.
I recommend this series for upper elementary school readers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 17, 2014
I really enjoyed mysterious as a kid, and I think i would have loved reading this. After the death of her mother, Twelve-year-old Rhandi Rhodes moves from Brooklyn to a small town in Tennessee with her mystery-writing father, where she reluctantly makes friends and joins forces with two other new kids in figuring out who is trying to bankrupt the town and force its long-time residents out. Parts of it might be a bit far fetched, but that only adds to the excitement and fun.
I hope Octavia Spencer will write more!
I hope Octavia Spencer will write more!
April 26, 2017
Not my favorite middle grade read. I guess I found all the situations so farfetched and having a kid, I cannot fathom reacting so.. calmly to my kid getting into some of the junk Randi does. I haven't read the first one, but this book covers everything that happened well enough for me to follow, though I doubt I'll read it.
June 10, 2015
Bookaday #19. Surprisingly good MG mystery by a celebrity author. Although it stands alone, I would like to read book #1. ninja tasks in the appendix, interesting activities but not necessary, feels like a gimmick to jump on interactive book bandwagon.
March 9, 2019
Reviewed for School Library Journal (issue 2014-12-01):
Gr 4–7—Randi Rhodes, black-belt ninja and kid detective, is back again with her sidekicks, D.C. and Pudge, to solve another rousing mystery. This installment takes the trio from Deer Creek, TN to Brooklyn, NY, where a world-famous Fabergé egg exhibit is opening at the Brooklyn Museum, right across from Randi's aunt's apartment. After noticing suspicious behavior from the new neighbors and learning that pieces of the collection have mysteriously disappeared, the gang of detective ninjas is on the case. With a tae kwon do competition, Thanksgiving dinner, and a few familial hiccups standing in the way, this quick read is packed with action around every corner. Although the fast-paced plot deals with a mystery through and through, the diverse characters are well-rounded and experience their own tough personal situations with determination and grace. While the story is didactic at times, the importance of family, confidence, and free-spiritedness shine through the overall plot. Although a few clues fit almost too perfectly into place and the lax nature of adult accomplices involved in attaining them is sometimes questionable, this book will satiate any young detective's thirst for mystery.
Gr 4–7—Randi Rhodes, black-belt ninja and kid detective, is back again with her sidekicks, D.C. and Pudge, to solve another rousing mystery. This installment takes the trio from Deer Creek, TN to Brooklyn, NY, where a world-famous Fabergé egg exhibit is opening at the Brooklyn Museum, right across from Randi's aunt's apartment. After noticing suspicious behavior from the new neighbors and learning that pieces of the collection have mysteriously disappeared, the gang of detective ninjas is on the case. With a tae kwon do competition, Thanksgiving dinner, and a few familial hiccups standing in the way, this quick read is packed with action around every corner. Although the fast-paced plot deals with a mystery through and through, the diverse characters are well-rounded and experience their own tough personal situations with determination and grace. While the story is didactic at times, the importance of family, confidence, and free-spiritedness shine through the overall plot. Although a few clues fit almost too perfectly into place and the lax nature of adult accomplices involved in attaining them is sometimes questionable, this book will satiate any young detective's thirst for mystery.
February 27, 2020
Again, this is absolutely not aimed at me. That said, I really, really love Spencer's writing style. I mentioned in the review of the first book that this is like Nancy Drew but for the under 14-set and BETTER and I really do stick by this. I will say that I think the first one was a stronger novel, but I really like how the strands of grief and confusion are woven throughout this. For a serial kids mystery, this book does a good job of giving the characters more depth.
I wish there were a third book!
I wish there were a third book!
February 13, 2020
Even better than the first. I read it aloud to my 9 yr old daughter every morning. She loved it even more than the first book. I loved that it entertained but also taught cool facts and thinking skills. It also has a great message about liking yourself and not being ashamed of who you are or what trials you go through.
July 11, 2024
Garbage.
This book is entirely speculative nonsense that rewards terrible childhood decision-making.
You've got clean clothes? You're guilty! Have a hunch? Smash million dollar items! Want to break in somewhere?! DO IT!!! No consequences.
The only reason this is an almost readable book is to make fun of it, which we did mercilessly.
This book is entirely speculative nonsense that rewards terrible childhood decision-making.
You've got clean clothes? You're guilty! Have a hunch? Smash million dollar items! Want to break in somewhere?! DO IT!!! No consequences.
The only reason this is an almost readable book is to make fun of it, which we did mercilessly.
January 7, 2018
A cute middle-grade mystery, and the second in a series that I hope will continue. (Now I definitely have to go back and read the first one!) Lots of ninja detective action, and I enjoyed the added bonus of the "ninja tasks" in the appendices.
July 2, 2017
It looks like this is the last book published in this series (really a duology). That's a shame, because I could really see Randi as a good role model with a lot that could happen in her life.
December 5, 2017
my favorite thing about this book was Randi figuring out how the fake Faberge eggs were made out of sugar
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 11, 2018
Great Middle Grade mystery, not scary, girl power!! Great audiobook.
May 16, 2018
I like it.
October 20, 2019
Super fun and enjoyable
May 11, 2020
From an 11-year-old: This is an interactive book and a quick read about an awesome, roundhouse-kicking, spying detective. 8+
August 31, 2020
A fun read for upper elementary or middle students.
December 10, 2020
I just flat out love this series! I especially got choked up at the building up of the DC character and his hearing aide struggles. The characters in this book are just phenomenal.
October 31, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The first one was a little weak at the end but this one had high stakes and was actually way better than the first one. 4/5 stars!
January 1, 2023
Great mystery/action for upper elementary or young middle school-aged kids. Character struggles can be really helpful for kids dealing with loss and trying to learn to be themselves.
February 19, 2024
Call it presumptive, but it's been nine years since this came out. I'm guessing this is the last book in the series. Too bad. This was a fun mystery series.
May 27, 2024
The Sweetest Heist in History is a fast-paced mystery with a feisty protagonist and believable characters. Their adventures and spying expeditions are a bit over the top, but it still makes for a fun read.
March 8, 2017
12-year olds, DC (Dario Cruz,) Pudge, & Ninja #1, Randi (Miranda) Rhodes foil a clever international Faberge egg heist at the Brooklyn Museum. Using tai kwon do expert moves and brilliant sleuthing, the friends also work despite family issues and age discrimination. Never underestimate Randi Rhodes!
October 30, 2015
Randi Rhodes Ninja Detective was great in The Case of the Time-Capsule Bandit, but she is even better in The Sweetest Heist in History. Life isn't going smoothly for Randi. Amber Grace, the school bully is out to get her. Randi is disappointed and angry when her father cancels a promised Thanksgiving trip back to her former home in New York. She resents the time he will be spending away now that his new book has been published. When the opportunity arises for her to catch a ride to visit her Aunt Gigi in New York she jumps at the chance. Her best friends D.C. and Pudge get to accompany her. They aren't in the city long before a mystery presents itself and the trio along with Aunt Gigi set out to solve it. Spencer's clever mystery series for children is charming and fun for ages 8 and up.
April 21, 2015
I received a review copy of this book through Goodreads First Reads program.
Excellent mystery, and though I saw the solution coming, it was quite clever. I like Randi as a character. She's a little rough around the edges, but when she wants to rebel, we the reader fully understand where she's standing. Aunt Gigi is a little too lax for believability, but that looseness gives freedom to the story. And unlike other series, Randi's friends have full and complex stories for themselves, rather than simply being support staff.
I'm looking forward to reading more with Randi Rhodes.
Excellent mystery, and though I saw the solution coming, it was quite clever. I like Randi as a character. She's a little rough around the edges, but when she wants to rebel, we the reader fully understand where she's standing. Aunt Gigi is a little too lax for believability, but that looseness gives freedom to the story. And unlike other series, Randi's friends have full and complex stories for themselves, rather than simply being support staff.
I'm looking forward to reading more with Randi Rhodes.
June 16, 2020
This is a light-hearted modern mystery. This is the 2nd in the series but could be enjoyed as a stand-alone as well. Randi and her friends are all excited about their thanksgiving plans, until one by one they start to unravel. Randi, Pudge, and DC find themselves visiting Randi's aunt in Brooklyn for the holiday weekend. As they explore the city and all it has to offer, they of course find some suspicious things going on. This story does include adult participation in the crime-solving but still requires much of the 3 12-year old ninja detectives.
April 9, 2015
A good book for a young person. It had a few editing flaws-doesn't anyone know how to proof read anymore? (page 60 has at least 2) Other than that it had a lively pace with lots of action. Kept the reader's interest with adventure after adventure. The dialogue was a bit stilted in places and at times it seemed like the children were smarter than the adults. Not really a good book for an adult but I think the preteen age group will enjoy it.
November 25, 2016
I love that this book has a strong female protagonist in Randi. She is smart, observant, and super feisty. And all of those traits are necessary when you're a ninja detective. My issue with mysteries for kids is the over the top, dangerous mysteries they are solving. It is just too unbelievable to me that kids could solve these cases, in this case Russian mobsters stealing Faberge eggs. And, the dangerous positions these normal kids put themselves in are annoying to me as a parent.
June 2, 2015
The Ninja Detectives are back on the case . . . and it's a much bigger challenge this time. One, it involves an art theft at a heavily guarded museum. Two, the group isn't in a small Tennessee town this time. They're in New York City. The audiobook is read by the author, an Academy Award-winning actress.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews