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Goldfish Boy #2
The Graveyard Riddle
Melody Bird has discovered an old, abandoned building on the edge of town....
It's a dark, creepy place, but she can't resist its pull. When she goes to explore, she finds a boy hiding out there. Hal tells Melody that he is a spy-in-training, using the house as a base for his undercover surveillance of a nearby suspected criminal. He's very secretive about the details, but Melody trusts him and starts bringing him blankets and sneaking him food. She confides in her friends Matthew and Jake about Hal - they immediately question the likelihood of a 12-year-old spy and decide to turn the tables and spy on him, to work out what he's really up to....
This extraordinary companion to The Goldfish Boy is a mystery with a sensitive story about mental health at its core.
It's a dark, creepy place, but she can't resist its pull. When she goes to explore, she finds a boy hiding out there. Hal tells Melody that he is a spy-in-training, using the house as a base for his undercover surveillance of a nearby suspected criminal. He's very secretive about the details, but Melody trusts him and starts bringing him blankets and sneaking him food. She confides in her friends Matthew and Jake about Hal - they immediately question the likelihood of a 12-year-old spy and decide to turn the tables and spy on him, to work out what he's really up to....
This extraordinary companion to The Goldfish Boy is a mystery with a sensitive story about mental health at its core.
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First published January 7, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
December 27, 2023
✰ 3.75 stars ✰
“I don’t want to talk about it,” I said. “You just have to believe me when I say I refuse to be lied to, ever again.”
Hal nodded. “Well, Melody Bird,” he said. “I can tell you right here and now that Special Agent Hal Vincent is not a liar. OK?”
Equally gripping and emotionally engaging, The Graveyard Riddle was a uniquely captivating sequel to Lisa Thompson's Goldfish Boy. Set almost a year after the harrowing events that centered around the disappearance of young Teddy, the story now features Matthew's close friend, Melody Bird, and how her affinity for graveyards and trusting nature gets her entangled in a web of mystery and confusion - one that has its truths that are even more mysterious than the very riddles she is often times presented to solve.
I had already been very much taken by Melody when I had met her in the previous book. She was confident and bold and very assured of herself; having her as the protagonist this time around was a very different feel to the story, but one that still carried the air of mystery and intrigue, which always pulls me along. And the mystery surrounding the mysterious Hal Vincent, who had taken up residence in the plague house in their neighborhood graveyard was enough to gauge my own interest of what his story was. Melody is given all these context clues into what she believes to be truth - and one might think she's too gullible, but for me, she was just that much trusting. Worse - that I actually believed the stories Hal spun. But, the truth was something I was not at all prepared for or expecting, and that's really the brilliance of the story-telling. 😢 How the author painted this illusion of what potentially could be Hal's truth, and when all is revealed - it's a painful and gut-wrenching truth - I honestly was not sure that it would head in that direction, but it actually did make a lot of sense, in the end.
“I felt a warm glow inside. He was willing to face his fears to help me. I was carrying so many secrets at the moment: Hal, my dad’s letter, stealing the key to number one … Each one was like a heavy block, resting on my shoulders.
If Matthew was involved, maybe that weight would lighten a little? It would be nice to not have all these worries on my own.”
One prevalent theme that I am still glad was a part of Melody's story was friendship. I read two sequels this past weekend, and it's funny how much different both authors portrayed the existing dynamics developed between the two - almost a reversal of their respective personalities, and yet... I think having Matthew and Melody's friendship on the frisk, allowed it to mature and develop much more. 'I couldn’t wait to tell Matthew about the house. He loved interesting facts, just like I did.' It was a very healthy and natural portrayal of how bonds can be severed, but it still gives you growth to accept others into your friendship circle. Interacting with Jake through Matthew allowed Melody to care for Jake's well-being - despite how much he bullies her and annoys her, he's also being victimized. 🥺 And for her to garner the sympathy that she does for him - to want to rise to his defense, regardless of her relationship with Matthew was also captured quite well. 🫂
“I don’t know,” I said. Thinking about it like that made me feel a bit dizzy. “Maybe it’s got nothing to do with my dad. Maybe I choose to see the best in people and I like to give people a chance.”
Melody's mystery with Hal also showed a different take on family dynamics; it's one of the key elements of this story, in particular. Melody's hatred towards her father for leaving her, while still clinging on to his memory, her argument with her mother for leaving the house that she's grown up in, making her feel that she's forsaken the team that they had agreed to always be after her father's abandonment. It's these important issues that are touched upon with a lot of sensitive care and how they worked their way into each respective problem Melody and her peers faced that I appreciated. 👏🏻👏🏻 I did think at one point that Hal's past would actually solve another mystery, but when it didn't - it kinda hurt my heart a little bit. But, Hal's history when it comes to light - was enough to break my heart and make one appreciate the family that you do have.
I really hope the author will consider making this a trilogy of sorts; Jake is a very interesting character and I would very much like to have a mystery-thriller told from his point of view. The beauty of this duology is how the author is able to maintain the element of surprise, and keep you wanting to know what it is the real truth behind the prevailing mystery, while also giving enough berth for the human bonds to also grow. 👍🏻 I appreciated the riddles shared - some of them were quite clever and I didn't know the answers to them. Just goes to show my level of intellect! And that cover is absolutely gorgeous, very much captured the vibe of the graveyard and the overall feel of the story. 💚💚 For, Hal's history was truly the most compelling mystery; it was a heart-breaking and truly traumatic and painful one, and watching it unfold was really very well done. 💔💔 It's the welling up of emotions that always gets to me - that pivotal and poignant break in the plot that you're about to witness a landmine explode or a house of cards come tumbling down - and you have to brace yourself for the impact - and hope the MC's will be okay, too. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
And here's a little riddle for you - good luck figuring it out! ☺️
The man who made it did not want it; the man who bought it did not use it; the man who used it did not know it.
Answer:
“I don’t want to talk about it,” I said. “You just have to believe me when I say I refuse to be lied to, ever again.”
Hal nodded. “Well, Melody Bird,” he said. “I can tell you right here and now that Special Agent Hal Vincent is not a liar. OK?”
Equally gripping and emotionally engaging, The Graveyard Riddle was a uniquely captivating sequel to Lisa Thompson's Goldfish Boy. Set almost a year after the harrowing events that centered around the disappearance of young Teddy, the story now features Matthew's close friend, Melody Bird, and how her affinity for graveyards and trusting nature gets her entangled in a web of mystery and confusion - one that has its truths that are even more mysterious than the very riddles she is often times presented to solve.
I had already been very much taken by Melody when I had met her in the previous book. She was confident and bold and very assured of herself; having her as the protagonist this time around was a very different feel to the story, but one that still carried the air of mystery and intrigue, which always pulls me along. And the mystery surrounding the mysterious Hal Vincent, who had taken up residence in the plague house in their neighborhood graveyard was enough to gauge my own interest of what his story was. Melody is given all these context clues into what she believes to be truth - and one might think she's too gullible, but for me, she was just that much trusting. Worse - that I actually believed the stories Hal spun. But, the truth was something I was not at all prepared for or expecting, and that's really the brilliance of the story-telling. 😢 How the author painted this illusion of what potentially could be Hal's truth, and when all is revealed - it's a painful and gut-wrenching truth - I honestly was not sure that it would head in that direction, but it actually did make a lot of sense, in the end.
“I felt a warm glow inside. He was willing to face his fears to help me. I was carrying so many secrets at the moment: Hal, my dad’s letter, stealing the key to number one … Each one was like a heavy block, resting on my shoulders.
If Matthew was involved, maybe that weight would lighten a little? It would be nice to not have all these worries on my own.”
One prevalent theme that I am still glad was a part of Melody's story was friendship. I read two sequels this past weekend, and it's funny how much different both authors portrayed the existing dynamics developed between the two - almost a reversal of their respective personalities, and yet... I think having Matthew and Melody's friendship on the frisk, allowed it to mature and develop much more. 'I couldn’t wait to tell Matthew about the house. He loved interesting facts, just like I did.' It was a very healthy and natural portrayal of how bonds can be severed, but it still gives you growth to accept others into your friendship circle. Interacting with Jake through Matthew allowed Melody to care for Jake's well-being - despite how much he bullies her and annoys her, he's also being victimized. 🥺 And for her to garner the sympathy that she does for him - to want to rise to his defense, regardless of her relationship with Matthew was also captured quite well. 🫂
“I don’t know,” I said. Thinking about it like that made me feel a bit dizzy. “Maybe it’s got nothing to do with my dad. Maybe I choose to see the best in people and I like to give people a chance.”
Melody's mystery with Hal also showed a different take on family dynamics; it's one of the key elements of this story, in particular. Melody's hatred towards her father for leaving her, while still clinging on to his memory, her argument with her mother for leaving the house that she's grown up in, making her feel that she's forsaken the team that they had agreed to always be after her father's abandonment. It's these important issues that are touched upon with a lot of sensitive care and how they worked their way into each respective problem Melody and her peers faced that I appreciated. 👏🏻👏🏻 I did think at one point that Hal's past would actually solve another mystery, but when it didn't - it kinda hurt my heart a little bit. But, Hal's history when it comes to light - was enough to break my heart and make one appreciate the family that you do have.
I really hope the author will consider making this a trilogy of sorts; Jake is a very interesting character and I would very much like to have a mystery-thriller told from his point of view. The beauty of this duology is how the author is able to maintain the element of surprise, and keep you wanting to know what it is the real truth behind the prevailing mystery, while also giving enough berth for the human bonds to also grow. 👍🏻 I appreciated the riddles shared - some of them were quite clever and I didn't know the answers to them. Just goes to show my level of intellect! And that cover is absolutely gorgeous, very much captured the vibe of the graveyard and the overall feel of the story. 💚💚 For, Hal's history was truly the most compelling mystery; it was a heart-breaking and truly traumatic and painful one, and watching it unfold was really very well done. 💔💔 It's the welling up of emotions that always gets to me - that pivotal and poignant break in the plot that you're about to witness a landmine explode or a house of cards come tumbling down - and you have to brace yourself for the impact - and hope the MC's will be okay, too. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
And here's a little riddle for you - good luck figuring it out! ☺️
The man who made it did not want it; the man who bought it did not use it; the man who used it did not know it.
Answer:
May 30, 2021
I’m an absolute fool for not reading Goldfish Boy before reading this but either way this was so warm and wonderful. Definitely a book I wish I had growing up; Lisa Thompson is fantastic at what she does.
January 28, 2021
Another fantastic book by Lisa Thompson!
I absolutely loved this book. The goldfish boy is one of the best books I've ever read about OCD. So, it was so lovely to see another book about Matthew although this one didn't focus on OCD.
I love the writing style. I loved how this book managed to deal with some really adult topics including mental illness, divorce and OCD in a way that it is suitable for children. It's so important to make children aware of these topics early on.
The mystery was really fun too! I didn't see the ending coming. It got me quite sad actually.
I love lisa Thompson's books. They are always fun to read but deal with difficult topics in such a careful and considerate way, for children.
Even though this book is aimed at children, I think its great for adults too. Highly recommend!
TW: OCD, divorce and mental illness
I absolutely loved this book. The goldfish boy is one of the best books I've ever read about OCD. So, it was so lovely to see another book about Matthew although this one didn't focus on OCD.
I love the writing style. I loved how this book managed to deal with some really adult topics including mental illness, divorce and OCD in a way that it is suitable for children. It's so important to make children aware of these topics early on.
The mystery was really fun too! I didn't see the ending coming. It got me quite sad actually.
I love lisa Thompson's books. They are always fun to read but deal with difficult topics in such a careful and considerate way, for children.
Even though this book is aimed at children, I think its great for adults too. Highly recommend!
TW: OCD, divorce and mental illness
May 28, 2022
Melody got to know a boy named Hal in the abandoned house next to the graveyard.
It is strange that Matthew is now friend with Jake and Melody felt left out.
Melody was sad that her dad left without an explanation.
It is a real sad story but that is life, it is sad and adults do things that impact children.
It is strange that Matthew is now friend with Jake and Melody felt left out.
Melody was sad that her dad left without an explanation.
It is a real sad story but that is life, it is sad and adults do things that impact children.
February 18, 2021
Nice update on Goldfish Boy who is still challenged by his OCD but gets out more and has found a new friend in Jake. The mystery is a good one for young readers to solve and the outcome is unexpected and a little sad. Goldfish Boy is still going strong in children age 7 - 12 and I think they will enjoy this follow up.
June 21, 2021
Oh Lisa... wat schrijf je toch mooi! Ik heb volop genoten van dit verhaal, en wat stiknieuwsgierig naar de afloop.
February 23, 2021
Another absolutely delightful mystery from Lisa Thompson - I've loved everything of hers so far, and if anything she just keeps getting better. I love the layers of mystery interwoven with the characters' personal issues - and it's been good to see how well Matthew is getting on.
July 29, 2021
I read this with my class and we absolutely loved it. Great pace and a couple turns.
I’ve only given this 4 stars as the ending was over a bit quickly and everything was wrapped up a little too neatly. But that’s my adult brain.
The kids (year 5 class) loved it! We were reading 4 chapters a day to ensure we finished it before the end of term and it was so worth it.
I’ve only given this 4 stars as the ending was over a bit quickly and everything was wrapped up a little too neatly. But that’s my adult brain.
The kids (year 5 class) loved it! We were reading 4 chapters a day to ensure we finished it before the end of term and it was so worth it.
August 5, 2021
3.8 ⭐
Definitivno moram pročitati sve knjige ove autorke.
Definitivno moram pročitati sve knjige ove autorke.
May 21, 2024
I started this book without realizing that it's the second of a kids' series that begins with The Goldfish Boy. There's a bit of retelling at the beginning so I don't feel like I'd missed too much but maybe I would enjoy it more if I had read the first one.
Preteen Melody discovers that her father is a liar and has been keeping a second partner and child secret while pretending to be away on business. Melody's mom tells him he must choose (as if he hasn't already!) and when he chooses his new family she cuts ties without demanding child support. Melody discovers that her mother has put their house up for sale before telling her and decides that she's a liar, too.
While walking her dog in the cemetary Melody discovers an abandoned 'plague house' and a boy named Hal hiding inside. He has a story about being an MI8 agent. She begins to bring him food and supplies and helps him solve riddles that he 'finds' (plants) on scraps of paper on tombstones. This is an elaborate coping mechanism for some extremely difficult things going on in his life. (A large portion of this book is about this cemetery portion of the story and it moves things quite slowly.)
Neighbor Matthew (the 'goldfish boy') has been making progress in managing his OCD and while he still perseverates on germs he's spending more time outside the house with neighbor boy, Jake. Jake has severe alergies and is coping with being bullied by the PE teacher, who also lives in their cul-de-sac. Jake isn't very nice to Melody and she feels excluded even though she's been Matthew's friend for a long time.
When another neighbor plans a day of gardening at the cemetery Melody tries to sneak Hal into the neighboring vacant house, where the owners are away in Australia. Jake steals the PE teacher's dog, the dog eats cookies with peanuts and licks Jake's face causing anaphylaxis. Hal is discovered as the kids try to help Jake get his epipen. The PE teacher's wife overhears her husband being awful and not helping to get urgent care. She ends up leaving him and the PE teacher loses his job too when he's finally called out for bullying Jake at school. (Weirdly, Jake gets to keep their dog.)
Hal is revealed to be living on his own because his mother, in addition to having severe mental illness, was taken away for emergency medical treatment and said she lived alone while he hid. She's been in institutional care asking about him but no one believed her. She had birthed Hal alone and concealed him. He's been living in a world of her creation, in poverty in a low-income housing tower. In a sense, a version of the thing she feared has happened. She's considered unfit and her son has been taken away.
The story ends in a way that's meant to be happy but isn't. In particular Melody declaring Hal 'fine' based on a letter he writes describing intervention by social services and going to live with an uncle and aunt he didn't know. He's gone through a long foster care experience. His mother is still institutionalized and unable to care for him. The uncle he lands with was uninvolved enough in his sister's life that he was unaware she had a child in his teens. Hal is going to start school for the first time.
Melody's father gets back in contact via a letter and while he's still ruined his relationship with Melody and her mom an arrangement is made where the house isn't sold. She will see him again and he hasn't disappeared fully from her life.
There are some heartbreaking scenarios and logic problems in this book and the titular riddles end up being basically irrelevant except as part of Hal's coping strategy.
(Neither of my 10yos selected this book to read in the month is was at our house checked out from the library. In fairness it may be because it's book 2 in the series. It's OK with me if they don't read it.)
cw: a mentally ill parent, parental infidelity and abandonment, bullying by adults (for example the PE teacher makes Jake dress from the drama club dress up box when he doesn't have his PE clothes.) Parents who are sensitive about (minor) theft and lies told to parents in middle grade fiction might not like this one. None of these characters have crushes and there's no set up for romantic relationships between these young children.
Preteen Melody discovers that her father is a liar and has been keeping a second partner and child secret while pretending to be away on business. Melody's mom tells him he must choose (as if he hasn't already!) and when he chooses his new family she cuts ties without demanding child support. Melody discovers that her mother has put their house up for sale before telling her and decides that she's a liar, too.
While walking her dog in the cemetary Melody discovers an abandoned 'plague house' and a boy named Hal hiding inside. He has a story about being an MI8 agent. She begins to bring him food and supplies and helps him solve riddles that he 'finds' (plants) on scraps of paper on tombstones. This is an elaborate coping mechanism for some extremely difficult things going on in his life. (A large portion of this book is about this cemetery portion of the story and it moves things quite slowly.)
Neighbor Matthew (the 'goldfish boy') has been making progress in managing his OCD and while he still perseverates on germs he's spending more time outside the house with neighbor boy, Jake. Jake has severe alergies and is coping with being bullied by the PE teacher, who also lives in their cul-de-sac. Jake isn't very nice to Melody and she feels excluded even though she's been Matthew's friend for a long time.
When another neighbor plans a day of gardening at the cemetery Melody tries to sneak Hal into the neighboring vacant house, where the owners are away in Australia. Jake steals the PE teacher's dog, the dog eats cookies with peanuts and licks Jake's face causing anaphylaxis. Hal is discovered as the kids try to help Jake get his epipen. The PE teacher's wife overhears her husband being awful and not helping to get urgent care. She ends up leaving him and the PE teacher loses his job too when he's finally called out for bullying Jake at school. (Weirdly, Jake gets to keep their dog.)
Hal is revealed to be living on his own because his mother, in addition to having severe mental illness, was taken away for emergency medical treatment and said she lived alone while he hid. She's been in institutional care asking about him but no one believed her. She had birthed Hal alone and concealed him. He's been living in a world of her creation, in poverty in a low-income housing tower. In a sense, a version of the thing she feared has happened. She's considered unfit and her son has been taken away.
The story ends in a way that's meant to be happy but isn't. In particular Melody declaring Hal 'fine' based on a letter he writes describing intervention by social services and going to live with an uncle and aunt he didn't know. He's gone through a long foster care experience. His mother is still institutionalized and unable to care for him. The uncle he lands with was uninvolved enough in his sister's life that he was unaware she had a child in his teens. Hal is going to start school for the first time.
Melody's father gets back in contact via a letter and while he's still ruined his relationship with Melody and her mom an arrangement is made where the house isn't sold. She will see him again and he hasn't disappeared fully from her life.
There are some heartbreaking scenarios and logic problems in this book and the titular riddles end up being basically irrelevant except as part of Hal's coping strategy.
(Neither of my 10yos selected this book to read in the month is was at our house checked out from the library. In fairness it may be because it's book 2 in the series. It's OK with me if they don't read it.)
cw: a mentally ill parent, parental infidelity and abandonment, bullying by adults (for example the PE teacher makes Jake dress from the drama club dress up box when he doesn't have his PE clothes.) Parents who are sensitive about (minor) theft and lies told to parents in middle grade fiction might not like this one. None of these characters have crushes and there's no set up for romantic relationships between these young children.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2022
Chi ha detto che i libri per ragazzi non possono essere letti da chi ha qualche anno in più? Ogni tanto, infatti, scopro dei piccoli capolavori che superano di gran lunga la fiction per adulti. E' il caso di Lisa Thompson, che con il suo L'incredibile caso del bambino che non c'è, edito DeAgostini, ha saputo catturarmi con la storia di un missione segreta condotta da un gruppo di ragazzi, un mix di mistero, humor e preoccupazioni che affliggono i giovani protagonisti, rendendoli molto reali.
Melody Bird vive con sua madre a Chestnut Close, la stessa cittadina in cui vive il suo amico Matthew Corbin lo strano ragazzo germo-fobico con la grande abilità nel risolvere i misteri.
Ultimamente però Melody ha uno strano comportamento, sparisce per molto tempo e si addentra in un luogo un po' strano per una ragazzina: il cimitero.
La verità è che Melody sta soffrendo e il motivo è il divorzio dei suoi genitori. Inoltre, sua madre le ha detto che stanno affrontando delle difficoltà economiche e per questo dovranno vendere la loro casa. Il cimitero allora, diventa il luogo in cui Melody fugge da tutto, dai propri problemi, dalle difficoltà, dal rapporto difficile con la madre. In quel luogo però incontra un ragazzo, Hal Vincent. Lui dice di essere una spia e la sua missione è scoprire il ladro una collana rubata più di cento anni fa. Ma chi è veramente Hal e come mai vive in quel cimitero un tempo luogo dove venivano isolati i malati di peste.
Quando Melody trova il coraggio di confidarsi con il suo amico Matthew che nel frattempo ha stretto amicizia con qualcuno che non le va molto a genio.
Tra misteri, enigmi da risolvere, piccoli e grandi problemi della vita, Lisa Thompson ci regala una storia bellissima di amicizia e tolleranza in chiave mystery.
Melody si trova a fare i conti con una situazione che la ferisce e cerca rifugio in un luogo che non tutti troverebbero adatto. Eppure la nuova amicizia con il misterioso Hal le consente di superare quel momento di difficoltà.
Lisa Thompson è stata molto brava nel creare una trama in cui gli intrecci sono dei veri e propri rompicapi con cui un giovane lettore può divertirsi e nel frattempo ha la possibilità di incontrare altri ragazzi che vivono problematiche che vanno dalla salute mentale, al bullismo o all'abbandono.
Ma non temete, nulla di cui un ragazzo possa tediarsi o angosciarsi perchè la scrittura dell'autrice non non ha mai tonalità cupe, all'opposto si avverte uno spirito frizzante che descrive personaggi con i quali è facile empatizzare e con i quali è divertente destreggiarsi tra i dedali di enigmi e dure prove.
https://ariaswild.blogspot.com/2022/0...
Melody Bird vive con sua madre a Chestnut Close, la stessa cittadina in cui vive il suo amico Matthew Corbin lo strano ragazzo germo-fobico con la grande abilità nel risolvere i misteri.
Ultimamente però Melody ha uno strano comportamento, sparisce per molto tempo e si addentra in un luogo un po' strano per una ragazzina: il cimitero.
La verità è che Melody sta soffrendo e il motivo è il divorzio dei suoi genitori. Inoltre, sua madre le ha detto che stanno affrontando delle difficoltà economiche e per questo dovranno vendere la loro casa. Il cimitero allora, diventa il luogo in cui Melody fugge da tutto, dai propri problemi, dalle difficoltà, dal rapporto difficile con la madre. In quel luogo però incontra un ragazzo, Hal Vincent. Lui dice di essere una spia e la sua missione è scoprire il ladro una collana rubata più di cento anni fa. Ma chi è veramente Hal e come mai vive in quel cimitero un tempo luogo dove venivano isolati i malati di peste.
Quando Melody trova il coraggio di confidarsi con il suo amico Matthew che nel frattempo ha stretto amicizia con qualcuno che non le va molto a genio.
Tra misteri, enigmi da risolvere, piccoli e grandi problemi della vita, Lisa Thompson ci regala una storia bellissima di amicizia e tolleranza in chiave mystery.
Melody si trova a fare i conti con una situazione che la ferisce e cerca rifugio in un luogo che non tutti troverebbero adatto. Eppure la nuova amicizia con il misterioso Hal le consente di superare quel momento di difficoltà.
Lisa Thompson è stata molto brava nel creare una trama in cui gli intrecci sono dei veri e propri rompicapi con cui un giovane lettore può divertirsi e nel frattempo ha la possibilità di incontrare altri ragazzi che vivono problematiche che vanno dalla salute mentale, al bullismo o all'abbandono.
Ma non temete, nulla di cui un ragazzo possa tediarsi o angosciarsi perchè la scrittura dell'autrice non non ha mai tonalità cupe, all'opposto si avverte uno spirito frizzante che descrive personaggi con i quali è facile empatizzare e con i quali è divertente destreggiarsi tra i dedali di enigmi e dure prove.
https://ariaswild.blogspot.com/2022/0...
March 13, 2021
Hoofdstuk 3: The Graveyard Riddle 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌗
Mede door dit boek ben ik aan deze queeste begonnen. Het gaf een hele mooie reden om The Goldfish Boy nog eens te gaan lezen. En als je je afvraagt waarom dan verwijs ik je door naar de foto. Dit speelt zich namelijk af in het universum van Matthew. Maar dit keer zet @lisathomsonwrites Melody in het zonnetje. Ik ga lezen. Tot zo!
Melody Bird houdt ervan om op de begraafplaats vlakbij haar huis te zijn. Het is er rustig. En dan vind ze iemand. Hal. Hij is geheimagent en zit daar voor een belangrijke missie. Melody wordt daarin meegezogen. Binnen de kortste keren kan ze niet meer terug.
Ik ben echt super benieuwd hoe dit gaat zijn. De eerste drie boeken kwamen zo dichtbij. Zat ik zo anders in mijn lijf en hoofd. En dat merk ik ook wel een beetje. Doordat ik de emotionele zwaarheid een plek heb kunnen geven voelt dit verhaal anders. Ik kan me wat meer op het mysterie focussen en dat is toch ook wel fijn. Maar nog steeds voert emotie de bovenhand.
Niets is wat het lijkt en iedereen heeft wel iets. Ergens denk ik alle verhalen van Lisa in dit ene boek te herkennen en i love it. Ik love het niet zo hard als andere van haar maar toch. Dat is natuurlijk niet iets negatiefs hè! Want om eerlijk te zijn is het eigenlijk niet eerlijk. Dit boek moet bijvoorbeeld opboksen tegen mijn lievelingsboek! En dan denk ik ook weer even aan de druk wat schrijvers moeten ervaren om elke keer weer iemands nieuwe lievelingsboek te moeten schrijven.
Maar ik heb het met Melody te doen. Ze voelt zich steeds meer alleen en vindt dan Hal op de begraafplaats. Daar vindt ze de afleiding om niet aan haar problemen te hoeven denken. En groot gelijk heeft ze, want het is me een partij mysterieus. Maar Lisa kennende heeft Hal vast meer achter zich schuilen dan hij doet lijken. En natuurlijk zitten er allemaal andere karakters in die ze met 3 zinnen weer ontiegelijk veel diepte geeft. Daarom houd ik zo van haar werk. Zo zit er een volwassene in die ook wel een tripje naar de psycholoog kan gebruiken. Een nare guy. #understatement
Weer een Lisa klassieker die ik met alle liefde aan je aanraad.
Mede door dit boek ben ik aan deze queeste begonnen. Het gaf een hele mooie reden om The Goldfish Boy nog eens te gaan lezen. En als je je afvraagt waarom dan verwijs ik je door naar de foto. Dit speelt zich namelijk af in het universum van Matthew. Maar dit keer zet @lisathomsonwrites Melody in het zonnetje. Ik ga lezen. Tot zo!
Melody Bird houdt ervan om op de begraafplaats vlakbij haar huis te zijn. Het is er rustig. En dan vind ze iemand. Hal. Hij is geheimagent en zit daar voor een belangrijke missie. Melody wordt daarin meegezogen. Binnen de kortste keren kan ze niet meer terug.
Ik ben echt super benieuwd hoe dit gaat zijn. De eerste drie boeken kwamen zo dichtbij. Zat ik zo anders in mijn lijf en hoofd. En dat merk ik ook wel een beetje. Doordat ik de emotionele zwaarheid een plek heb kunnen geven voelt dit verhaal anders. Ik kan me wat meer op het mysterie focussen en dat is toch ook wel fijn. Maar nog steeds voert emotie de bovenhand.
Niets is wat het lijkt en iedereen heeft wel iets. Ergens denk ik alle verhalen van Lisa in dit ene boek te herkennen en i love it. Ik love het niet zo hard als andere van haar maar toch. Dat is natuurlijk niet iets negatiefs hè! Want om eerlijk te zijn is het eigenlijk niet eerlijk. Dit boek moet bijvoorbeeld opboksen tegen mijn lievelingsboek! En dan denk ik ook weer even aan de druk wat schrijvers moeten ervaren om elke keer weer iemands nieuwe lievelingsboek te moeten schrijven.
Maar ik heb het met Melody te doen. Ze voelt zich steeds meer alleen en vindt dan Hal op de begraafplaats. Daar vindt ze de afleiding om niet aan haar problemen te hoeven denken. En groot gelijk heeft ze, want het is me een partij mysterieus. Maar Lisa kennende heeft Hal vast meer achter zich schuilen dan hij doet lijken. En natuurlijk zitten er allemaal andere karakters in die ze met 3 zinnen weer ontiegelijk veel diepte geeft. Daarom houd ik zo van haar werk. Zo zit er een volwassene in die ook wel een tripje naar de psycholoog kan gebruiken. Een nare guy. #understatement
Weer een Lisa klassieker die ik met alle liefde aan je aanraad.
June 10, 2021
Melody lives with her Mom on Chestnut Close, where she has spent most of her life. When her Mom reveals that the house must be sold in order to make ends meet, Melody is devastated, and takes refuge in a place that gives her comfort: the nearby cemetery. There, with her dog, Frankie, she discovers a tumbling down house at the back with an inscription over the door “Lord Have Mercy Upon Us.” She learns that centuries ago this house was a plague house, where plague victims were sent until they died. The intrigue of the place ramps up soon after, when she also finds a boy is living there, Hal, who claims to be a spy on a secret mission to find the thief of a valuable necklace that was stolen over 100 years ago. As the rift with her Mom grows, Melody spends more and more time helping Hal with food and clothing, and with the mystery of the stolen necklace. She eventually confides in her best friend Matthew, (from Thompson’s previous novel The Goldfish Boy), but he seems to be caught up in a new friendship with the annoying Jake, another neighbor. In the background, readers learn of Melody’s grief at her father leaving the family, and one wonders if her need to believe Hal’s increasingly outlandish claims mirrors her need for someone to trust.
I love how the author melds the mystery with issues of mental illness (Matthew has OCD), bullying (in this case, a teacher is bullying Jake), divorce and friendship. The writing is full of Melody’s personality and the observations of a 12 year old, with the blind spots and honesty of that age. These elements add depth and pathos to the story. It’s refreshing to read about characters who have mental health challenges that do not define them. I consider this a companion novel to The Goldfish Boy, and it is easily enjoyed on its own.
I love how the author melds the mystery with issues of mental illness (Matthew has OCD), bullying (in this case, a teacher is bullying Jake), divorce and friendship. The writing is full of Melody’s personality and the observations of a 12 year old, with the blind spots and honesty of that age. These elements add depth and pathos to the story. It’s refreshing to read about characters who have mental health challenges that do not define them. I consider this a companion novel to The Goldfish Boy, and it is easily enjoyed on its own.
October 14, 2021
Lisa Thompson’s The Graveyard Riddle tells the story of Melody and her friends as they solve a mystery happening right down the street. Melody finds an abandoned house in the graveyard and finds a boy living in it. The boy claims to be Hal Vincent, a secret agent spying on a suspected criminal and thief while using the house as a hideout. Melody is eager to help a spy and gets sucked into Hal’s world of riddles, danger, and hiding. Melody also has to deal with changes she wasn’t ready for as her mother prepares to sell her house, and her best friend Matthew begins to drift away. Melody must try to prevent her mom from selling while trying to help Hal solve his mystery.
This book is excellent for young readers entering middle school. The riddles are clever and the story of Hal Vincent is sure to keep readers guessing and on the edge of their seats. Thompson excels at painting vibrant pictures and images that are easy to visualize. Her setting and atmosphere are perfect for the story. However, as much as I enjoyed this book, I felt like there was too much going. There were at least four different subplots going on, and while each was resolved, I felt like they weren’t given enough time to develop in the first place. I was never sure what each chapter was going to cover, and I felt like the fantastical nature of Hal’s spy plot was disjointed with the issues of Melody’s friendships. That being said, Thompson still creates very compelling plots that will satisfy young readers and she will delight them with her fantastic imagery and enticing mystery.
This book is excellent for young readers entering middle school. The riddles are clever and the story of Hal Vincent is sure to keep readers guessing and on the edge of their seats. Thompson excels at painting vibrant pictures and images that are easy to visualize. Her setting and atmosphere are perfect for the story. However, as much as I enjoyed this book, I felt like there was too much going. There were at least four different subplots going on, and while each was resolved, I felt like they weren’t given enough time to develop in the first place. I was never sure what each chapter was going to cover, and I felt like the fantastical nature of Hal’s spy plot was disjointed with the issues of Melody’s friendships. That being said, Thompson still creates very compelling plots that will satisfy young readers and she will delight them with her fantastic imagery and enticing mystery.
May 18, 2024
Ugh! An utterly forgettable book by one of my favorite authors. This book doesn't come close to the creativity of The Goldfish Boy. It reads like so many other 'meh' plots out there. And trying to market it as a sequel, or rather companion novel, to The Goldfish Boy was a fail. Sorry to be so harsh. But for real. This was a major let down.
The MC is the goldfish boy's friend Melody. I'm not going to rehash the GB plot, as the author unsuccessfully tried to do, but basically, Melody, Matthew (goldfish boy), and Jake all live in a cul-de-sac with about 9 houses. Next to this neighborhood is a graveyard, which as Melody discovers early on, has a decrepit, old house behind the brick fence. Turns out, centuries before, it was a plague house. And this, by the way, is a fact that goes nowhere.
On one visit to this house, Melody discovers a boy named Hal living there. He claims to be a spy for M18 (British spy agency) staking out a criminal who comes to the same gravesite every day. Melody is totally duped. Some other plot points: Melody's mom has put their house on the market. Melody is still dealing with her dad walking out on them. Jake is being bullied by the gym teacher who also lives in their culture-de-sac. By the end we get the truth about Hal. It has The Light Jar vibes. And that's all folks.
Really. Boring. Plot. Really. Boring. Characters.
The MC is the goldfish boy's friend Melody. I'm not going to rehash the GB plot, as the author unsuccessfully tried to do, but basically, Melody, Matthew (goldfish boy), and Jake all live in a cul-de-sac with about 9 houses. Next to this neighborhood is a graveyard, which as Melody discovers early on, has a decrepit, old house behind the brick fence. Turns out, centuries before, it was a plague house. And this, by the way, is a fact that goes nowhere.
On one visit to this house, Melody discovers a boy named Hal living there. He claims to be a spy for M18 (British spy agency) staking out a criminal who comes to the same gravesite every day. Melody is totally duped. Some other plot points: Melody's mom has put their house on the market. Melody is still dealing with her dad walking out on them. Jake is being bullied by the gym teacher who also lives in their culture-de-sac. By the end we get the truth about Hal. It has The Light Jar vibes. And that's all folks.
Really. Boring. Plot. Really. Boring. Characters.
Read
May 25, 2021Wat heeft een vader die zoals een boeienkoning in het circus in het niets verdwijnt te maken met een vervallen gebouwtje op een buurt-begraafplaats? Wanneer leugens het leven ingewikkeld maken, heb je vriendschappen nodig die vertrouwen geven.
De unieke Melody Bird met haar hond 'Frankie' wil niet geloven dat haar moeder hun woonhuis te koop heeft gezet, ze gelooft liever dat het een vergissing is. Ondertussen durft ze vriend en buurjongen 'De Goudvisjongen' Matthew niet te vertellen wie ze in het voor de begraafplaats verstopte pesthuisje heeft aangetroffen: jongeman Hal Vincent heeft haar hulp nodig bij een uiterst stiekem project. Briefjes met raadsels bij grafstenen, de provisiekast leegroven en een verdwenen broche blijken allemaal samen te hangen.
Ook als dat eigenlijk pijnlijk is en je liever in een voorgelogen werkelijkheid zou geloven, blijkt de waarheid over Melody's vader, de verkoop van haar ouderlijk huis en de herkomst van Hal uiteindelijk té belangrijk. Lisa Thompson schreef een warm en bitterzoet mysterie waarin niets is wat het lijkt, maar vriendschap genoeg vertrouwen geeft de chaos die grote mensen met hun leugens aanrichten langzaam maar zeker te ontrafelen.
De unieke Melody Bird met haar hond 'Frankie' wil niet geloven dat haar moeder hun woonhuis te koop heeft gezet, ze gelooft liever dat het een vergissing is. Ondertussen durft ze vriend en buurjongen 'De Goudvisjongen' Matthew niet te vertellen wie ze in het voor de begraafplaats verstopte pesthuisje heeft aangetroffen: jongeman Hal Vincent heeft haar hulp nodig bij een uiterst stiekem project. Briefjes met raadsels bij grafstenen, de provisiekast leegroven en een verdwenen broche blijken allemaal samen te hangen.
Ook als dat eigenlijk pijnlijk is en je liever in een voorgelogen werkelijkheid zou geloven, blijkt de waarheid over Melody's vader, de verkoop van haar ouderlijk huis en de herkomst van Hal uiteindelijk té belangrijk. Lisa Thompson schreef een warm en bitterzoet mysterie waarin niets is wat het lijkt, maar vriendschap genoeg vertrouwen geeft de chaos die grote mensen met hun leugens aanrichten langzaam maar zeker te ontrafelen.
October 29, 2021
Middle grade mystery. This is the sequel to The Goldfish Boy, and though it can be read on its own I would recommend reading them in order. Melody Bird likes to walk her dachshund Frankie through the graveyard. One day she notices a small old building at the back of the graveyard. Research tells her it was originally a plague house to contain the spread of disease. She can't help but investigate, and is very surprised to find a young boy her age hiding out there. Hal tells her that he is a secret agent, there to stake out a criminal named Martin Stone. As she continues to visit him, she gets pulled into the case and also starts bringing supplies. But when Melody gets her friends Matthew and Jake involved, they wonder how much of Hal's lifestyle is for real.
Like the first book, this sequel takes place entirely in one small community. At first it seems like the case Hal is working on is the mystery, but later on unraveling the truth takes over. This book touches on themes of friendship, coping with hard situations, and standing up for yourself.
Like the first book, this sequel takes place entirely in one small community. At first it seems like the case Hal is working on is the mystery, but later on unraveling the truth takes over. This book touches on themes of friendship, coping with hard situations, and standing up for yourself.
January 18, 2022
The Graveyard Riddle by Lisa Thompson and narrated by Rosie Jones takes us back to the little English neighborhood where Matthew, Melody, and Jake live and leaves off a year or so later from the first book, The Goldfish Boy. In this book though we follow Melody Bird as she has an adventure of her own while she also takes on some of her own dilemmas. This book brings the three friends back and they meet a new and strange boy named Hal who is living in the cemetery and claims to be a spy. Can Melody, Matthew, and Jake help Hal figure out the riddles in the cemetery before time runs out?
This book has some great spy fun and riddles that is great for rhe younger age groups. As her first book went, this book also has some great lessons and representation in it for the younger readers. This book of course has some mystery, riddles, and spy fun in it, but it also manages to bring up messages on how friendships and family isn't always easy or perfect, and it also deals with divorce and mental health issues as well in a way suitable for younger readers to understand or connect with. I love these kind of books that younger readers can read which represents all families in every aspect. I loved the story, characters, and messages behind this book!
This book has some great spy fun and riddles that is great for rhe younger age groups. As her first book went, this book also has some great lessons and representation in it for the younger readers. This book of course has some mystery, riddles, and spy fun in it, but it also manages to bring up messages on how friendships and family isn't always easy or perfect, and it also deals with divorce and mental health issues as well in a way suitable for younger readers to understand or connect with. I love these kind of books that younger readers can read which represents all families in every aspect. I loved the story, characters, and messages behind this book!
February 17, 2024
Another intriguing, well-written tale by Lisa Thompson with shades of mystery, self-discovery, and friendship. Thompson is an excellent writer whose clear, vivid prose, engaging characters, and compelling storylines are a great addition to the middle grade space. I liked and sympathized with Melody, the main character, as she navigated a difficult family situation and a local mystery.
The reason for a three-star vs. a higher rating was that I didn't feel this book was as strong as its companion book, "The Goldfish Boy." One of the official reviews for this title mentioned that this author's stories are always sensitive to mental health. I definitely agree, but the mental health issues that come to light later in this story felt artificially inserted in and somewhat unrealistic, more of a category the book was squeezed into. The issues artfully woven into "The Goldfish Boy" felt like an organic part of the story; the problem that led to a situation in this book felt more like a last-minute and not very credible explanation than a believable solution to the mystery. That being said, I did enjoy reading it.
The reason for a three-star vs. a higher rating was that I didn't feel this book was as strong as its companion book, "The Goldfish Boy." One of the official reviews for this title mentioned that this author's stories are always sensitive to mental health. I definitely agree, but the mental health issues that come to light later in this story felt artificially inserted in and somewhat unrealistic, more of a category the book was squeezed into. The issues artfully woven into "The Goldfish Boy" felt like an organic part of the story; the problem that led to a situation in this book felt more like a last-minute and not very credible explanation than a believable solution to the mystery. That being said, I did enjoy reading it.
August 2, 2021
Mysteries, clues, and riddles challenge the reader.
This is the perfect book for your tweens and teens. Read it by the chapter or devour it whole. Best of all, you'll encounter the same characters as in
"The Goldfish Boy", the first of this creative series.
Thanks to the BookLoft of German Village (Columbus, OH) http://www.bookloft.com for an ARC to read and review.
This is the perfect book for your tweens and teens. Read it by the chapter or devour it whole. Best of all, you'll encounter the same characters as in
"The Goldfish Boy", the first of this creative series.Thanks to the BookLoft of German Village (Columbus, OH) http://www.bookloft.com for an ARC to read and review.
May 16, 2022
There is A LOT going on in this book!
Melody, Matthew and Jake are three friends. They go through the usual friend issues, but have bigger problems to deal with.
Melody's mother has put their house up for sale and refuses to consider talking to Melody's father about financial support.
Jake is being bullied by one of the teachers at school. It isn't until the teacher ignores Jake's allergic reaction and ensuing anaphylactic shock, that his behaviour is dealt with.
Melody befriends Hal, a boy hiding out in the Graveyard. He tells her he is a spy for MI8 and weaves such a compelling story that she believes him. He even manages to persuade Matthew and Jake of his story. When the children finally deduce what is going on with Hal, it's a heart wrenching tale.
Melody, Matthew and Jake are three friends. They go through the usual friend issues, but have bigger problems to deal with.
Melody's mother has put their house up for sale and refuses to consider talking to Melody's father about financial support.
Jake is being bullied by one of the teachers at school. It isn't until the teacher ignores Jake's allergic reaction and ensuing anaphylactic shock, that his behaviour is dealt with.
Melody befriends Hal, a boy hiding out in the Graveyard. He tells her he is a spy for MI8 and weaves such a compelling story that she believes him. He even manages to persuade Matthew and Jake of his story. When the children finally deduce what is going on with Hal, it's a heart wrenching tale.
April 9, 2021
Melody's story didn't hit quite the emotional punch as Matthew's, but was still an enjoyable venture back to the cul-de-sac.
Jake and Matthew are always hanging out now, and have no time for Melody. Melody meets a mysterious new boy in the cemetery, and he enlists her help to unravel a criminal case involving a lost necklace.
The teacher bullying in this was horrible, but not enough to be horrific for young readers. I think it toed the line very nicely.
What I really would have loved is this book from Hal's perspective, because his was the story I wanted to hear.
Jake and Matthew are always hanging out now, and have no time for Melody. Melody meets a mysterious new boy in the cemetery, and he enlists her help to unravel a criminal case involving a lost necklace.
The teacher bullying in this was horrible, but not enough to be horrific for young readers. I think it toed the line very nicely.
What I really would have loved is this book from Hal's perspective, because his was the story I wanted to hear.
July 13, 2021
Excellent children’s novel.
Written wonderfully, these characters come alive on the page and I just want to live on Chestnut Close and go wandering in the graveyard with these characters.
There is a lot of sunniness written into these books and when I’ve read them to classes they have been hooked as story unfolds and builds to its climax.
Dealing with hard-hitting issues such as mental health, bullying, abandonment and the splitting up of parents, this book deals with each in a appropriate, sensitive way that anyone can relate to.
Written wonderfully, these characters come alive on the page and I just want to live on Chestnut Close and go wandering in the graveyard with these characters.
There is a lot of sunniness written into these books and when I’ve read them to classes they have been hooked as story unfolds and builds to its climax.
Dealing with hard-hitting issues such as mental health, bullying, abandonment and the splitting up of parents, this book deals with each in a appropriate, sensitive way that anyone can relate to.
August 28, 2021
I read this for work - looking for new books to read with students. I thought this was a good read for year 8 students, maybe high ability year 7 students. It's by the same author as Goldfish Boy which I use in lessons with low ability year 8 and 9. I will start to use this book also for comprehension, inference and to solve the riddles.
The characters are interesting and it tackles (albeit lightly) issues including mental health, homelessness, family break up. Worth the read with young people.
The characters are interesting and it tackles (albeit lightly) issues including mental health, homelessness, family break up. Worth the read with young people.
April 28, 2022
It’s a slow pace read for me. Not as much as how I expected it would be however for those who love detailing of solving a mystery this one is for you. This book would not let you sit unthinkable, it will make you feel less alone and brings you to adventurous moments. It also shows and taught about how strong a friendship could be with the right and loyal people. Therefore, I get bored with this earlier and this is not like how The Light Jar given me the uplifting vibe. Overall it only 2.5/3 stars.
July 16, 2023
I kinda forgot to write a review until like months after I read it, but I do remember quite a bit of how I felt about it. I preferred this book over goldfish boy, since this book felt a little more exciting and fun. One of the main problems in goldfish boy was also present in this one which is that it was stretched out a lot. The ending made it all worth it and had me on the edge of my seat but they could of toyed with that during the middle. The middle was incredibly boring at some parts. Still reccomend though
December 15, 2021
Lisa Thompson returns to the characters from Goldfish boy, which I loved. I did not enjoy The graveyard riddle as much, but I still found the plot of Melody discovering a boy in an old house near the graveyard, and the mystery of who he was and why he was there, very readable. Lisa Thompson manages to cover topics such as bullying, mental health, divorce, with a matter of fact, but sensitive style, that is perfect for middle school readers.
January 7, 2022
I enjoyed this story even more than Goldfish Boy, which focused on Matthew and his (undiagnosed) OCD. This book was told from his friend and neighbor Melody's perspective, and involved a boy she finds living in a former "plague house" adjacent to the graveyard near her neighborhood. Issues involving bullying, parents' deceptions and consequent trust, and friendship abound in this mystery within a mystery.
January 20, 2022
This is another excellent book by Lisa Thompson. Her characters are very believable.
Melody loves hanging out in the graveyard, but finds a boy hiding there. He convinces her that he is a spy, but her friends, Matthew & Jake, don't believe this.
This is a mystery book but also has a lot about relationships and why people behave as they do.
I enjoyed this book which is suitable for anyone to read.
Melody loves hanging out in the graveyard, but finds a boy hiding there. He convinces her that he is a spy, but her friends, Matthew & Jake, don't believe this.
This is a mystery book but also has a lot about relationships and why people behave as they do.
I enjoyed this book which is suitable for anyone to read.
April 15, 2024
I like the riddles: Use me wisely and I’m somebody turn me round and I am nobody, When you need me you throw me away when you’re finished with me you take me in, I have no feather flesh or bone yet I have a thumb and fingers of my own, Bright like diamonds hard like rock I’m crushed or cubed or solid block, The man who made it did not want it the man who bought it did not use it the man who used it did not know it.
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