The Feather Chase

Crime-Solving Cousins Mysteries #1

by Shannon L. Brown

They start chasing a mystery—then it chases them.

Twelve-year-old cousins Sophie and Jessica don’t have much in common. Sophie loves hiking and her small town. Jessica would rather be shopping in a city. The only mystery is how they’ll be able to spend the summer together.

Then they find a briefcase in the forest with a surprise inside. When they hear footsteps behind them and bad guys run after them, they have no choice but to work together to solve the mystery of The Feather Chase.

Genres: Mystery, Middle Grade, Childrens, Young Adult, Family, Ebooks, Kids

205 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 6, 2014

About the author

Writing books that are fun and touch your heart

Even though Shannon L. Brown always loved to read, she didn't plan to be a writer. She earned two degrees from the University of Alaska, one in journalism/public communications, but didn't become a journalist.

Years passed. Shannon felt pulled into a writing life, testing her wings with a novel and moving on to articles. Shannon is now an award-winning journalist who has sold hundreds articles to local, national, and regional publications.

"The Feather Chase" was her first published book and begins the Crime-Solving Cousins Mystery series. The eight-to-twelve-year-olds in your life will enjoy this contemporary twist on a Nancy Drew-type mystery. Shannon was born and raised in Alaska so she had fun writing "Falling for Alaska," the first book in the Alaska Dream Romance series.

Shannon lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with her professor husband and adorable calico cat.


To learn more and sign-up to receive Shannon's newsletter, visit www.shannonlbrown.com

Reviews

[Lis - The Indigo Quill · Rating 5 out of 5]

See full review @ The Indigo Quill

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Do you remember the Mary Kate and Ashley Mystery series? I used to love those books, and I even had the movies that went along with them. Jessica and Sophie in The Feather Chase are the new dynamic duo for solving crimes! And I mean it when I say dynamic! Jessica is a city girl, laced with adornments, frills, and trimmings who doesn't like to get dirty. Sophie loves the great outdoors and can smell an adventure a mile away, whether it actually exists or not.

I really enjoyed this book! It was so much fun to read and I enjoyed solving the mystery right along with the protagonists! Brown does a beautiful job of adding many different elements to her story to keep the reader interested and add a tiny bit of depth.

I loved the scene where Sophie finds out that Jessica is not a morning person, and the have some tension before it's resolved. I totally remember things like that happening with my friends or cousin, silly little misunderstandings we had. It made the book more relatable and even provided a lesson to learn.

The storyline itself was entertaining and didn't at all seem drawn out or wordy. It moved at the perfect pace, especially for a young reader.

The only thing I would note is that sometimes the approach for describing what things looked like seemed a little off. Like when Jessica was describing the layers of milkshake, it almost seemed out of character and I felt slightly jolted out of the story when things like that happened. I think there could probably be a better way to propose that. It wasn't awful, but that's my constructive criticism for this book! :)

Also, I'd like to mention the COVER. I absolutely love it! It just makes me happy. It's interesting and fun, and it makes you want to read it! If you ever get the chance, visit the illustrator's website because she does a lot of great work that needs to be seen.

At the end of the book you can also engage in an interactive puzzle! If you don't want to write in the book, however, the author also provides the puzzle and other activities on her website.

I seriously loved this book! I'm a sucker for children's and middle-grade books so this was right up my alley. It's perfect for elementary-age kids. Speaking of which, if you go to the author's website you will see that she does school visits. If you have the chance, you should hop on this opportunity.

A fun book for middle-grade or lower, unless you're an adult who loves children's books, then you'll enjoy jumping into the adventure, too!

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as a First Reads Goodreads contest winner.

Even though this book is intended for 8 to 12 year old girls, I really enjoyed it. I read all material before I give it my children. My daughter loves mysteries and this is perfect. Not too scary, but enough suspense to keep her interested. And I'm glad the young characters ask adults for help when they need it.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twelve year old cousins, Sophie and Jessica, spend the summer together and end up finding a briefcase full of feathers left behind in the woods. Fun and adventure ensue as they try to solve the mystery together. Beginning of a series.

[Revellee · Rating 4 out of 5]

My daughter rates this 4 stars. I would personally give it 3, but I suppose I am not the intended audience of this book. The actual mystery was kinda boring to me. The main characters were pretty flat characters but at least they were likeable and responsible. Not a bad book for a 9 year old; the action wasn't scary and the girls involved the parents at appropriate times.

[Brody Winchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book because it has a build up to the climax that was very visual. I don't understand what's happening unless it has a detailed description that i can visialize.

[Penny Mcguire · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Feather Chase captivates you from the first few pages. The two twelve year old cousins are as different as night and day but the mystery they are attempting to solve brings them together. It allows them to see that no matter how different a person may seem, there is always something you have in common. The Feather Chase makes you feel you are right there attempting to solve the mystery with the girls. This book brought back many memories of reading Nancy Drew mysteries when I was a girl. I would highly recommend this for any young girls ages eight up to eighty! I can't wait to read more in the crime-solving cousins mystery series!

I was given a free copy of the book for an honest review.

[Shari Howe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun Read for Young Girls

This is such a fun book for young girls, although I enjoyed it as an adult. Twelve year old cousins Jessica and Sophie, the main characters, are as different as night and day but as they combine their strengths they are able to work together to solve this mystery. It was fun to get to know these characters and to laugh at some of their silly antics! This book reminds me of the Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen Mystery series and videos. There were good lessons on respecting one’s parents and their authority interlaced in this story.

I was given a copy of this book for my honest review. I enjoyed it very much and think many young readers will enjoy it as well, and will be anxious to read the next book in the Crime - Solving Cousins Mystery series.

[Chana Ireland · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a gift for my next door neighbor's daughter. She came over to my house last night and said she was loving the book. Her eyes shined and she had a big smile on her face. I asked her what was her favorite part of the book and she said all of it!

It takes more to write a children's book in my opinion than to write one for adults. It is obvious to me this author has nailed the children's market. Thanks for making my neighbor's daughter so happy!

Would have given 5 stars had I been the one to read it but since it was a child I will stick with 4 :D

I had originally won this book as a goodreads contest winner

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm always looking for good books for my children to read. This one is just right for my pre-teen girls. The two main characters are cousins who don't know each other well, and are forced to spend the summer together. They must work through their differences in order to work together to solve a mystery. They learned to appreciate each other's differences and see them as strengths. They were solving a real mystery with real bad guys, but there was never anything inappropriate or too scary in this book.

[Ann Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

My granddaughters book club choose to read it. I read it to them as we wanted to finish it before we got to meet the Author, Shannon L. Brown. They loved it so much and was so caught up in the story that they wouldn't let me stop. They are excited that another mysyery will be out soon. They think Mrs. Brown is the greatest. She really helped to instill the love of reading in them that is so important. Thank you...it was easy for the girls to jump into the story

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book for a younger reader. My 8 year old loved reading this book. Every night she would say "just one more chapter please". We received this book for free by entering a giveaway on goodreads.

[Jana · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good mystery my students will enjoy.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the book, my favorite character was Jessica.I loved the adventure in the book it was good.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was really good, with the exception of them calling each other cousin,seriously why do they do that in books, I have not one complaint. It was a fun mystery with lots of moving parts, and the girls always stayed one step ahead.

Jessica and Sophia are spending the summer together even though they are cousins they barely know each other. When they are trying to figure out what to do, they come upon a briefcase full of feathers. Thus starting the mystery.

I love that as they find more pieces to the puzzle, they become stronger friends. I got so excited every time they found another clue. Was I figuring it out before them? No not really. I did wonder if some of the good guys were bad, so no even if I guessed one thing before them, I don't get a medal.

This book reminds me of all the books that I loved reading when I was around 13. Friendship, crushes, relationships with parents ( these girls have great parents), plus a fun mystery. I would have carried this book around.

I really love the mystery tv show reference at the end. Perfect.

[Pete Springer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set in a small town, The Feather Chase is the story of two much different twelve-year-old cousins spending the summer together who involve themselves in a mystery. Sophie is a small-town girl, prefering the outdoors and solving mysteries. Jessica, a big city girl, is more concerned about choosing clothes, applying makeup, and flirting with boys. Despite their differences, the girls work on a mystery together after they find a suitcase in the forest. One of the best messages that author Shannon L. Brown demonstrates is that people of different backgrounds and interests can get along and find common ground.

I've read comments from others who compare this book to Nancy Drew or The Hardy Boys, but I favor those series over this one. The plot was a bit slow for my tastes, but maybe younger children (4th grade?) might be okay with it. The parts I found most implausible had to do with how two twelve year olds seemed to be more astute than FBI agents and the local sheriff.

[Rubi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun middle grade mystery!

So this is like....a cozy mystery for kids. Cute boys included haha
Jessica and Sophie are cousins that don't exactly like each other but soon appreciate each others good side as they team up to solve a mystery.
It's a small town and the girls are bored this summer, especially since they have different ideas of fun. But since they find a briefcase full of....feathers, they start to realize that maybe they're in danger!
FBI agents going missing, secret tunnels under their town, falling through floors, break ins and store take overs......the kids' summer certainly gets more thrilling lol
I didn't see some things coming and that made it all the more fun. Looking forward to the next book 😁

[Julia Respecki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this for a book report, expecting it to be any old book. I was wrong. This book, the Feather Chase, immerses you into a new universe. Two girls go on a mission to solve a mystery. These girls have their differences, but come together for a common cause. It's one of the best books I've read. The book will make you think hard, trying to guess what happens next. That's the funnest part. I would definitely recommend it.

[Asheley Yogerst · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is actually really good at first I thought this was for a younger crowd but towards the middle I realized it didn't matter. I also thought I had figured it out but it gives you a twist I didn't see coming.
I recommend reading this book to everyone, It is a nice read if you what something light hearted

[Crystal M · Rating 2 out of 5]

Spite fueled me to finish this. Overall it felt unrealistic and amateur. The kid characters felt flat and the adults felt gullible and like they had nothing else going on but to be in the girls’ story.

I wanted to take a shot every time the protagonists called each other “cousin”.

Also, why was the fbi involved??

Whyyy stuff a love interest in when he barely contributes to the plot??

Ugh!

[Carol L. Caldwell · Rating 2 out of 5]

Circumstantial

Sophie and her cousin Jessica stumble into odd happenings during summer break. But it's hard to connect things together. It all seems circumstantial. Sophie presses to figure out what goes with what.

The author's story plot is simple and I could see ways to complicate it, making it a little more interesting. It isn't compelling.

[Kayleigh Pino]

I did not like this book. It was very hard to read because I would get bored. It's a good book for people who really like mysteries and books like that. The book is about 2 cousins that go on a wild adventure trying to figure out who dropped a brief case full of feathers and why.

[Cynthia Curtis]

Fun mystery

This is a good read for a late 5th grader or 6th grader. It is fast paced and full of action. The girls show a sophisticated look at a small town. Enjoy a whirlwind of ideas.

[Lorrie A Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a quick read. Very good story that kept you wanting to read just one more chapter. Rated for ages 8-12 but I totally enjoyed it!! One of my students suggested it to me and they were spot on!!

[Sophie Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this when I was in second grade, and it was my favorite book for a few years. I don't remember much, but I recommend this to a third grader who loves mysteries. This book is one of the first chapter books that got me into reading, so it will hold a special place in my heart.

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

A crime solving cousin mystery. Two cousins Sophie and Jessica have all sorts of adventures on their summer break. My 10 year old and I read this together. She says it should be 5 stars. She is already set to start book number two in the series.

[Ginger C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book was so so so amazing
my favorite character was Sophie.
everything surprised me
I would never change it

[Sharon Buxton · Rating 2 out of 5]

C+. fiction, children's fiction, grade 5, mystery, series, (Crime-Solving Cousins, #1)

[Sadie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute short mystery

[Grace-Uttecht · Rating 4 out of 5]

can you read the book to me? without me paying for my mom and dad won't use their card for you to read a book to me they think it is dum is there a way for my parents not to pay?

[Stacy Larson · Rating 3 out of 5]

My 9 year old daughter loved this book. I thought it was pretty unrealistic but it was fun for our family.