Stone and Spark

The Young Raleigh Harmon Mysteries #1

by Sibella Giorello

Her best friend is missing. And time is running out.

Raleigh Harmon finally conquers her worst fear—by trespassing—and wants to tell her best friend, a smart-mouthed physics genius girl named Drew Levinson. 

Only Drew’s gone. Really gone. 

Everybody says Drew ran away. But that only skyrockets Raleigh’s suspicions. Drew Levinson is the least impulsive person she knows.

Armed with an encyclopedic knowledge of city criminal codes, her rock hammer, and a stubborn streak wide as the Chesapeake Bay, Raleigh scours her hometown for clues. But not even the cops are on her side. 


Was Drew meeting somebody in secret?
Escaping her loony parents? 
Or is Raleigh’s hunch dead-on: her best friend didn’t choose to leave . . . .

"Stone and Spark" is the first book in the long-running Raleigh Harmon mystery series. It introduces the girl who will become a forensic geologist and FBI agent—provided she survives her high school years.

Genres: Mystery, Young Adult, Fiction, Contemporary, Christian, Mystery Thriller, Suspense

297 pages, ebook

First published April 5, 2014

About the author

Sibella Giorello writes the award-winning and bestselling mystery series starring forensic geologist Raleigh Harmon. The first book in the series, "The Stones Cry Out," won a Christy Award for excellence. Since then, many more Raleigh Harmon mysteries have followed, including a bestselling YA series in which the 15-year-old budding geologist uses mineralogy to solve crimes in her hometown of Richmond, Virginia. A former newspaper reporter, Sibella's journalism was twice nominated for the Pulitzer Prize. Find out more by visiting her website, www.sibellawrites.com.

Reviews

[C.J. Darlington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished this book for the second time, and it was just as enjoyable. I stand by everything I said in my first review.

LOVED! Sibella hits the mark once again with this prequel to her awesome Raleigh Harmon series. In Stone and Spark, Raleigh is fifteen and just starting to get into geology. It was so neat to follow her at this age and nod my head at some of the familiar people and landmarks I know will play an important role in the "adult" books. It feels like Sibella was truly free in her writing of S&P, like she got the chance to truly write the story of her heart as it shows on the page. The depth, grit, and suspense we've come to love from her pen is here in spades. I looked forward to every moment I spent reading this one, and was sorely disappointed when it ended. More please!

[Kandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could award this book more than five stars, I would. It kept me glued to the pages all day. I was not surprised, though, since I am truly a fan of this gifted author and her intrepid heroine, Raleigh Harmon. It was a unique treat to be able to join fifteen-year-old Raleigh on one of her first big mysteries, even while five of her grown-up sagas reside on my bookshelf. She is such a real person to me...the writing is that good!
Where do I begin, in reviewing the book? I need to tell you that I had to go back and reread the last three chapters to make sure I got the sequence of events. The first time I read it, the angst was so gripping and the fear was so real...the suspense was really killing me! I was reading way too fast, just to make sure that Raleigh was going to be okay!
The whole book unfolds in typical Sibella Giorello style, though. There are all the subplots of Raleigh's relationship with her dad, Raleigh's relationship with her mother, and then the new relationship she is just beginning with the interesting DeMott Feilding. The only one that was new to me was the biggest one of this book, probably...her friendship with Drew, who has a whole passel of problems of her own.
Conflict plays a huge part in these books, and I think that's what makes them interesting and haunting. Raleigh lives with a lot of sadness and a lot of knowledge beyond her years. Even as a teen, she is already telling us there is no such thing as luck. She is already speaking with the voice she will use in the five great books yet to come.
It might not be everyone's cup of tea, but I loved this book so much. It satisfied that craving of waiting so long for another Raleigh Harmon book to be produced. I really look forward to more in the future. Now that I have met the young Raleigh, I think I will revisit my bookshelf and enjoy those grown-up mysteries, one at a time.
Thank you, Sibella, for giving us yet another fine story to enjoy. It was totally worth the wait!

[Joleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Richmond Virginia
Date unknown, but I’m guessing 90s, maybe?

I had just finished my first book by Sibella Giorello, and I raved about it in my review. Thinking to read another of her books I bought this one. The same character as in the other series, only she’s much younger, still a kid.

The target audience for this book is probably 10-15 about a young teen looking for her best friend who is missing. She goes here and there, here and there, here and there. You get the picture.

The most frustrating part is no adult seems to care, not even her parents. It was ridiculously frustrating.

A day later…

As I look over my words, I feel pretty bad. This is one of my new favorite authors so I’m having a hard time with this review… except that it’s true, for me. Too young for my tastes, but I think a teenager might really like it.

Ms. Giorello's FBI books, with Raleigh as an adult FBI agent, are very well written and so good. This book is also well written.

Background on the main character, Raleigh Harmon. She was adopted at five years old so the father she has now is pretty much the only father she’s ever known. He’s a judge in the Richmond, Virginia area, very wise, dedicated Christian. Her mother on the other hand, how can I say this, has a bit of a mental issue. I couldn’t tell you the clinical term, but she’s not quite normal. The word eccentric comes to mind, but I believe it’s more than that. Happily, Raleigh’s father loves her mother deeply, is extremely patient with her and with his daughters.

Raleigh is an incredibly bright teenager, loves geology and mineralogy, and excels at anything in school but math. (Her best friend, Drew, tutors her in math.) At the beginning of the book Raleigh has a standing Thursday dinner meeting with Drew. Drew is punctual to the nth degree. So excited to get to the burger shop before Drew to tell her about a rock she found in a cave, she waits. And waits.. Her best friend never showed. And for 24 hours she looked for her, including illegally entering the school during a dance.

No one seem to care about Drew being missing. Okay that’s as much as I’m going to say. Again well written.

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[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could. Not. Put. This. Down! Raleigh's frustration and anger with her professor Teddy's seemingly-reluctant help with the search parallels her ambivalent relationship with God. The "red herrings" are plentiful - I was completely surprised with the ending. Excellent thought-provoking mystery!

[Jesus Beach Girl Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great prequel to the Raleigh Harmon series. It gives background to Raleigh that helps understand her more. All Raleigh Harmon fans need to read this one.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stone and Spark is a six star book!

[Olivia]

I pushed myself to finish this book mainly because I couldn't stand not knowing how it would end. On a general rating I might give this three stars because it held my attention and there were some great moments throughout, but because of content and lack of Spiritual content, I was pretty disappointed by this book.

What I didn't like:
-There were at least a half a dozen profanities of God's name. Guys, that's not okay at. all.
-Several uses of one swear word, as well as a couple other euphemisms that just aren't nice. Not okay.
-There were a couple moments of prayer and one scene at church (that was actually really good), but at the same time it felt so lacking. I don't know, it felt like Raleigh should have learned a lot more things from the whole experience. It would have been a big boost for the story.
-Raleigh does a lot of lying and going behind her parents. Once again, not very encouraging for teenagers who want to do what's right. Even at the end she didn't seem extremely bothered that she lied (especially because her wrong actions end so well!)
-There are a couple other reasons why I would be hesitant to hand this book to someone. There are a couple conversations about a rape (pretty non-detailed), and a couple scenes of worldly lifestyles that once again made it seem like a general fiction book.

I did like Raleigh pretty well, and DeMott was a nice fellow, except it was strange he would consider spending so much time with a brat from school when he seemed so clean-cut.

All in all I wouldn't recommend this book, but I do like the authors style of writing. I doubt I'll be reading more by her in the future or not.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy these Harmon mysteries. This is my second, but this one differs from the first in that this is about when Raleigh is just a teen. Even so I found myself pulled into the story and it was just as hard to put down as the first one I read (The Stones Cry Out). The writing is so insightful. For example when Raleigh has a conversation with a fellow classmate, Tinsley, whom she distrusts for good reason, she describes her this way. "I notice her skin...not a blemish. I decide evil had to look this good or else we would immediately recognize it." It reminded me of something I read in Proverbs that very day.

Raleigh has a thing for geology and uses that to put the pieces together to solve the mystery of her missing bestfriend. You would, of course, expect there to be some talk about rocks and soils. One of the clues is about an unpronounceable kind of rock called, "Petersburg Batholith". This is how it is defined. "' Typically a homogenous pluton but subdivides into four distinct units. Granite gneiss, foliated granite, megacrystic granite, porphorytic grand and suidiomorphic granite.'" Our young detective, Raleigh then says, "Geology definitions-like all the adjectives are beating up the nouns." A clever way to describe such a glunk of words.

The author has a lot of perceptive and witty phrases throughout the book. She is able to balance serious matters while throwing in funny stuff without diminishing the integrity of the story or making it flippant. It all works together.

Another two thumbs up for this author

[Susan Barton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raleigh Harmon is a fifteen-year-old high schooler who doesn’t have friends – except for her best friend, Drew Levinson. The two girls bonded a few years back because they share the same brainy intelligence and similar family issues. When Drew goes missing, Raleigh has a difficult time getting anyone to consider that Drew has been abducted – including Drew’s dysfunctional parents. Will Raleigh be able to solve Drew’s disappearance before it’s too late?

I enjoyed this book on many levels. I love books that place girls in strong, intelligent roles and this one definitely does this. Although there were slight romantic undertones, they never took over the bulk of the book. The characters are genuine and realistic. The author’s writing is witty, intelligent and engaging. All of these things combined make a compelling and highly appealing YA book.

The one thing I would say is that the book seemed to drag a little bit here and there – particularly early on in the story. However, when things did get going, they moved along nicely. There’s plenty of mystery and suspense to keep readers interested until the end.

Overall, I’d say Stone and Spark is a wonderful book for teens and adults. It’s a great way to get a feel for the author’s writing and the rest of the books in this series. Recommended!

5 of 5 Stars, Susan Barton, http://ebookreviewgal.com

[Deena Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read nearly all of Sibella Giorello's books in her Raleigh Harmon mystery series. The stories are intense and packed with descriptive geological information.

Not long ago, I discovered Giorello had written three prequel novels to the series, with Raleigh as a teenaged amateur detective. So I ordered "Stone and Spark" and settled in for what I thought would be a quick and enjoyable story.

When you pick up a book that's geared toward a young adult audience, you have certain expectations. Especially if you are familiar with the high octane thrillers written for adults. Less intense action, a simpler plot, and a lighter tone.

Wow, was I wrong! Young Raleigh is just as passionate and intent on solving cases and seeking justice as grown up Raleigh. And when her best friend goes missing, Raleigh leaves no stone unturned. . .literally!

Sprinkled throughout "Stone and Spark" are elements typical of life as a teen: mean girls, crushes, poor judgment, and a dysfunctional home life.

But the case is just as intense, the geological forensics just as authentic, and the heroine detective just as determined to find answers.

Top notch writing, and good luck trying to figure it out before Raleigh does!

[Karina · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect beginning to Raleigh Harmon's story. Superbly delves into all the facets that define Raleigh, yet leaves you on pins an needles waiting to read more.

[TransparentFilter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow.

[Marion · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by this author, and I enjoyed the many layers to this mystery. I look forward to the rest of the series and moving onto the books of Raleigh as an adult.

[Jacqui · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stone and Spark tells the first part of Raleigh’s story and gives you an insight as to what she experienced as a youngster which influenced her career decisions later on. The prequel series is YA based, leading to a more adult series as she joins the FBI.

Raleigh’s best friend Drew is missing. Yes, she has run away once before but this is different. For one thing, her bike is still at the school, and the lock holding it in place has been looped incorrectly and not reset to zero. Anyone who knows Drew knows this is not right. Drew is smart; super-smart, and is a stickler for statistics and things in their right places. When Drew doesn’t pitch up for her lunch meeting with Raleigh at Titus’s burger place, Raleigh knows something is wrong. But the more she tries to convince the adults around her, the more they don’t believe her. Her dad has enough on his plate, being a judge by day and her mother’s keeper the rest of the time. Drew’s mom lives in a bottle and Drew’s dad doesn’t care. Raleigh decides to play detective and is helped by her Geology teacher to look for clues beyond the obvious. To find signs where there should be none. So with just a rock hammer, a decent knowledge of the law, and a can-do attitude, Raleigh is determined to find Drew. The odds are against her – but when has that ever stopped her?

Having downloaded this as a free book and never read any of the Raleigh Harmon series, I was pleasantly surprised. While not featured a lot in the book, I loved Drew’s smarty pants character and the fact that no matter what others thought of her, that she was true to herself. Raleigh was a very interesting character. The number of times she snuck out of the house or did something she was told not to do was astounding. It served her well later, but I’m sure her dad was pushed to the limit. Her mother’s mental health issues and the effects that her medication had on her must have been very scary for Raleigh. To be constantly accused of not being her daughter, to not knowing which side of her mom was out must really have taken a toll. I liked the way that baseball played an integral part in the story, and how it weaved the burger place (with its side story) to the quarry to the character of DeMott. I would like to have known a lot more about DeMott but I guess that is brought up in other stories. Bar the Geology teacher; the staff in her school were awful – so disrespectful and condescending. About halfway through you start to figure out where the story is going, only to find out you were completely wrong. I really liked the twists and turns.

A very well-written and easy to read book with interesting characters and an exciting story. The bonus was that I learnt a heck of a lot about geology too! Definitely recommended.

[Denise Zendel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fifteen-year-old Raleigh Harmon is brilliant, doesn’t suffer fools gladly, doesn’t fit in with the popular crowd (or at all) at school, has a certifiably unstable mother, a perfect older sister, a smart mouth, and a bff she’d take a bullet for. When her bff goes missing, no one believes the disappearance is for real – Drew had run away before, so everyone thinks she’s just done it again for attention. Small clues everyone else misses cause Raleigh to think not only is the disappearance real, but Drew is in some serious trouble. Armed with one rock hammer, an encyclopedic knowledge of city criminal codes (gained from hanging out in her father the judge’s courtroom), and a stubborn streak, Raleigh searches for clues, and stumbles into what will be her life’s work.

This story is written in first person present tense, and that annoyed me enough to give serious consideration to hitting the delete key. But I was on an elliptical at the time and didn’t want to slow down to pick another book, so I stuck with it. And I’m glad I did.

Raleigh is a compelling character. Her situation rings true – the feeling awkward and insecure, frustrated by most of the adults in her life minimizing her, having obsessive interests, marking time at home until she can get the hell away from her mentally unstable mother who thinks Raleigh isn’t her “real” daughter. I like that Raleigh’s father is an island of safety for her, and doesn’t treat her like a child. I also enjoyed the relationship between Raleigh and Drew (they are drawn together because of their intelligence and the common ground of having a damaged family unit), and how Raleigh uses science to solve the mystery. The author perfectly captures the hell that is high school and adolescent awkwardness. And that ending – wow, didn’t see that coming.

Stone and Spark is the prequel to a series featuring Raleigh as an FBI agent with a specialty in forensic geology. I haven’t read any of that yet, but I likely will. I’m curious to see what becomes of Raleigh as an adult. (I did check and it seems to be written in first person past tense, which I find more enjoyable.) Despite my irritation with the writing style of this book, I liked the plot and characters enough to order book 2 in the series when I was done. If you like gritty, realistic mysteries with relatable protagonists, give this a try.

[Kelly Gesker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was recommended to me by another bookclub member when I told her that I had to get away from sad historical books. Holy cow! Did I need this book! And even better, there are 9+ more books in this series! I like series but this one---I cannot wait to read the rest of them this year.
Pros: This book is really well written. Sometimes books written for a younger audience are not well done. This one is sharp, descriptive and flows well. No over-explaining or mindless details.
Cons: I saw it mentioned in other reviews that it was astonishing that no adults believed Raleigh. Having come from a small town, I can attest to having teachers who were actively rooting against students that made them feel dumb. The difficulty both girls had to deal with were also spot on: a mother with severe mental illness and drug and alcohol abuse. The doubts Raleigh had about the trustworthiness of various adults also track. My one main concern was that the police spoke to a minor without her parents' knowledge. Raleigh was also in danger and physically assaulted without the police notifying her parents.

[Antigone Walsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

what a terrific read! Teenaged Raleigh knows something is wrong when her best friend, scientific genius, Drew disappears. despite the adult inertia, Raleigh is resourceful utilizing her knowledge and passion of geology and her faith in Drew. to propel her own investigation. In the meantime, she is coping with serious dysfunction at home, the attentions of a wealthy, handsome but nice boy, a cadre of mean girls and obtuse school administrators.

This book was both engaging and compulsive. I am quite partial to the city of Richmond (VA) and thought that it and Southern life was nicely conveyed. Anyone who was or is the smart kid at school will relate to both Drew and Raleigh. The strain of mental health issues was handled sensitively. Good writing and a worthwhile and enjoyable read.

[Karla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fabulous story. Raleigh is one fine main character, and after having read all the adult stories of her adventures, reading about how she started onto that path as a teen is great fun. For all of that I give it 5 stars.

4 stars because in my mom and grandma heart, this is not for young adults, unless we are talking 18 and up. I am a believer in rated G for kids (and not much more for me), so the circumstances in these titles (I've read 3/4 so far.) is beyond PG13. Raleigh does not have an easy life. She gets into, and learns of, scary/sad situations. I'd consider these adult books with a teen main character.

[Linda Kay Orpet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adult readers!

I love the words used. Descriptions like a pumpkin pie and lemon meringue pie to describe two girls in prom dresses. So many plot elements successfully wound together: teacher/ student; parent/ child; mental illness/ family life; emotions/ logic; evidence/assumptions. The use of forensic geology brought back memories of a college Earth Science course. Thoroughly enjoyable book. Will find the next book .

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read

This was an unexpected, exciting read. Very complex characters with a surprising plot full of twists and turns that keep the reader glued to the pages. I was sucked into the story from the first page to the last. I am excited to read more of this series and recommend it to anyone who loves mystery, intrigue and complex family issues handled with care and understanding.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Better than the adult Raleigh?

Okay, I won’t say better because I’ve only read the first of that series. But this was really great. I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys mysteries. I think it would be great for older teenaged girls. I say older because there is definitely sadness and tragedy.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not really my genre

But this is a solid well written mystery that is a rewarding read. Nicely carved characters lead the reader through the chaos of her mother's mental illness, via the battle young Raleigh has to be taken seriously, right on to the heart shattering conclusion - and it's equally shocking sequela - that changes the lives of both her and her best friend, Drew.

[Fermentum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite interesting for a young adult book. I learned alot about geology, baseball dirt and dirt in general. Deduction and process.

But there is NO WAY in Hell my parents you'd let me galavant all over the place at all hours of the day like this.

[Beth Kaminske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raleigh

I really like this mystery series and her prequels are just as good. I never seem to know who the culprit is until Raleigh figures it out. I enjoy Raleigh's character and the sub storyline that runs through this series.

[maudann robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very engaging. Kept me reading to see what happens next. I would recommend it to my friends .

I can't believe that this is a first book. It seems so polished.
I give this book a 4 star rating.

[Pat Whitworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful. book about friends who are truly bonded by their love of scientific truths. Wonderfully written!!

Each person needs a close friend to share plans and dreams with,
hopefully all you readers can relate to the close bond Raleigh and Drew share

[Ellen White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Raw Leigh best friend Drew is missing, really missing she tells them. Raleigh is the one that notices the little things, bike lock. She may be fifteen but wise beyond her years. A geologist teacher opens another world for her.
Interesting of what she becomes as an adult.

[Ranee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Sibella's books! Bravery, mystery, smarts, kindness, life.

[Janis A Hewes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

An interesting story that keeps your attention. A mystery that keeps you guessing. I would recommend this book to others.