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Friday Barnes #6
Danger Ahead
School camp . . . what could possibly go wrong?
Friday Barnes is forced to face her biggest fear - her own emotions! She must wave goodbye to Ian as he takes off to join his father in the Cayman Islands. But when your dad is a white-collar criminal, family reunions never go to plan. Ian is kidnapped en route and it's up to Friday to rescue him.
On her return to school, the Headmaster has a treat in store - a four-week camp for students to learn wilderness survival skills! 'Camp Courage' is even worse than Friday imagined. And all her book smarts aren't much help when she's got wood to chop, potatoes to peel and latrines to dig.
Can Friday survive the great outdoors, debunk the legend of a camp ghost and make it back to Highcrest Academy alive? Only time (and a compass) will tell!
Friday Barnes is forced to face her biggest fear - her own emotions! She must wave goodbye to Ian as he takes off to join his father in the Cayman Islands. But when your dad is a white-collar criminal, family reunions never go to plan. Ian is kidnapped en route and it's up to Friday to rescue him.
On her return to school, the Headmaster has a treat in store - a four-week camp for students to learn wilderness survival skills! 'Camp Courage' is even worse than Friday imagined. And all her book smarts aren't much help when she's got wood to chop, potatoes to peel and latrines to dig.
Can Friday survive the great outdoors, debunk the legend of a camp ghost and make it back to Highcrest Academy alive? Only time (and a compass) will tell!
183 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 3, 2017
37 people are currently reading
358 people want to read
About the author
R.A. Spratt
47 books366 followersR.A. Spratt is an award-winning author and television writer. She lives in Bowral, Australia with her husband and two daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
April 1, 2021
We're at six in the series. You might want to read a few before this one, and definitely the first. But it's probably not that important if you skip a bit.
This one felt mostly phoned-in. The majority of the story takes place at Camp Courage, removing us from the familiar surroundings, but giving Friday a chance to show her mettle in a wilderness setting (she does a'ight). Unfortunately, the mysteries are half-hearted and the overarching plot was kind of obvious (okay, the unimportant detail was a surprise, but that doesn't count).
And I'm kind of sad that the sadistic Geraldine turned out to be rather cluelessly pathetic rather than an actual villain. Is that weird?
Anyway, Three stars but with the note that all the stuff those in the reading age group will latch onto are as strong. Friday is still solving mysteries with the help (and interference) of her friends and it's still clever and interesting.
This one felt mostly phoned-in. The majority of the story takes place at Camp Courage, removing us from the familiar surroundings, but giving Friday a chance to show her mettle in a wilderness setting (she does a'ight). Unfortunately, the mysteries are half-hearted and the overarching plot was kind of obvious (okay, the unimportant detail was a surprise, but that doesn't count).
And I'm kind of sad that the sadistic Geraldine turned out to be rather cluelessly pathetic rather than an actual villain. Is that weird?
Anyway, Three stars but with the note that all the stuff those in the reading age group will latch onto are as strong. Friday is still solving mysteries with the help (and interference) of her friends and it's still clever and interesting.
March 15, 2021
‘The greatest lesson I learn from school is how to interact with other people.’It’s almost time for Highcrest Academy’s Year 7 students to attend Camp Courage. This will require Friday to actually interact with people other than Melanie, her best friend. But first Friday will need to save Ian, who’s been kidnapped.
‘Really?’ said Melanie. ‘Because if that’s the case, you’re not doing too well at your studies.’
Once she’s at Camp Courage, Friday meets Geraldine, the ray of sunshine who runs the camp.
‘I like running a haunted camp. Fear of the undead is the only thing that keeps you brats in bed at night. I just wish the ghost would push more of you into the river!’Friday and her fellow Houseboat campers spend the next four weeks peeling potatoes, collecting water and other activities that Friday is pretty sure don’t constitute wilderness survival skills. She does manage to work on her sarcasm though.
If only her Headmaster hadn’t specifically asked her to not solve any crimes while she’s at camp.
‘But we all know it’s only a matter of time before you uncover something, or expose something, or entrap somebody, or just say something unnecessarily rude.’Of course, that was never going to happen, especially when there’s the case of the missing breakfast cereal and the case of the ghost of Ghost Mountain that need to be solved.
At least her recent burpee practice may prove helpful as she attempts further physical activity. And it wouldn’t be a Friday Barnes book if Friday didn’t get hit on the head (again!).
Blog - https://schizanthusnerd.com
February 14, 2017
This book was awesome! Its so funny and has such a good plot. R.A Spratt is an amazing author, she can also make such amazing books in such a small time! I would recommend this book to anyone wh loves mysteries and comedies.
December 16, 2017
I loved this book - over the dozens of times I have read it, I haven’t regretted it ONCE!! I thrilling, mysterious and amazing author. We owe it all to R.A. Spratt!!
September 11, 2021
no bc camp courage literally scared me so much and made me grateful for the camps our school gives us they look like PARADISE besides what friday had to experience. if i was friday i would literally cry and have a mental breakdown every day, i was anxious reading their camp oml. like your accommodation is based on how fast you can do 20 push-ups?? and how much food you get is based on how quickly you can swim to the other side of the river and back??
January 8, 2017
Author: R.A. Spratt
First Published: 2017
Length: 267 pages
Book 6 of the series and the books are starting to get tired. What started in Book 1 with a very full book, dense with literary references and mini-mysteries has devolved into a couple of general science explanations (with insufficient depth) and 4-5 mysteries.
And the problem is that, as the reader ages and matures, the books simplify.
After reading Book 6, Daughter is re-reading the series from Book 1 (it is school holidays after all). She is LOLing with the early books and more intrigued by them (despite knowing how the plot unfolds) than she was with the latest.
The book and concept was exciting but it is now tired and we are purchasing the series only because it’s a series.
The series needs a reboot.
3.5 stars rounded up. Because it’s still strong female characters who like science and reading and can do anything. Even Melanie. And Friday Barnes, off centre and out of the social loop, has friends who accept her for her and she accepts them.
Friday Barnes:
Book 1 Girl Detective
Book 2 Under Suspicion
Book 3 Big Trouble
Book 4 No Rules
Book 5 The Plot Thickens
Book 6 Danger Ahead
Book 7 Bitter Enemies (to be released mid-2017?)
Age:
Read aloud - 7+
Read yourself - 9+
References:
R.A.Spratt website: http://raspratt.com/tag/friday-barnes/
(ISBN 9780857980956)
-CR-
First Published: 2017
Length: 267 pages
Book 6 of the series and the books are starting to get tired. What started in Book 1 with a very full book, dense with literary references and mini-mysteries has devolved into a couple of general science explanations (with insufficient depth) and 4-5 mysteries.
And the problem is that, as the reader ages and matures, the books simplify.
After reading Book 6, Daughter is re-reading the series from Book 1 (it is school holidays after all). She is LOLing with the early books and more intrigued by them (despite knowing how the plot unfolds) than she was with the latest.
The book and concept was exciting but it is now tired and we are purchasing the series only because it’s a series.
The series needs a reboot.
3.5 stars rounded up. Because it’s still strong female characters who like science and reading and can do anything. Even Melanie. And Friday Barnes, off centre and out of the social loop, has friends who accept her for her and she accepts them.
Friday Barnes:
Book 1 Girl Detective
Book 2 Under Suspicion
Book 3 Big Trouble
Book 4 No Rules
Book 5 The Plot Thickens
Book 6 Danger Ahead
Book 7 Bitter Enemies (to be released mid-2017?)
Age:
Read aloud - 7+
Read yourself - 9+
References:
R.A.Spratt website: http://raspratt.com/tag/friday-barnes/
(ISBN 9780857980956)
-CR-
February 7, 2017
I thought this book was spectacular! It had me on the edge of my seat the entire time! I don't understand how R. A. Spratt writes these amazing plots and how she can produce such interesting stories and fantastic, realistic characters (excluding Friday because she is Einstein Junior!) I always enjoy R. A. Spratts stories as they are so fun and exciting, but i always dread the ending because it always ends with a cliffhanger and you can just imagine the pain of having to wait for the next book to be released; Its torture!!! But, as I've said over and over again, this book was spectacular and fantabulous and i highly, highly recommend you read the series!!
April 20, 2021
This installment of the Friday Barnes series has great character development and hilarious dialogue, but the core plot fell flat for me. The characters were no longer in their regular environment at school, and even though this could have been a great opportunity, the terrible, unfair, horribly run camp that they attended just stressed me out. The mini-mysteries throughout the book are less compelling than ones in previous ones, and the final twist isn't surprising, even though I wouldn't have predicted the specific details. Still, even though this doesn't hold up to my high expectations from the author, it has enough entertaining moments and clever character interactions that I enjoyed it.
March 29, 2020
The third last Friday Barnes book is an exciting adventure.
There's drama and comedy. What else do you need?
Lets go hiking, no literally lets go hiking we have a long way to go.
What do think about camp? Do you like it or not?
Well, someone does not like it. Actually to be exact, two people don't like it. Who do you think they are? I'll give you a hint, they are not fit for any exercise.
I have to say this book was fabulously superb.
It's a great book to read because it's extremely interesting.
There's drama and comedy. What else do you need?
Lets go hiking, no literally lets go hiking we have a long way to go.
What do think about camp? Do you like it or not?
Well, someone does not like it. Actually to be exact, two people don't like it. Who do you think they are? I'll give you a hint, they are not fit for any exercise.
I have to say this book was fabulously superb.
It's a great book to read because it's extremely interesting.
October 7, 2025
i remember my urge to solve a mystery with my enemy turned lover on a dramatically silly school camp with my best friend third wheeling lasted MONTHS after reading this in year 6. also ian wainscott is MY white boy of like my whole life.
February 18, 2021
Friday knows that she doesn't know; that is just one of the many things I enjoy about her. Going to a wilderness camp and learning survival skills? Maybe this isn't as bad as trying to learn the survival skills of coping with her fellow students for weeks on end in close quarters. Instead of learning how to get along with others, Friday starts to pile up enemies. Oh, Friday. Using your detective skills certainly is not winning you friends though it is influencing people...against you!
The camp is not what you would expect either. But then again, does anything ever go quite as expected for Friday Barnes. Thankfully, Melanie is there to help support and translate along the way as well as an unexpected group of bunkmates. I love how the characters all have their quirks and shenanigans; we even get to see some surprises in our main characters!
Action is quick and things keep moving throughout. As always, the book ends on a cliffhanger. By now, at least I know. I need to go back and read book five (vexation), and then read book seven. Though part of me wants to go ahead to see what will happen next.
The camp is not what you would expect either. But then again, does anything ever go quite as expected for Friday Barnes. Thankfully, Melanie is there to help support and translate along the way as well as an unexpected group of bunkmates. I love how the characters all have their quirks and shenanigans; we even get to see some surprises in our main characters!
Action is quick and things keep moving throughout. As always, the book ends on a cliffhanger. By now, at least I know. I need to go back and read book five (vexation), and then read book seven. Though part of me wants to go ahead to see what will happen next.
February 7, 2019
More like 3.5 - 4 stars. But this one was definitely my least favourite so far. I don’t know why exactly. Perhaps because it was set at a horrible camp where they spent most of their time outdoors, digging latrines, peeling potato, chopping wood. Not appealing. It tired me out tbh.
But - even with that, it was still wonderful and hilarious. The characters are perfect and their relationships are getting deeper and more developed, and it’s just adorable. Friday is so cute. I wish I were as smart as her. I’m really looking forward to the next one. I’m sad that it’s coming to an end though!
Highly recommend this series. Super clever, filled with great characters and interesting mysteries that I almost always can’t figure out. Ace.
But - even with that, it was still wonderful and hilarious. The characters are perfect and their relationships are getting deeper and more developed, and it’s just adorable. Friday is so cute. I wish I were as smart as her. I’m really looking forward to the next one. I’m sad that it’s coming to an end though!
Highly recommend this series. Super clever, filled with great characters and interesting mysteries that I almost always can’t figure out. Ace.
September 22, 2021
This book is very very very very intense.
I just finnished reading today. I think 4 stars would be good because I also think I have overrated it maybe it’s just because I am the reader. I enjoyed the book, apart from the super intens bits. I thought they were reeeeeaaaallllllyyyyy intense and scary. Not really scary but it’s scary when I wonder what will happen next. I even ended up taking a short break before continuing reading just because it was sooo intense, apart from that though it’s a really good book. 5 stars. I think itis very well written too.
I recommend the book for chilldren from the ages 4-20 (maybe exaggerated but I really like it)
As I am a child, do not take my review too much.
I just finnished reading today. I think 4 stars would be good because I also think I have overrated it maybe it’s just because I am the reader. I enjoyed the book, apart from the super intens bits. I thought they were reeeeeaaaallllllyyyyy intense and scary. Not really scary but it’s scary when I wonder what will happen next. I even ended up taking a short break before continuing reading just because it was sooo intense, apart from that though it’s a really good book. 5 stars. I think itis very well written too.
I recommend the book for chilldren from the ages 4-20 (maybe exaggerated but I really like it)
As I am a child, do not take my review too much.
November 8, 2019
What a fantastic series!! Best kids books that I’ve read in a long time. However, this one was a letdown. It was not set at school, and the camp was completely nonsensical. As an American who read the Americanized versions of the first four, I noticed the Australian heritage first in this book. Australian idioms, words (skive), spelling (realise), and the metric system were all fun changes. Because all the books leading up to this one were so great, I’m going to keep going.
August 3, 2025
Love this book series! I read them over the summer holidays years ago, since my sister owned the first 8 books, and ever since I've read them over and over again. I fell in love with Friday's personality and nerdy comments, let alone how sisterly and funny Melanie seems, and don't get me started on Ian. It's written well with small details that tie together the whole mystery, making it seem well thought out. Defiantly my favorite book series!
June 25, 2022
This series never disappoints. Readers will appreciate the humor of Fridan and the rest of her schoolmates enduring a month at camp. And, not just any camp, survival camp. Friday is her usual self and readers see more sides to Melanie come out in this volume.
Interesting cliffhanger ending. Looking forward to book seven.
Interesting cliffhanger ending. Looking forward to book seven.
March 24, 2021
So easy and fun to read!
It’s not a sad or romantic book it’s a humorous book. It makes me laugh when Friday solves a mystery because she’s always so smart about it!
I great series I would recommend!
It’s not a sad or romantic book it’s a humorous book. It makes me laugh when Friday solves a mystery because she’s always so smart about it!
I great series I would recommend!
September 5, 2019
Loved her wackiness, Friday is being Friday and hilarity ensues.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 11, 2021
YESSSSSSSSSSSS X 50000
November 3, 2021
Amazing
I loved this book because it was funny and 21st century humour. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys short, funny mystery stories.
I loved this book because it was funny and 21st century humour. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys short, funny mystery stories.
May 4, 2023
One of my favs from the whole series ❤️❤️
June 9, 2023
Enjoyable
December 17, 2023
5 stars for two reasons:
1. It's a camp story- and a totally ridiculous unrealistic camp story at that.
2. The amount of Frian in this book was impeccable.
1. It's a camp story- and a totally ridiculous unrealistic camp story at that.
2. The amount of Frian in this book was impeccable.
January 28, 2024
Quite a dark book despite its cute cover. Otherwise, quite a good story
August 21, 2024
Spratt's Jacks #20
Friday Barnes #6
Another cracking yarn from the Friday Barnes series.
They are just warm, engaging and interesting.
A series well worth reading.
Friday Barnes #6
Another cracking yarn from the Friday Barnes series.
They are just warm, engaging and interesting.
A series well worth reading.
August 15, 2025
EVERYBODY, ian did NOT go to his father. instead, he got… KIDNAPPED. how this stuff happens, i have no clue… HOWEVER, i do know who it was. due to mr wainscotts ATROCIOUS embezzlement and deceit, he betrayed his best man at his wedding leading him to kidnap ian. HOW FUN. luckily, friday and melanie to the rescue!! then we have something fun. MONTH LONG SCHOOL CAMP!!! melanie and friday of course, are in the worst group of the camp along with other horribly unathletic people. however, MOST are smart. we get a bus mystery, a possum mystery AND a camp wide mystery with the delight of watching the best friends suffer from physical camp activity. there were definitely some fun parts to it. including them having food won after friday floated across a stream then got saved by ian, melanie’s PERFECT secret talent of archery? like YESSS. girl boss!! and of course we get a piggy back with friday on ian and melanie is LIKE IS ALL OF US. girl was really CLAPPING, and honestly? i would’ve too. and lovely enough, we didn’t just get their cuteness relationship but ALSO we got drake and susan?? this man was a GREEN FLAG. sure he set their houseboat to launch away BUT at the same time, he really gave her a rock that said i love you and defended her against BULLIES. and then they go on a THREE DAY HIKE with ian on their team!!! stuck a stan for them!! ily friday and ian SO MUCH. and then the twist: the camp counsellors we know, were breeding MINKS and that led to them all getting arrested, poor geraldine in the MENTAL HOSPITAL. honestly, when she started calling them “maggots” i knew something was off about her. and funny enough, IN. THE. END. friday has LEFT THE BUILDING. went to SWITZERLAND in a new prestigious boarding school. love the series though!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2025
Let me just say, this book has the best cover of the whole series. It is brilliant and awesome and I cannot describe it more. The Bitter Enemies cover is kinda bad in my opinion, but all are entitled to their own opinion.
This one is my favourite book, along with the first one, Girl Detective. Friday is shown to have a different level of smartness. In most of the books, she is shown purely as book smart, but in this book, it shows that she can survive in the wild, still be smart with the pouring rain, be able to lead a group, be able to read a map and most of all, be resilient. Though there aren't many mysteries in this book, in my opinion, this is an excellent book.
This one is my favourite book, along with the first one, Girl Detective. Friday is shown to have a different level of smartness. In most of the books, she is shown purely as book smart, but in this book, it shows that she can survive in the wild, still be smart with the pouring rain, be able to lead a group, be able to read a map and most of all, be resilient. Though there aren't many mysteries in this book, in my opinion, this is an excellent book.
July 4, 2024
First book in a different setting. More character development :)
March 25, 2017
I really like these Friday Barnes novels; they're simple, fun and humorous. I don't think I'll ever not read kids' lit, it's such a great cleanser in between adult lit.
June 7, 2018
REally old book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews