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Friday Barnes #2
Under Suspicion
“A must-have series for middle-grade readers.” —Booklist
Friday Barnes, girl detective, is... under arrest?!
Getting arrested was the last thing Friday expected after solving the swamp-yeti mystery at her boarding school. But she better clear her name fast! She’s got new cases to investigate, like a scandalous quiche bake-off, a decades old mystery buried in her school’s backyard, and why the new boy, Christopher, is being so nice to her.
More adventures and intrigue ensue in Under Suspicion: A Friday Barnes Mystery, the second book in the illustrated Friday Barnes mystery series, starring a genius detective with the brains (and social skills) of Sherlock Holmes.
Don't miss any of the Friday Barnes books! Start the adventure all over again with Girl Detective: A Friday Barnes Mystery or continue on with Book Three, No Rules: A Friday Barnes Mystery by R. A. Spratt and illustrated by Phil Gosier.
Praise for Under Suspicion: A Friday Barnes Mystery:
“Spratt continues to hit just the right mix of dry humor and suspense. Her characterization of her protagonist shines . . . Readers know that, like Sherlock Holmes, Friday will solve every mystery; the book’s fun is in seeing how she does it . . . A cliffhanger ending will have readers drumming their fingers as they wait for the next episode.” —Kirkus Reviews
“[For] readers who like humor but also want more intelligent characters and jokes, as well as those who like quirky mysteries.” —Booklist
“This second book in the Friday Barnes series is even funnier and quirkier than its predecessor.” —School Library Journal
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 2, 2015
109 people are currently reading
872 people want to read
About the author
R.A. Spratt
47 books365 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 127 reviews
March 24, 2021
This is second in a series and I think it builds on that foundation. So I recommend reading in order, though you don't really have to as the author takes care to have enough background and explanation in place.
This is much like the first, with the same tone and wit on display. Friday continues to be a delightful protagonist and I like how well Spratt builds an arc over a batch of otherwise isolated incidents. So we get Friday investigating individual cases as problems crop up, but a bigger tale becomes gradually along the way. And that's a great dynamic.
Plus, I didn't pick up on the, in hindsight obvious, clues to the twist at the end and that delighted me more than a little. The absurdity was right in line with everything we know about the setup and background so it was right on target and yet I missed it entirely by being caught up in the narrative along the way.
So I'm calling this another outstanding success and giving it five stars. The formula is aging a bit for this adult reader, so we'll see if that continues as strong or if Spratt switches things up in future books. And yeah, I fully plan on reading at least the next one.
This is much like the first, with the same tone and wit on display. Friday continues to be a delightful protagonist and I like how well Spratt builds an arc over a batch of otherwise isolated incidents. So we get Friday investigating individual cases as problems crop up, but a bigger tale becomes gradually along the way. And that's a great dynamic.
Plus, I didn't pick up on the, in hindsight obvious, clues to the twist at the end and that delighted me more than a little. The absurdity was right in line with everything we know about the setup and background so it was right on target and yet I missed it entirely by being caught up in the narrative along the way.
So I'm calling this another outstanding success and giving it five stars. The formula is aging a bit for this adult reader, so we'll see if that continues as strong or if Spratt switches things up in future books. And yeah, I fully plan on reading at least the next one.
March 11, 2017
My daughter and I loved this second book in the Friday Barnes series even more than the first. Friday's eccentric, quirky personality shines through as she develops more self-confidence and gets used to being in the spotlight. Friday's extensive vocabulary as she spits out interesting conglomerations of facts and information annoys everyone on her campus, but thoroughly entertained us!
One complaint I do have to make is that girls in this series do not get a good rap. Friday is socially inept and totally nonathletic, Melanie is an airhead who can't stay focused, doesn't do her homework, and sleeps in class, and Mirabella and her gang of giggly, silly girls fill their time getting prettied up in case they should meet an escaped convict or swamp yetti with whom they can have a romantic interlude with. The ridiculousness of it all makes it entertaining enough, but I am missing the smart (not necessarily genius-smart), athletic, brave girl that my daughter could see as an example. On the other hand, boys don't get much of a better rap. Ian and Christopher are good-looking, smart, and athletic -- so that's better, but they both have criminal tendencies, so that's a definite negative.
The plot is clever and entertaining. Clues are dropped along the way, enough clues to guess the twists, but not enough to make anything too obvious. And all loose ends get tied up in the end -- as long as you don't read the last chapter, which is actually a teaser for the next book! :D
A fun, entertaining read! I can highly recommend Friday Barnes: Under Suspicion.
I received a copy of this book from Macmillan Children's Publishing Group via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
One complaint I do have to make is that girls in this series do not get a good rap. Friday is socially inept and totally nonathletic, Melanie is an airhead who can't stay focused, doesn't do her homework, and sleeps in class, and Mirabella and her gang of giggly, silly girls fill their time getting prettied up in case they should meet an escaped convict or swamp yetti with whom they can have a romantic interlude with. The ridiculousness of it all makes it entertaining enough, but I am missing the smart (not necessarily genius-smart), athletic, brave girl that my daughter could see as an example. On the other hand, boys don't get much of a better rap. Ian and Christopher are good-looking, smart, and athletic -- so that's better, but they both have criminal tendencies, so that's a definite negative.
The plot is clever and entertaining. Clues are dropped along the way, enough clues to guess the twists, but not enough to make anything too obvious. And all loose ends get tied up in the end -- as long as you don't read the last chapter, which is actually a teaser for the next book! :D
A fun, entertaining read! I can highly recommend Friday Barnes: Under Suspicion.
I received a copy of this book from Macmillan Children's Publishing Group via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 16, 2018
Love everything about the Friday Barnes series -- Friday's attention to detail and her lack of social skills, the supporting characters, the artwork and the mini mysteries sprinkled throughout to support the main plot. Great pacing and character development along with some quirky situations.
March 13, 2021
‘She’s good at this type of thing.’When we last saw Friday Barnes she was being arrested, rudely interrupted while she was indulging in a second slice of chocolate cake, having just solved the case of Highcrest Academy’s swamp yeti. We pick up Friday’s story with her arrest.
‘What, irritating people?’ asked Mrs Knox.
‘Yes, but also solving mysteries,’ explained Uncle Bernie.
‘Will you do “good cop, bad cop”, or are you doing it already and that’s why you’re being nice to me?’Rather than becoming the central plot of this book, the story of Friday’s arrest is cleared up very quickly. Then we turn our attention to the problems of other Highcrest Academy students, who all now know that Friday is the girl detective that will solve them.
‘I assume you need help. Like the vast majority of students at this school, you have never spoken to me voluntarily.’In this book, Friday applies her photographic memory to competitive baking and competitive rocket launching. She also solves a kidnapping and ponders the mystery of the man she met in the police station. Then we navigate our way around all of the holes that staff and students keep falling into all over the school grounds. We even discover why Friday is banned from the school library.
Melanie, Friday’s best (and possibly only) friend, is really growing on me. Her ability to go from vague to astute in an instant has endeared her to me and I find her fondness of naps very relatable.
We are introduced to a new Year 10 student, Christopher. The addition of a second handsome boy to the series immediately caused speculation of a ‘love triangle’, despite Friday and Ian denying they are in love with one another. Given Friday is only eleven I could do without so much of Melanie’s conversation revolving around her best friend’s potential love life.
Two books in and I’m already beginning to wonder if every book is going to end with the core mystery being solved and a sudden cliffhanger that comes out of nowhere. The mysteries are still fun though and I’m enjoying the creative laziness of many of Highcrest Academy’s teachers. I’m hoping Uncle Bernie finds a way to drop in during the next book for more than a few pages.
Blog - https://schizanthusnerd.com
February 25, 2018
Ladies and Gentlemen, It's an honor for me to present you Friday Barnes A.K.A The Lady Sherlock Holmes.
January 6, 2015
Author: R.A. Spratt
First Published: 1-1-2015
Length: 260 pages
The Friday Barnes books are a hidden gem. They have yet to reach the potential they deserve - contemporary classic - yet slowly they claw a readership as word-of-mouth spreads.
They don't talk down to children. They don't strive to maintain a limited vocabulary, instead extending and challenging. They have a lovely humour and lyricism that lends itself to being read aloud in a class or by the bed. The MC, Friday Barnes, is female without being stereotypical; she wants to fit in but acknowledges she can't so embraces who she is, she is starting to notice boys but only superficially, and she enjoys academics, challenges, maths, reading, study, bannoffee pie... The secondary characters are well-drawn with interesting, subtle depths. And the books are building on each other to give the stories strength.
We purchased our copy on the day of publication, January 1, 2015 (after waiting an agonising six months to have the cliff hanger resolved). Immediately, the 8yo devoured it, giggling and gasping, only to once again have a cliff hanger! I then took my turn to enjoy the twists and turns of Friday Barnes.
A well-paced page-turner with many small mysteries (almost one per chapter) building on each other to the big unveiling, Friday Barnes: Under Suspicion appeals to a range of ages. While some of the vocabulary and literary references (Proust?!) will go over the younger heads, the mysteries and characterisations won't. The wonderful humour avoids the slapstick and toilet humour typical of the contemporary genre instead using clever, witty dialogue, pointed descriptions and situational humour to draw forth smirks and giggles, and give the reader that most treasured of reads: A book you where you *smile* when you have finished, which you discuss with fellow readers, that you joyfully lend (on a strict return policy), that makes you belly laugh when you think back on it, that you re-read, and where you wait on tenterhooks for the next addition.
I loved it. Daughter loved it. And our copy is about to be lent to 10yo Niece for her turn.
Now to wait for Friday Barnes 3: Big Trouble. Release date July 1, 2015.
Age:
Read aloud - 7+
Read yourself - 9+
References:
R.A.Spratt website: http://raspratt.com/tag/friday-barnes/
(ISBN 9781742759647)
-CR-
First Published: 1-1-2015
Length: 260 pages
The Friday Barnes books are a hidden gem. They have yet to reach the potential they deserve - contemporary classic - yet slowly they claw a readership as word-of-mouth spreads.
They don't talk down to children. They don't strive to maintain a limited vocabulary, instead extending and challenging. They have a lovely humour and lyricism that lends itself to being read aloud in a class or by the bed. The MC, Friday Barnes, is female without being stereotypical; she wants to fit in but acknowledges she can't so embraces who she is, she is starting to notice boys but only superficially, and she enjoys academics, challenges, maths, reading, study, bannoffee pie... The secondary characters are well-drawn with interesting, subtle depths. And the books are building on each other to give the stories strength.
We purchased our copy on the day of publication, January 1, 2015 (after waiting an agonising six months to have the cliff hanger resolved). Immediately, the 8yo devoured it, giggling and gasping, only to once again have a cliff hanger! I then took my turn to enjoy the twists and turns of Friday Barnes.
A well-paced page-turner with many small mysteries (almost one per chapter) building on each other to the big unveiling, Friday Barnes: Under Suspicion appeals to a range of ages. While some of the vocabulary and literary references (Proust?!) will go over the younger heads, the mysteries and characterisations won't. The wonderful humour avoids the slapstick and toilet humour typical of the contemporary genre instead using clever, witty dialogue, pointed descriptions and situational humour to draw forth smirks and giggles, and give the reader that most treasured of reads: A book you where you *smile* when you have finished, which you discuss with fellow readers, that you joyfully lend (on a strict return policy), that makes you belly laugh when you think back on it, that you re-read, and where you wait on tenterhooks for the next addition.
I loved it. Daughter loved it. And our copy is about to be lent to 10yo Niece for her turn.
Now to wait for Friday Barnes 3: Big Trouble. Release date July 1, 2015.
Age:
Read aloud - 7+
Read yourself - 9+
References:
R.A.Spratt website: http://raspratt.com/tag/friday-barnes/
(ISBN 9781742759647)
-CR-
February 22, 2020
Meet Friday Barnes, she's the smartest person in her school.
Friday is also the best detective in the school and out of the school.
Her school is Highcrest Academy it's a school for really rich people.
In the second book a new kid comes to the school.
I loved this book because it was interesting and it had lots of fun problems
that Friday needed to solve.
The first book was given to me by a special person, she is on Good Reads too her name is Zia Chooky.
It toke me less than a week to read this book. I did not read alone, I read some of it to my mum
and my mum read some to me.
I also loved the first book which was Friday Barnes Girl Detective.
I can't wait to read the third book which is Friday Barnes Big Trouble.
Friday is also the best detective in the school and out of the school.
Her school is Highcrest Academy it's a school for really rich people.
In the second book a new kid comes to the school.
I loved this book because it was interesting and it had lots of fun problems
that Friday needed to solve.
The first book was given to me by a special person, she is on Good Reads too her name is Zia Chooky.
It toke me less than a week to read this book. I did not read alone, I read some of it to my mum
and my mum read some to me.
I also loved the first book which was Friday Barnes Girl Detective.
I can't wait to read the third book which is Friday Barnes Big Trouble.
February 6, 2022
"People always marvel that holding a seashell to your ear replicates the sound of the sea, but in the seconds before you faint, the movement of blood rushing out of your brain replicates the sound of the sea too."
Woah. A lot was going on with this book, but confusingly didn't make me feel overwhelmed? Maybe because it's a mystery and usually a lot is happening in a book when it's mystery, but anyway. I enjoyed this story so much I stayed up till 3am to finish it. Was it worth it? Heck yeah! So I'm going to give you a long ass review, because why not :,)
I didn't find any major issues with this book. You have to take into account that this is a middle grade book and there are going to be things that are impractical so younger readers can actually enjoy reading it. The main example of this are the adults; they are dumb. Just plain dumb. Friday is 10x smarter than any of them, and sure the series is about her being smart but an 11 year old knowing what to do with a vagrant who's being wrongly accused more than the official police? Yeah no. And this happens on a lot on other occasions with the Vice Principal and Headmaster of Highcrest Academy. If this was a young adults book, this would've been an actual issue. But instead it's middle grade, and if the adults actually did something in this book it would be boring for younger readers to read. So yeah, the only major issue with this story can be excused majorly. There is another issue I found with the book but that's only evident at the end of the book and if you didn't know, in mystery books pretty much any 'mysteries' get revealed at the end of the plot so I can't really explain the issue without spoiling basically everything. If you really want to know then ---->
I personally think the characters were the strongest point of the book. I adored them all and would definitely read about them again (when I start reading the 3rd book of the series!). I'll start with our main character, Friday. She's smart. And I mean smart, she outsmarts everyone. EVERYONE. You do actually benefit from her smartness because you find out interesting facts because of her. One fact that stood out to me (this isn't a spoiler, it's at the start of the book) is that Bowerbirds collect blue things to decorate their nests, to attract a mate. I think that's pretty cool. She's also the biggest savage ever? And not just her but also her father. Friday literally roasts so many people unintentionally because she doesn't realise how smart she is. So she flexes on people without realising it. AND IT'S SO SAVAGE! I highlighted too many parts where she was roasting others. Melanie is Friday's best and only friend. While I do think she could've done more than just follow Friday wherever she goes, she did have some characteristics and wasn't just a minion, like her laziness and the need for her to ship Friday with any cute guy. Speaking of 'cute guys' (They're probably not even cute at all, but how would I know), Ian and Christopher were cool characters. I can definitely see Ian and Friday getting together in the future, Ian's is basically just Friday but less smart and a lot more uncivil. At one point he calls Melanie 'Melly Pelly', which I think is adorable and so funny at the same time. Chris is Friday's second love interest, he's a lot nicer and seems more interested in her and her abilities, while also being incredibly charming. There is so much more to his character (aswell as every other character I mentioned) but that would obviously spoil things in the plot so you're going to have to read the book if you want to know more about him and everyone else. And then there's the adults; so Vice Principal Dean, the Headmaster, Sergeant Crowley and more. At some point Vice Principal Dean gets accused for the strange holes in the school field because apparently he had something against the Headmaster and dug up the holes so the Headmaster could fall into one of them? It was funny to read about, that's all I'm going to say. Other than that, I already explained the adults so that's basically it. There were minor character too like Uncle Bernie and Friday's classmates, but there's very little to them that I can't say much about them except they're just minor characters who don't show up much.
The plot overall was great. Talking about it for long with lead to spoilers so I'll keep this short (well I'll try to anyway). The ending was great. It tied all the loose ends to the main problem aswell as the subplots, and everything made sense and wasn't overwhelming. The main plot twist (yes there's a couple) is so surprising as first but then you realise that it makes sense and realise you're dumb AF for not knowing earlier on. The author definitely put effort into making everything come together nicely and to make sure the plot twists made sense which I love since I hate authors who don't plan the books they write thoroughly, especially if it's mystery. I need to add that this book is unexpectedly super funny. I annotate my books and use a pink highlighter to highlight any parts that made me laugh inside and out, and I swear to god half the pages are pink. I don't know if R.A. Spratt intentionally made the book humorous, either way I cracked up heaps and made me enjoy the book more. I wasn't even expecting there to be any humour because most to nearly all of the mystery books I've read have no comedy.
I hope this review helped in making a decision in which you read this book or not. I highly recommend picking this up and giving it a try, although if you do want to start reading the whole series I suggest starting with the first volume to make things easier for yourself. I'm super excited to read the third volume and can't wait to see what's in store as I was very impressed with this book!
Woah. A lot was going on with this book, but confusingly didn't make me feel overwhelmed? Maybe because it's a mystery and usually a lot is happening in a book when it's mystery, but anyway. I enjoyed this story so much I stayed up till 3am to finish it. Was it worth it? Heck yeah! So I'm going to give you a long ass review, because why not :,)
I didn't find any major issues with this book. You have to take into account that this is a middle grade book and there are going to be things that are impractical so younger readers can actually enjoy reading it. The main example of this are the adults; they are dumb. Just plain dumb. Friday is 10x smarter than any of them, and sure the series is about her being smart but an 11 year old knowing what to do with a vagrant who's being wrongly accused more than the official police? Yeah no. And this happens on a lot on other occasions with the Vice Principal and Headmaster of Highcrest Academy. If this was a young adults book, this would've been an actual issue. But instead it's middle grade, and if the adults actually did something in this book it would be boring for younger readers to read. So yeah, the only major issue with this story can be excused majorly. There is another issue I found with the book but that's only evident at the end of the book and if you didn't know, in mystery books pretty much any 'mysteries' get revealed at the end of the plot so I can't really explain the issue without spoiling basically everything. If you really want to know then ---->
I personally think the characters were the strongest point of the book. I adored them all and would definitely read about them again (when I start reading the 3rd book of the series!). I'll start with our main character, Friday. She's smart. And I mean smart, she outsmarts everyone. EVERYONE. You do actually benefit from her smartness because you find out interesting facts because of her. One fact that stood out to me (this isn't a spoiler, it's at the start of the book) is that Bowerbirds collect blue things to decorate their nests, to attract a mate. I think that's pretty cool. She's also the biggest savage ever? And not just her but also her father. Friday literally roasts so many people unintentionally because she doesn't realise how smart she is. So she flexes on people without realising it. AND IT'S SO SAVAGE! I highlighted too many parts where she was roasting others. Melanie is Friday's best and only friend. While I do think she could've done more than just follow Friday wherever she goes, she did have some characteristics and wasn't just a minion, like her laziness and the need for her to ship Friday with any cute guy. Speaking of 'cute guys' (They're probably not even cute at all, but how would I know), Ian and Christopher were cool characters. I can definitely see Ian and Friday getting together in the future, Ian's is basically just Friday but less smart and a lot more uncivil. At one point he calls Melanie 'Melly Pelly', which I think is adorable and so funny at the same time. Chris is Friday's second love interest, he's a lot nicer and seems more interested in her and her abilities, while also being incredibly charming. There is so much more to his character (aswell as every other character I mentioned) but that would obviously spoil things in the plot so you're going to have to read the book if you want to know more about him and everyone else. And then there's the adults; so Vice Principal Dean, the Headmaster, Sergeant Crowley and more. At some point Vice Principal Dean gets accused for the strange holes in the school field because apparently he had something against the Headmaster and dug up the holes so the Headmaster could fall into one of them? It was funny to read about, that's all I'm going to say. Other than that, I already explained the adults so that's basically it. There were minor character too like Uncle Bernie and Friday's classmates, but there's very little to them that I can't say much about them except they're just minor characters who don't show up much.
The plot overall was great. Talking about it for long with lead to spoilers so I'll keep this short (well I'll try to anyway). The ending was great. It tied all the loose ends to the main problem aswell as the subplots, and everything made sense and wasn't overwhelming. The main plot twist (yes there's a couple) is so surprising as first but then you realise that it makes sense and realise you're dumb AF for not knowing earlier on. The author definitely put effort into making everything come together nicely and to make sure the plot twists made sense which I love since I hate authors who don't plan the books they write thoroughly, especially if it's mystery. I need to add that this book is unexpectedly super funny. I annotate my books and use a pink highlighter to highlight any parts that made me laugh inside and out, and I swear to god half the pages are pink. I don't know if R.A. Spratt intentionally made the book humorous, either way I cracked up heaps and made me enjoy the book more. I wasn't even expecting there to be any humour because most to nearly all of the mystery books I've read have no comedy.
I hope this review helped in making a decision in which you read this book or not. I highly recommend picking this up and giving it a try, although if you do want to start reading the whole series I suggest starting with the first volume to make things easier for yourself. I'm super excited to read the third volume and can't wait to see what's in store as I was very impressed with this book!
July 10, 2023
I just genuinely cannot get over the Chris thing in this - it's so ugh like so incredibly rank to think about. I know he was just being manipulative but even so, flirting with an 11-YEAR-OLD????
December 15, 2017
I gave this book four stars because I liked how every page you read changes your thoughts. Friday Barnes is a girl who solved a bank robbery and get a 100,000 dollar reward she uses the money to enroll herself in the best private school in the country and to make money at the school she solves mystery's for her peers and even teachers.When she hears that a criminal escaped and is on the lose she believes she can uncover the culprit.
June 16, 2022
THE PLOT TWIST AT THE CLIMAX HOLY HELL I DID NOT SEE THAT COMING. I love how the writer uses Chekhov's Gun as a literary device. I love seeing Friday and Melanie be their adorable, dorky selves, and Ian try to pull shenanigans every time he sees Friday. I even love the Headmaster! All his illustrations make me laugh, and his love for chocolate cookies and done with everything attitude is a mood <3
July 27, 2025
She talks like Wednesday Adam’s in the Wednesday series. But like with colour, and less gruesome.
Idk why I’m giggling after the romance of two preteens … does that make me a creep?????? Idk
But shipping Friday and Ian definitely.
Although…. ENDING ON A PLOT TWIST CLIFFHANGER??? Not cool bro.
Idk why I’m giggling after the romance of two preteens … does that make me a creep?????? Idk
But shipping Friday and Ian definitely.
Although…. ENDING ON A PLOT TWIST CLIFFHANGER??? Not cool bro.
September 20, 2017
This series continues to be excellent!
September 29, 2025
Friday's adventures continue at Highcrest Academy, starting with her being arrested for terrorism and ending with her locating an escaped convict. It's not a deep book, but it's fun and sometimes silly and we're enjoying this series as a read aloud. Friday's roommate, Melanie is our favorite character.
August 22, 2016
This book is so good...I dearly love this book. Some parts of the Story is hilarious and I was laughing out loud. This is a really good Mystery and its for ages 11 - 15 years of age group. I love reading Books of this age level because they are clean, funny, real good mysteries.
I give this Book 5/5 Stars here on Goodreads. I would highly recommend this Book to anybody that loves to read Mysteries.
The next Book is coming out in January of 2017. I am going to collect these books. They are my type of Books. They remind me of Nancy Drew a little bit. It is that type of a Book.
I give this Book 5/5 Stars here on Goodreads. I would highly recommend this Book to anybody that loves to read Mysteries.
The next Book is coming out in January of 2017. I am going to collect these books. They are my type of Books. They remind me of Nancy Drew a little bit. It is that type of a Book.
March 21, 2017
Yeah, the big cliff-hanger from the last book? Cleared up in less than a chapter.
-1 star for yanking my chain, R.A. Spratt!
Other than that, I loved it.
It's funky, episodic, chaotic, ... and just plain fun. I had a pleased smile on face all through it. And was sorry when it ended. What can I say?
Wit covereth a multitude of sins?
I wish the library had more in stock?
Friday Barnes - socially inept, brilliant, pragmatic, and a little bit lonely - is a great character, and a very memorable one.
-1 star for yanking my chain, R.A. Spratt!
Other than that, I loved it.
It's funky, episodic, chaotic, ... and just plain fun. I had a pleased smile on face all through it. And was sorry when it ended. What can I say?
Wit covereth a multitude of sins?
I wish the library had more in stock?
Friday Barnes - socially inept, brilliant, pragmatic, and a little bit lonely - is a great character, and a very memorable one.
January 27, 2015
Rapidly getting hooked. My 10 yo self is counting the days till the release of book # 3, Big Trouble. You must get this series into the hands of 9 - 13 year-olds for the sake of their enjoyment. Tales with punchy female leads but equal boy girl appeal full of funky fun, nerve tingling mysteries and believe or not, interesting scientific and historical facts.
January 14, 2025
Very nostalgic and sweet, made me laugh a couple times too
August 16, 2022
the Friday Barnes series is infinitely binge-able. I feel like I'm reading the equivalent of a reality tv show
RIVALRY REVIEW
INDIVIDUAL CHARACTERIZATION: (5/5). Ian is the Worst but in a funny way and Friday is so Dumb while being very smart and that's really all there is to it.
INITIAL DYNAMIC: N/A. This isn't their first rodeo (see book 1).
RIVALRY DEVELOPMENT: (4/5). It feels so funny to describe this series as 'rivals to lovers' but it IS and by the end of this book we finally start catching glimpses of where the development is headed.
GENERAL CHAOS LEVEL: (5/5). I will talk about this more in the bonus point section but TERRORISM CHARGES?!?!?!? full marks. jeez.
Average: 4.67/5
BONUS POINTS:
CROSSING A LINE (+1) - That's a two day streak for rivalries collecting bonus points right off the bat. Anyway this is why I brought up terrorism. Imagine framing your rival to get them arrested on terrorism charges. Actually, do not imagine that. It's insane.
STICK TO YOUR GUNS (+0.5) -
friday: I thought we were starting to get along better
ian, who doesn't know how to process that fact: what if I frame you for terrorism instead
His dedication to staying rivals is certainly admirable! (there is something wrong with him)
A LITTLE JEALOUSY (NAEGA ANIN) (+1) - Somehow, incredibly, this is the first time I've handed out points for this category?? (to be very honest I could have possibly missed it in one of the books from last year but oh well I'll just catch it in the sequel if needed). But anyway this is a GREAT category that never fails to liven things up in a rivalry. everyone say "rip" to Ian for his behavior when he thought he was being replaced.
SURE, I CAN APOLOGIZE (+1) - This category is misnamed. Rivals cannot apologize properly. I reward their lack of interpersonal skills with each other by giving them more points.
TOTAL RIVALRY SCORE: 8.17/5
With one book already under their belt, I'm happy to report that Friday and Ian do improve from last year and get to take home a higher point total for their efforts.
RIVALRY REVIEW
INDIVIDUAL CHARACTERIZATION: (5/5). Ian is the Worst but in a funny way and Friday is so Dumb while being very smart and that's really all there is to it.
INITIAL DYNAMIC: N/A. This isn't their first rodeo (see book 1).
RIVALRY DEVELOPMENT: (4/5). It feels so funny to describe this series as 'rivals to lovers' but it IS and by the end of this book we finally start catching glimpses of where the development is headed.
GENERAL CHAOS LEVEL: (5/5). I will talk about this more in the bonus point section but TERRORISM CHARGES?!?!?!? full marks. jeez.
Average: 4.67/5
BONUS POINTS:
CROSSING A LINE (+1) - That's a two day streak for rivalries collecting bonus points right off the bat. Anyway this is why I brought up terrorism. Imagine framing your rival to get them arrested on terrorism charges. Actually, do not imagine that. It's insane.
STICK TO YOUR GUNS (+0.5) -
friday: I thought we were starting to get along better
ian, who doesn't know how to process that fact: what if I frame you for terrorism instead
His dedication to staying rivals is certainly admirable! (there is something wrong with him)
A LITTLE JEALOUSY (NAEGA ANIN) (+1) - Somehow, incredibly, this is the first time I've handed out points for this category?? (to be very honest I could have possibly missed it in one of the books from last year but oh well I'll just catch it in the sequel if needed). But anyway this is a GREAT category that never fails to liven things up in a rivalry. everyone say "rip" to Ian for his behavior when he thought he was being replaced.
SURE, I CAN APOLOGIZE (+1) - This category is misnamed. Rivals cannot apologize properly. I reward their lack of interpersonal skills with each other by giving them more points.
TOTAL RIVALRY SCORE: 8.17/5
With one book already under their belt, I'm happy to report that Friday and Ian do improve from last year and get to take home a higher point total for their efforts.
April 17, 2023
Here we go again - Who Knew Boarding School could be this perilous?
Friday Barnes was having an extra serving of chocolate with her best friend Melanie in the cafeteria when the Headmaster arrived with two policemen. She was mortified by the sniggers of her fellow classmates and by seeing Ian Wainscott, the most handsome boy in the school noticing her being dragged away by police.
At the police station, they took her to the interview room. A member of the family had to be present and her parents wouldn't receive a message. She gave the police Uncle Bernie's number.
She had to wait for Uncle Bernie to arrive so she started talking to a man on the bench outside the interview room. He looked like a Vagrant. She talked him into telling her about his case. His name was Malcolm and he'd just been released from jail. He was near a house where a woman had her expensive necklace stolen.
The police said he'd been making ricin in her dorm room. They bought out their evidence. Friday laughed at them because they were seeds used in making Mexican food. Once the local Pizza restaurant manager told them that's what they were she was released.
Then she told the police that Malcolm had been wrongly arrested and went on to prove it.
Once she was back at school she discovered a new and very handsome boy started at the school. Christopher, and he took a liking to Friday, and a dislike to Ian. Where would all this lead? You might ask but the best way to find out is to read the book. You'll be hooked on the series in no time. I am.
Friday Barnes was having an extra serving of chocolate with her best friend Melanie in the cafeteria when the Headmaster arrived with two policemen. She was mortified by the sniggers of her fellow classmates and by seeing Ian Wainscott, the most handsome boy in the school noticing her being dragged away by police.
At the police station, they took her to the interview room. A member of the family had to be present and her parents wouldn't receive a message. She gave the police Uncle Bernie's number.
She had to wait for Uncle Bernie to arrive so she started talking to a man on the bench outside the interview room. He looked like a Vagrant. She talked him into telling her about his case. His name was Malcolm and he'd just been released from jail. He was near a house where a woman had her expensive necklace stolen.
The police said he'd been making ricin in her dorm room. They bought out their evidence. Friday laughed at them because they were seeds used in making Mexican food. Once the local Pizza restaurant manager told them that's what they were she was released.
Then she told the police that Malcolm had been wrongly arrested and went on to prove it.
Once she was back at school she discovered a new and very handsome boy started at the school. Christopher, and he took a liking to Friday, and a dislike to Ian. Where would all this lead? You might ask but the best way to find out is to read the book. You'll be hooked on the series in no time. I am.
June 12, 2017
Friday has her hands full with her latest cases. First, she’s accused of terrorism. Then, she has to solve a case regarding a bake-off and a home economics class. To top it off, a case involving a stolen necklace and an escaped maximum security prisoner plague her cases as well. Will she solve her cases or she in above her head?
Similar to Encyclopedia Brown and Sherlock Holmes, Friday is a genius detective with spunk. She’s an engaging, entertaining character that is well developed and likable. Although some of the secondary adult characters seem like bumbling characters, the engaging plot helps make up for that. Fans of mystery, detective stories, and realistic fiction will enjoy reading this book.
This book was featured on The Keepers of the Books' "June Weekly Reads Wrapup #1 with Daughter of the Pirate King" episode. For more book reviews, recommendations, or online librarian advice, please visit us at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK3v...
A copy of this review may be found at kissthebook.blogspot.com
Please Note: A copy of this review was given to us in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed, however, are our own.
Similar to Encyclopedia Brown and Sherlock Holmes, Friday is a genius detective with spunk. She’s an engaging, entertaining character that is well developed and likable. Although some of the secondary adult characters seem like bumbling characters, the engaging plot helps make up for that. Fans of mystery, detective stories, and realistic fiction will enjoy reading this book.
This book was featured on The Keepers of the Books' "June Weekly Reads Wrapup #1 with Daughter of the Pirate King" episode. For more book reviews, recommendations, or online librarian advice, please visit us at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK3v...
A copy of this review may be found at kissthebook.blogspot.com
Please Note: A copy of this review was given to us in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed, however, are our own.
August 25, 2019
Mostly I liked this mystery. Someone is digging holes all over the grounds of the private school Friday attends. As Friday solves mini mysteries throughout the book, the holes create their own kind of chaos and seem to make no sense to anyone, not even Friday.
I mostly love the strange ironic humour that flavours the book and had me laughing out loud a time or two. Here's a sample:
"Friday turned to Melanie, but she’d already dropped off to sleep again. Friday could see why Melanie never got in trouble. As far as teachers were concerned, she was the ideal student. She never interrupted or asked difficult questions, and they never had to grade her assignments because she never had them in."
I found the description of the relationship between Friday and Ian problematic. Melanie, Friday’s best and only friend, insists that Ian is infatuated with Friday. Most of the time though, Ian is essentially nasty to Friday. This is not the kind of expectation we want girls to accept under any circumstance. He manages to redeem himself by the end of the book, but I'm still not happy with this.
I mostly love the strange ironic humour that flavours the book and had me laughing out loud a time or two. Here's a sample:
"Friday turned to Melanie, but she’d already dropped off to sleep again. Friday could see why Melanie never got in trouble. As far as teachers were concerned, she was the ideal student. She never interrupted or asked difficult questions, and they never had to grade her assignments because she never had them in."
I found the description of the relationship between Friday and Ian problematic. Melanie, Friday’s best and only friend, insists that Ian is infatuated with Friday. Most of the time though, Ian is essentially nasty to Friday. This is not the kind of expectation we want girls to accept under any circumstance. He manages to redeem himself by the end of the book, but I'm still not happy with this.
May 13, 2024
Omg omg omg omg, this book was amazing. Friday was solving crimes one after another and she's only 11 years old.
Did I read this book in 1 day, yes I did. Do I have the next book because this one ended on a cliffhanger, yes I do. Am I in highschool and realize I have to get up in the morning and it's almost 12:00, yes I am. Am I going to read instead of going to sleep because I so desperately want to find out what happened in the next book?, yes I am.Did I read this book in One day?, yes I did
Oml this book had me laughing and guessing who did what and why. For a book for middle schoolers, this book should definitely be on the shelf for high schoolers! I'm glad I picked up this series, I love it so much ekkkkkkkkkk.
Anyways, I 💯 recommend this book to anyone who love to read about crime 😍🤭☺️😀😃😄.
Did I read this book in 1 day, yes I did. Do I have the next book because this one ended on a cliffhanger, yes I do. Am I in highschool and realize I have to get up in the morning and it's almost 12:00, yes I am. Am I going to read instead of going to sleep because I so desperately want to find out what happened in the next book?, yes I am.Did I read this book in One day?, yes I did
Oml this book had me laughing and guessing who did what and why. For a book for middle schoolers, this book should definitely be on the shelf for high schoolers! I'm glad I picked up this series, I love it so much ekkkkkkkkkk.
Anyways, I 💯 recommend this book to anyone who love to read about crime 😍🤭☺️😀😃😄.
November 25, 2018
Another brilliant episode in the life of amateur detective, Friday Barnes. Just as clever, just as smart, just as hilarious as the first one. I have to say I didn’t enjoy the mystery as much as the one in the first book, but overall, still a really wonderful, quick, fun read. These books really are just so much fun, and I adore all the characters. Special mentions go to Melanie, Ian, Mrs. Cannon, and the Headmaster. They are endlessly entertaining. Friday is wonderful, and so honest and straightforward. I wish to be more like her. And I love how each book ends on a cliffhanger! That’s new for middles-grade, but I can’t say I dislike it. Highly recommend.
December 31, 2018
This series had potential as a good read for reluctant middle grade readers. The quirky main characters were interesting, even if the adults were caricatures. The main character is a female Encyclopedia Brown and is fun to read about. What drove me absolutely crazy that I could mostly ignore in book 1 but not book 2 was the ridiculous, "He's secretly in love with her" every time most boy characters were mentioned. I would have been more disgusted then I am as an adult when I was at the target age, and I would not want my students reading a book that sent the message that they must think romantic thoughts about every boy they see.
July 16, 2017
Such a fun romp! I discovered the Friday Barnes series yesterday, and I've already read the first two books, and have the next three piled by me, ready to go. I love Friday's logical yet innocent outlook on the world, and her difficulty reading social nuances (which make for funny moments, with friends and adults mostly understanding and supporting her, rather than putting her down). They're a bit of a Famous Five x Malory Towers feel, only with dryer wit and a great pace. I suspect I'll have read the whole series before bed tonight! Such good fun! :)
July 26, 2018
Honestly, the series of Friday Barnes is really amazing because of the smartness of Friday, almost everytime I felt really surprised by Friday's ability in solving the case in her school, Highcreast academy. I do ship Ian with Friday because they do things well together, also the way how they always help each other out. I do recommend this book and series to the ones (girls mainly) who really enjoyed to read detective stories
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!
September 18, 2017
I liked this follow up to the first book, lots of fun new characters and a fun plot line, some interesting stuff happens and the mysteries are not as carefree as in the first book, but never the less still full of good times.
The ending is a bit f a shock and I honestly did not see it coming.
My god daughter and I both really enjoyed this book.
The ending is a bit f a shock and I honestly did not see it coming.
My god daughter and I both really enjoyed this book.
March 4, 2021
I of course love this series I loved all of the characters but personally I think Ian Wainscott is a wannabe straight A student 👨🎓 every time I see his name I have the habit of rolling my eyes.....
Friday Barnes is a straight A student *Ahem Ahem not Ian Wainscott* anyways I really really really enjoyed this book (as always)... 💩💩💩💩💩💩😎😎😎😆😆❤️❤️😍😍🤩🤩🤩😋😋😋 - C. B.
Friday Barnes is a straight A student *Ahem Ahem not Ian Wainscott* anyways I really really really enjoyed this book (as always)... 💩💩💩💩💩💩😎😎😎😆😆❤️❤️😍😍🤩🤩🤩😋😋😋 - C. B.
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