The Fun Factor

by Mat Waugh

Who's stealing all the fun?
In a small village, the stuff everyone loves is disappearing by the day. First to go is the internet. Next up: phones, pizzas, TV channels and even the dishwasher. Twelve-year-old Thora and her friends struggle to see what's so fun about the good old days. But they soon discover they're at the centre of a high-tech showbiz experiment.
With everyone from Dad's new girlfriend to the loathsome Prime Minister under suspicion, this unlikely gang plan to blow open a nationwide conspiracy.
A funny and exciting adventure for 8-12 year olds. 

263 pages, Paperback

Published December 1, 2017

Reviews

[Bonnie Dale Keck · Rating 5 out of 5]

kindle unlimited, had to get this one since been reading the Cheeky Charlie books by same writer. GR not showing the kindle version.

Have you ever had the feeling you’re being watched? In a remote village, the stuff everyone loves is disappearing by the day. First to go is the internet. Then gadgets, phones, pizzas, TV channels and even dishwashers… and the weirdest thing is that none of the grown-ups seem to mind. Twelve-year-old Thora and her friends struggle to see what’s so fun about the good old days. Her moody big sister is up to no good, her brother isn't helping and there's a man with a TV camera at the front door. And why is everyone – from Frosty the headmaster to Dad’s new girlfriend – so concerned about the children's well being? Determined to put the fun back, Thora is about to discover that they’re guinea pigs in a decidedly high-tech showbiz experiment. But can Thora and her unlikely gang blow open a nationwide conspiracy? The Fun Factor is a mystery adventure that will keep kids aged 8+ laughing and guessing all the way to the explosive show-down.

Cheeky Charlie
Cheeky Charlie: Bugs and Bananas
Cheeky Charlie: King of Chaos
Cheeky Charlie Box Set Books 1-3 (Cheeky Charlie, Bugs and Bananas, The King of Chaos)
My Crazy Brother (3 Book Series)
The Fun Factor: A mystery adventure with games, gadgets and a girl detective for kids ages 9-12 Kindle Edition

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a bit creepy, a bit sneaky, and very funny! I loved the story idea (though I won't talk about it as I don't want to give away any spoilers!), and the characters were great. I think what was creepiest was it could probably happen in real life, and what was funniest was the bit with the Prime Minister in his superman pants!
Anyway, I definitely loved the book, and so did my friend's children when we read it together. And we'd all recommend it to you and your children to read today!
NB I received a complimentary copy of this book, but I always give an HONEST review based wholly on my own opinions

[Emma Askew · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. the kids have grown up with the Cheeky Charlie books from the same author and I really enjoy the sense of fun and rebellion from those books. This is a slight departure as it's targeted towards the older reader. What this meant for me was that it was a book a really enjoyed reading on my own, and then comparing notes with my eldest. The plot was gripping, and the characters well rounded, sympathetic and well developed. And yet, there was still space for the slapstick comedy that we've come to know and expect.
I do hope this is the first of many for this age group, and even pave the way for YA and beyond, so we can continue to enjoy reading this author.

[Mat Waugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the longest book I've written by far, despite being a minnow by the standards of some adult fiction genres. I'm not a natural planner and don't have enormous patience for taking notes, which means I struggled to keep the details of the evolving plot in my head as I wrote: cue lots of unnecessary rewrites! In retrospect I should have planned the development of Thora's character and the seeding of the PM's involvement more carefully, as getting those right later was a chore.
But overall I'm still very pleased with the result. I'm calling it a mystery adventure, despite that sounding like an episode of Scooby Doo, and I hope that children will enjoy the ride!

[Lisa Denn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found The Fun Factor, written by Mat Waugh, very entertaining! The characters bounced off the page with their realistic age appropriate personalities and unique quirks. The sibling to sibling and parent to child interaction was spot on to that which you would find in any home.
The concept behind the story's plot was not only perfectly suited for the books target age group but also captured the attention (and heart) of this well beyond the 9-12 year old reader.
I highly recommend this book and feel it would make a great read aloud story at bedtime for those parents who enjoy story time with their elementary age child.

[Gerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Voluntary review of an ARC. Cute kid's book about the "dangers" of modern life and technology. An experiment is underway in which all the trappings of modern life are taken away and replaced with wholesome activities--a brand spanking new playground, lots of bikes, and healthy food. Inquisitive Thora and her brother Reggie investigate and make some startling discoveries. Good characters, an interesting story, and some laughs along the way. I would recommend it to my 9-year old granddaughter.

[The Endless Unread · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little bit different than the author's usual stuff but I like it. Fun characters and kept me entertained till the end. Would love to read more of their work.