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Sticky Pines #1
The Bigwoof Conspiracy
When twelve-year-old, UFO-obsessed, Lucy Sladan sneaks out in the middle of a thunderstorm to investigate the unexplained disappearances in her hometown of Sticky Pines, she finds more than she bargained for: a huge hairy creature, a thirteen-year-old stranger named Milo Fisher and a deep-rooted secret.
Together, Lucy and Milo become entwined in a mystery that threatens to engulf the whole town of Sticky Pines and its weird and wonderful residents.
Sticky Pines: The Bigwoof Conspiracy is the debut novel for children by the talented Dashe Roberts.
Together, Lucy and Milo become entwined in a mystery that threatens to engulf the whole town of Sticky Pines and its weird and wonderful residents.
Sticky Pines: The Bigwoof Conspiracy is the debut novel for children by the talented Dashe Roberts.
304 pages, Paperback
First published February 6, 2020
9 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
February 3, 2020
Sticky Pines draws on a rich heritage of cult tv & stories such as The Secret World of Alex Mack, Are you Afraid of the Dark, Eerie Indiana and The X-Files and brings together these nostalgic feelings for adult readers like me, but more importantly for the uninitiated young reader it captures the magic of what made those shows addictive and exciting and distils it into a thrilling book worthy of inspiring those who are desperate to watch but are just that bit too young or sensitive for the awesome Stranger Things. Or indeed those hungry for inspiration in between series.
With excellent characters such as purple haired Conspiracy hunter Lucy, Milo the preppy & artistic newcomer who is inspired by Lucy’s passion to uncover the truth and a creative and intriguing cast of adult characters with deep secrets and lies.
Dashe Roberts has worked hard to get that balance of walking between the worlds of wonder and mundane within a terribly normal sleepy town setting but also with that Americana feel. Sticky Pines has all the hallmarks of the best children’s adventures, misfit friends disappearing off in search of a Mystery, the witty banter before scaring your knickers off accompanied with heaps of humour that exhilarate the senses and leave you breathless, loving the characters and aching to discover the truth.
Uncovering the supernatural underneath sleepy rural America but for kids is GENIUS, and especially will be incredibly fun for adults particularly to read aloud or along with children- this comes highly recommended for children who want a little bite with their adventure!
With excellent characters such as purple haired Conspiracy hunter Lucy, Milo the preppy & artistic newcomer who is inspired by Lucy’s passion to uncover the truth and a creative and intriguing cast of adult characters with deep secrets and lies.
Dashe Roberts has worked hard to get that balance of walking between the worlds of wonder and mundane within a terribly normal sleepy town setting but also with that Americana feel. Sticky Pines has all the hallmarks of the best children’s adventures, misfit friends disappearing off in search of a Mystery, the witty banter before scaring your knickers off accompanied with heaps of humour that exhilarate the senses and leave you breathless, loving the characters and aching to discover the truth.
Uncovering the supernatural underneath sleepy rural America but for kids is GENIUS, and especially will be incredibly fun for adults particularly to read aloud or along with children- this comes highly recommended for children who want a little bite with their adventure!
August 1, 2020
For anyone who loved the quirky-spooky MG humor and fun of the Gravity Falls TV show (which I did!), this book definitely shares that vibe! It was such a fun adventure, led by a fabulous heroine determined to expose the true weirdness of her world (no matter WHAT it takes!) and full of great characters and humor. I enjoyed it a LOT and cannot wait to read the sequel.
May 19, 2023
nawet nie wiem co poweidziec. kocha m pan banan
February 20, 2020
This was a whole lot of fun. A small little town that’s being taken over by Bigfoot type monsters, a little girl who refuses to accept that the adults don’t have the answers and a factory owner who is plying the town with sugar. I don’t think I’d like to visit... but I’d love to be Lucy’s friend! A great sci fi mystery!
December 4, 2021
A great sci-fi adventure suitable for middle school readers. Lucy Sladan, who lives in the sleepy town of Sticky Pines, is a UFO believer, and is determined to find out why several townspeople have disappeared. But there is far more going on in Sticky Pines than meets the eye. Lucy encounters a mysterious hairy creature in the forest. She meets Milo Fisher and his dad, who has bought the local sweetener factory. Mr Fisher puts on a bizarre carnival where all the food is made with the sweetener and is overseen by clowns. No one can see problems but Lucy, and as things get weirder and weirder, she must try to solve the mystery and find the truth.
February 28, 2023
A delightful book about mysterious going-ons in a small town, sugar, friendship, and tons of fun!
When I posted my book haul on Twitter, which included that book about Sasquatch, an author (Louie Stowell) commented and recommended this series to me. Of course I had to get it as soon as I could, I mean, HELLO? Big Foot? Mystery? Strange-going-ons? Sign me up.
Lucy was such a fun character. Sometimes a bit too much OMG I believe, but for most I saw a girl who wanted to be there for her town, help out people, and figure things out. I really liked how she never gave up and how she kept going even when things got very hairy and at times a bit scary. She learned quite a few things about her hometown, battled some scary things, and more. She was strong, though she had to make some tough decisions that had me just wanting to give her a big hug.
I wasn’t always a fan of Milo. At times I really saw a sweet boy who just wanted to be friends with our MC and who just wanted to have a good time in the town… but at other times I just wanted to shake him a bit because HELLO. It is obvious that your dad is up to something. And given how he treats you.. you would think that maybe you would believe it when someone says something is up. But I loved how he came through at times that was needed.
The villain, aka the dad of Milo, was just a perfect villain. He was evil. He wasn’t being stopped, and he knew things. He was determined. I have to say that at times I wanted to yeet him into a lake. Or overfeed him with his own sugary crap. XD
Yes, sugary crap. Because Milo’s dad is making something new with the already existing factory and going by the descriptions of the stuff it is very sweet and very sticky and well, I just didn’t want to try it. I am not that big on sugary things. Especially when they are super sugary. EEW.
The monsters, the BigWoof and also that other thing that appears later on that had me going F NOPE, I loved that. They were scary and weird, but I was also curious. And at times I wondered if they were really that bad or if something else was up. Well, later on we get some more details and I just couldn’t help but feeling so sad for the BigWoofs.
Also NOPE to clowns. Bye.
I am normally not one on conspiracy/ufo-obsessed peeps, we got enough of that first one with COVID raging in the early years. But I still couldn’t resist this one and again Lucy wasn’t that bad. Yes, at times she just went a tad far, but for most I just loved seeing her try her darndest to get proof and figure things out.
The ending? Oh boy, that certainly spells out a lot of things for the next one, I am so so curious on how this story is going to go and what more is going on in this town. Because I am sure that this thing isn’t the only thing happening.
All in all, highly recommended if you like a supernatural adventure with cryptids, creepy clowns, friendship, strange things going on, and more. I would definitely love to visit this small town. I am still waiting for the second book to arrive at my home, but I am guessing my the time this review gets up (writing this early January) I will have read and reviewed that one as well.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
When I posted my book haul on Twitter, which included that book about Sasquatch, an author (Louie Stowell) commented and recommended this series to me. Of course I had to get it as soon as I could, I mean, HELLO? Big Foot? Mystery? Strange-going-ons? Sign me up.
Lucy was such a fun character. Sometimes a bit too much OMG I believe, but for most I saw a girl who wanted to be there for her town, help out people, and figure things out. I really liked how she never gave up and how she kept going even when things got very hairy and at times a bit scary. She learned quite a few things about her hometown, battled some scary things, and more. She was strong, though she had to make some tough decisions that had me just wanting to give her a big hug.
I wasn’t always a fan of Milo. At times I really saw a sweet boy who just wanted to be friends with our MC and who just wanted to have a good time in the town… but at other times I just wanted to shake him a bit because HELLO. It is obvious that your dad is up to something. And given how he treats you.. you would think that maybe you would believe it when someone says something is up. But I loved how he came through at times that was needed.
The villain, aka the dad of Milo, was just a perfect villain. He was evil. He wasn’t being stopped, and he knew things. He was determined. I have to say that at times I wanted to yeet him into a lake. Or overfeed him with his own sugary crap. XD
Yes, sugary crap. Because Milo’s dad is making something new with the already existing factory and going by the descriptions of the stuff it is very sweet and very sticky and well, I just didn’t want to try it. I am not that big on sugary things. Especially when they are super sugary. EEW.
The monsters, the BigWoof and also that other thing that appears later on that had me going F NOPE, I loved that. They were scary and weird, but I was also curious. And at times I wondered if they were really that bad or if something else was up. Well, later on we get some more details and I just couldn’t help but feeling so sad for the BigWoofs.
Also NOPE to clowns. Bye.
I am normally not one on conspiracy/ufo-obsessed peeps, we got enough of that first one with COVID raging in the early years. But I still couldn’t resist this one and again Lucy wasn’t that bad. Yes, at times she just went a tad far, but for most I just loved seeing her try her darndest to get proof and figure things out.
The ending? Oh boy, that certainly spells out a lot of things for the next one, I am so so curious on how this story is going to go and what more is going on in this town. Because I am sure that this thing isn’t the only thing happening.
All in all, highly recommended if you like a supernatural adventure with cryptids, creepy clowns, friendship, strange things going on, and more. I would definitely love to visit this small town. I am still waiting for the second book to arrive at my home, but I am guessing my the time this review gets up (writing this early January) I will have read and reviewed that one as well.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
April 8, 2024
This story is absolutely bananas in the best possible way and deserves to be known by everyone!
SO WHAT if it's written for 10-12 year-olds? Be honest now, when has that ever stopped you?
The characters are hilarious, the pacing is excellent, the plot is surprisingly complex and deliciously twisted and everything about it tickled my X-Files-hungry brain in a truly wonderful way. Don't research any further into the plot - the surprises are at least half the fun with this one.
I'm heading on to Book Two in the series. Go order/find/borrow this book! NOW!
SO WHAT if it's written for 10-12 year-olds? Be honest now, when has that ever stopped you?
The characters are hilarious, the pacing is excellent, the plot is surprisingly complex and deliciously twisted and everything about it tickled my X-Files-hungry brain in a truly wonderful way. Don't research any further into the plot - the surprises are at least half the fun with this one.
I'm heading on to Book Two in the series. Go order/find/borrow this book! NOW!
October 23, 2019
Sticky Pines ... where things get weird...
Just my type of book! I really enjoyed this quirky supernatural adventure mystery with a touch of humour and a definite spooky Pacific Northwestern vibe (complete with Twin Peaks quote!) A mysterious ending too that answers a few questions but leaves you wondering...
Dashe writes well and the story ticks along at a good but not too frantic pace. Well worth a read and it looks like there will be more to come in the series.
Just my type of book! I really enjoyed this quirky supernatural adventure mystery with a touch of humour and a definite spooky Pacific Northwestern vibe (complete with Twin Peaks quote!) A mysterious ending too that answers a few questions but leaves you wondering...
Dashe writes well and the story ticks along at a good but not too frantic pace. Well worth a read and it looks like there will be more to come in the series.
May 7, 2024
Naprawdę dobra młodzieżówka, dużo konspiracji, ciekawi bohaterowie. A końcówka zachęca do sięgnięcia po kolejną część
April 23, 2020
Dashe Roberts is another debutant in the world of middle grade children’s books. In what is already a saturated market, The Bigwoof Conspiracy is definitely one that stands out from the crowd and capitalises on the recent surge in popularity of all things sci-fi, think Stranger Things and the like - but a little more child-friendly. Her debut read, Sticky Pines - The Bigwoof Conspiracy, is all the best bits of science-fiction rolled into one big, ‘sweet and sticky’ offering. Much like Lucy, the main protagonist in The Bigwoof Conspiracy, I don’t have all the facts but I would surmise that Roberts was brought up on a TV diet of Alex Mack, The X-Files and Scooby Doo, amongst others.
This is a great read for developing curiosity in children. It teaches them that sometimes they really have to search for the answers if they want to know the truth, and through Lucy they are shown the qualities that are needed. She is tenacious, brave, adventurous and solves problems. Lucy is a great role model for young girls and by introducing Milo as Lucy’s partner in crime, Roberts is able to convey a strong message of female leadership as we see Lucy making decisions, supporting Milo and taking the initiative.
Life is tough when you’re a kid - no-one believes you and no-one will listen. At least this is the predicament that 12 year old Lucy Sladan finds herself in. Just try telling her that there is no such thing as UFO’s; she believes that something ‘extra’ is out there and she’s going to damn well make sure that people start taking her seriously. So when the residents of Sticky Pines start mysteriously disappearing, Lucy is determined to find an explanation for the strange goings-on. Armed with her parent’s old camera and her backpack, she sneaks out into the woods in the middle of the night to find the proof she needs to convince the locals.
After finding rather more than she expected in the woods including a thunderstorm, a hairy monster and a thirteen year old boy named Milo, Lucy is certain she is getting closer to the truth. Lucy and Milo must work together to uncover the mystery of Sticky Pines and its wacky residents. The answers seem to lie in an artificial sweetener, a hairy monster (otherwise known as Bigwoof), a pratfall of clowns and the suspicious Mr. Fisher (Milo’s father). But with ill-fortune seemingly attached to Lucy and with trouble present wherever she goes, it is going to be one big challenge to convince the Sticky Pines locals that they are ‘not alone’, and in uncovering the truth, Lucy might find she has more questions than answers.
Roberts grew up in California and the read does have a strong American flavour to it which I really like - if I think mysterious goings-on, I immediately think USA and Area 51. The story is set in the US which adds authenticity and it works perfectly - the fictitious town of Sticky Pines (or at least I hope it is), The Sticky Sweet Company, Big Crater Valley, Big Crater Mountains - all have that real American feel to them.
This is a funny and fast-paced mystery that will enthuse and capture the interest of even the most reluctant readers. A cracking story full of mystery for readers 8+.
The Bigwoof Conspiracy is the first in a series that will no doubt include more mystery and strange goings-on in Sticky Pines. The next instalment, The Thing At Black Hole Lake, publishes later this year.
This is a great read for developing curiosity in children. It teaches them that sometimes they really have to search for the answers if they want to know the truth, and through Lucy they are shown the qualities that are needed. She is tenacious, brave, adventurous and solves problems. Lucy is a great role model for young girls and by introducing Milo as Lucy’s partner in crime, Roberts is able to convey a strong message of female leadership as we see Lucy making decisions, supporting Milo and taking the initiative.
Life is tough when you’re a kid - no-one believes you and no-one will listen. At least this is the predicament that 12 year old Lucy Sladan finds herself in. Just try telling her that there is no such thing as UFO’s; she believes that something ‘extra’ is out there and she’s going to damn well make sure that people start taking her seriously. So when the residents of Sticky Pines start mysteriously disappearing, Lucy is determined to find an explanation for the strange goings-on. Armed with her parent’s old camera and her backpack, she sneaks out into the woods in the middle of the night to find the proof she needs to convince the locals.
After finding rather more than she expected in the woods including a thunderstorm, a hairy monster and a thirteen year old boy named Milo, Lucy is certain she is getting closer to the truth. Lucy and Milo must work together to uncover the mystery of Sticky Pines and its wacky residents. The answers seem to lie in an artificial sweetener, a hairy monster (otherwise known as Bigwoof), a pratfall of clowns and the suspicious Mr. Fisher (Milo’s father). But with ill-fortune seemingly attached to Lucy and with trouble present wherever she goes, it is going to be one big challenge to convince the Sticky Pines locals that they are ‘not alone’, and in uncovering the truth, Lucy might find she has more questions than answers.
Roberts grew up in California and the read does have a strong American flavour to it which I really like - if I think mysterious goings-on, I immediately think USA and Area 51. The story is set in the US which adds authenticity and it works perfectly - the fictitious town of Sticky Pines (or at least I hope it is), The Sticky Sweet Company, Big Crater Valley, Big Crater Mountains - all have that real American feel to them.
This is a funny and fast-paced mystery that will enthuse and capture the interest of even the most reluctant readers. A cracking story full of mystery for readers 8+.
The Bigwoof Conspiracy is the first in a series that will no doubt include more mystery and strange goings-on in Sticky Pines. The next instalment, The Thing At Black Hole Lake, publishes later this year.
September 19, 2020
WELCOME TO STICKY PINES! Honestly, a place i would love to live! Where there are mysterious lights in the sky; sightings of bigfoot, whose face resembles a bulldog but looks similar to a frog and more conspiracy theories raised than the question "are we truly alone in the universe?!!"
I loved this book!..Yes loved! A word i would normally associate with family and this is what i gained by visiting this quaint little forgotten corner of the world called Sticky Pines!
I routed for 11 year old Lucy throughout this book, who is as persistent as Hermione Granger when it comes to uncovering the truth! I thoroughly adored all the characters who had warmth (one was cold) from the two Mrs Stricks to the man in the banana costume! There is no imagination left unturned when it comes to The Bigwoof Conspiracy which has totally rekindled my childhoods most favourite unsolved mystery, the Bigfoot....and to one day discover, what Pine tree sap actually tastes of!?
I loved this book!..Yes loved! A word i would normally associate with family and this is what i gained by visiting this quaint little forgotten corner of the world called Sticky Pines!
I routed for 11 year old Lucy throughout this book, who is as persistent as Hermione Granger when it comes to uncovering the truth! I thoroughly adored all the characters who had warmth (one was cold) from the two Mrs Stricks to the man in the banana costume! There is no imagination left unturned when it comes to The Bigwoof Conspiracy which has totally rekindled my childhoods most favourite unsolved mystery, the Bigfoot....and to one day discover, what Pine tree sap actually tastes of!?
February 4, 2021
What a lot of fun!
Reading this reminded me of watching Roswell when I was younger.
This book has been on my list for a while to read. It's set in Sticky Pines, where things get weird. Lucy, the main character is curious and asks constant questions. All she wants is to find the truth. What truth will she discover?
This would be a great story to read aloud to your class, the story continues right through to the last chapter!
Reading this reminded me of watching Roswell when I was younger.
This book has been on my list for a while to read. It's set in Sticky Pines, where things get weird. Lucy, the main character is curious and asks constant questions. All she wants is to find the truth. What truth will she discover?
This would be a great story to read aloud to your class, the story continues right through to the last chapter!
June 17, 2020
This has got a real Scooby Doo vibe going on with a great line in child friendly expletives! (What the flying fart?! was my favourite. It didn't end quite as I'd imagined or indeed hoped but (I'm guessing) in a manner which leaves the way free for a sequel. I think the kids at school will love it.
December 5, 2020
Dashe Roberts, a fresh new children’s literature author is wonderful. Her books are for kids or adults looking for mystery and escape. The main character Lucy and her friends will take you on an exciting ride looking for the truth. This is book one of a trilogy. I also just finished book 2 which is even more exciting. Loved the storyline.
May 10, 2020
A great read for kids who like things a bit weeeeiirrrrd (in a good way!) - we loved the spooky sci-fi elements and the sense of mystery kept us all hooked. The characters are really fun and funny too. Fab!
June 7, 2021
Absolutely brilliant tale of an intrepid heroine's quest to uncover the truth, no matter how bizarre. Strong theme of remaining true to yourself against the odds in this quirky mystery full of friendship, laughs, adventure... and truths that may be weirder than anybody anticipated!
February 5, 2020
This is totally not my genre (contemporary paranormal mystery) but it's so much fun that it's bound to be a hit!
September 2, 2020
Love it! Can’t wait to read it in a classroom.
September 21, 2020
What a lovely book for young teenage readers! The main character Lucy is a quirky, intelligent young lady who’s obsessed with everything supernatural. A strong protagonist with a sassy sense of humour. As an adult reader, the story brings back some nostalgic memories of the X-files and perhaps some Scooby Doo.
I loved the setting of the book. The sleepy though mysterious town of Sticky Pines where the supernatural seems to ooze from the trees. Also, a lot of excitement takes place at a local carnival. I loved the descriptions of those surroundings and the characters there (clowns! Bananas!).
I’m looking forward to reading more!
I loved the setting of the book. The sleepy though mysterious town of Sticky Pines where the supernatural seems to ooze from the trees. Also, a lot of excitement takes place at a local carnival. I loved the descriptions of those surroundings and the characters there (clowns! Bananas!).
I’m looking forward to reading more!
February 17, 2022
3.5 stars - a solid middle grade novel. Lots of scooby doo vibes
November 11, 2020
I meant to read this absolutely ages ago when I first got sent it, but I’m kind of glad I didn’t till now, because it was a perfect read for autumn to get me into the mood for Halloween! It’s about a town called Sticky Pines, where people have vanishing seemingly randomly, and a girl called Lucy who decides to try and work out what’s going on with her new friend Milo when she spots a mysterious creature lurking. I did guess some of what was going on, but it’s a really interesting mystery with a sci fi twist and some twists I didn’t see coming at all, and Lucy and Milo’s bantering back and forth was really enjoyable as well. I also liked the overall solution, as well as the hints at the end about what’s to come next in the series, which were incredibly intriguing. On the whole, this is a lot of fun, and a great start to the series!
October 11, 2023
Welcome to Sticky Pines…where things get incredibly strange! The first book of Dashe Roberts’s Sticky Pines series starts with The Bigwoof Conspiracy! A small town is invaded by Bigfoot-like creatures and a little girl, and her friends, try to find the truth.
The spooky and creepy atmosphere of the story comes straight from episodes of The X Files and/or Twin Peaks. But it also brings about a lot of humour and adventure as things get weird (and I, of course, mean that in the best way possible)!
Life can be tough when you’re a child. Every child has an incredible imagination and their imaginations can reach substantial heights when it comes to conspiracy theories. It liberates their mortality phobia of losing their childhood. Finding the unknown is every child’s dream - a call for adventure whenever they need it. This book brought me home. I can’t wait to read Ms Roberts’ next Sticky Pines book! I hope this becomes a proper book series as compared to Harry Potter!
November 24, 2023
Silly, but incredibly fun.
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