Lori and Max

by Catherine O'Flynn

’This thrilling, funny, perceptive detective story is in a class of its own.' The Times Children’s Book of the Week

’A wittily told detective story about two eccentric and endearing girls - it’s a real page-turner.' Jacqueline Wilson

Absolutely wonderful! Nina Stibbe

Lori wants to be a detective, but so far the most exciting mystery she has solved is the disappearance of her nan's specs down the side of the sofa. Max is the new girl at school and Lori is asked to look after her. Max is odd. She doesn't fit in - but then, Lori realises, she doesn't really fit in either.

When some charity money goes missing and Max disappears, Lori seems to be the only person who doesn't think Max has stolen it and run away. Even the police don't want to investigate and suddenly Lori finds she has a real crime on her hands.

Genres: Childrens, Middle Grade, Crime

202 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 5, 2019

About the author

Catherine O'Flynn, born in 1970, is a British writer.

Her debut novel, What Was Lost, won the Costa First Novel Award, was shortlisted for the Guardian First Book Award, The Commonwealth Writers' Prize and The Southbank Show Literature Award. It was longlisted for the Booker and Orange Prizes. She was named Waterstone’s Newcomer of the Year at the 2008 Galaxy British Book Awards.


Her second novel The News Where You Are, published in 2010, was shortlisted for the Bollinger Everyman Wodehouse Prize, an Edgar Allen Poe Award and was a Channel 4 TV Book Club selection.

Her third novel Mr Lynch's Holiday is published in 2013.

Reviews

[Amy West · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a highly engaging read, which I read over one evening. As a lover of adult mystery thrillers I feel the mystery of this children's book was interesting and didn't disappoint in comparison.
Would recommend for younger readers.
Thanks to Netgalley for allowing me to read an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.

[Lindsey Ingate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lori and Max is a detective story about two girls in year 6 who try to solve mysteries within their classroom. Although the premise of young detectives seemed exciting and could introduce children to a new career path through the eyes of their peers, the mysteries were all rather anti-climactic. That isn’t to say that Lori and Max was not an enjoyable read; the characters were still interesting and innovative narrative techniques were used, particularly in the epilogue when recounting “where they are now” for each of the characters.
One clear positive of O’Flynn’s book was the representation it gave to underprivileged families. Max comes from a difficult background with a father who gambles and a mother who has been diagnosed with depression, meaning the family struggle to take care of Max and often the only meal she gets in a day is the free school meal with which she is provided. In a subject that’s not talked about very much in children's books, this could provide validation for children who are feeling trapped in an underprivileged situation that they are being represented. However, as this is a sensitive topic, I would not recommend this book as a class reader but more on an individual basis so the topics, which were more important than the narrative, could be grappled with on an individual basis.
Depending on the individual child’s maturity and reading level, this book could be suitable for children aged 7-11.

[Emma Jarvis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book would be appropriate for Year 5 children to read. The mystery of Max’s disappearance was gripping and the severity of the stakes she was in would be enthralling to young readers. The story ends very happily but does revolve around tricky topics such as addiction and neglect from Max’s family, as well as Lori being orphaned as a baby. I would say that this book would appeal to both boys and girls, and nuanced language choices such as ‘the Clandestino’s’ make it suitable for a range of reading abilities. The stark contrasts between Max and Lori’s family life, especially in terms of money/ possessions make it very useful in accurately yet simply depicting the lives of many children who unfortunately live close to the poverty line. This topic could be sensitive to some readers, especially scenes with Max’s parents, but both girls are undoubtedly heroines, ultimately exuding positivity. This is one of my favourite books that I read during this exercise, and is one I would recommend strongly in the future.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so good that I read it in about an hour.
We follow two school friends with very different lives.
When one of the friends gets kidnapped the other o e sets off on a mission to rescue her.

[Roberta · Rating 4 out of 5]

I chose this book because I love children’s/middle grade crime (for example Robin Stevens). It is usually told in a way that is less tense than adult crime.

I liked Lori a lot, she seems smart and determined. I liked the way she befriended Max, even though she tried to keep her distance. Max seemed even smarter than Lori, though I think it’s just that she’s more experienced. I enjoyed the plot, and the fact the Lori tried to give information to the police, even if they didn’t really listen. I loved the bit at the end where it goes through all the characters and says what they’re up to now. Unfortunately, I did find this story to be a little more tense than I prefer.

I’d recommend this book to anyone looking for an exciting children’s crime story, that brings in realism, but without getting too scary for middle grade aged kids.

I was given a free copy of this book. My opinions are my own.

[Roberta Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stunning contemporary detective story for children! I read this book after its sequel, and I really enjoyed finding out more backstory on Lori and Max. They are great characters! Lori is a dedicated, obsessive detective, who had many autistic traits. Max joins her school after moving school lots of times and also doesn't fit in, trying to hide her mum's depression and dad's gambling problem. I loved the realistic depiction of a modern school and children's lives, that was still humorous and cheery. A mystery appears at school when charity money goes missing, and Max gets the blame. I enjoyed reading this story myself, and would recommend it to anyone 8+.

[Viki Holmes · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic read. It can be tricky finding mystery stories for elementary students: finding the balance of compelling but not too grisly. This nicely self-aware story of two misfits and their growing friendship, which gets interrupted by a kidnapping, gets the balance spot on. Well-crafted setting, nicely drawn characters, and nicely pacey as the threat level builds. I loved this.

[Mr K F McGahon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Modern Classic

A wonderful book, full of excitement and humour. Anyone you give it to will be eternally grateful. I hope this is the start of a beautiful friendship.

[Loris Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly enjoyable, feel-good book for middle-grade readers. MP has a brilliant voice, very funny. An easy-to-follow detective romp that is suitable even for less confident readers.

[MrsD271015 D · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me hooked from the start. I was expecting a light hearted children’s detective story and was taken a back by how serious and deep it was. There’s a lot more to the characters and their back stories are a great inclusion that doesn’t define the sort but adds to it. It touches on some very real issues that impact on children in a way that is accessible to all who read it. This detective mystery will be a hit with children aged 9+ Lori is a determined detective wannabe and Max is a master of disguise hiding her true self as a way of self preservation. A budding friendship and adventure unfolds. This book had me laughing and crying and I look forward to reading the next instalment

[Miss · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do you do when a policeman turns up at your school, wanting you to share secrets that a friend has told you? When is it okay to break your promise?

When Max starts at yet another new school, she doesn't expect to make a friend. And Lori doesn't expect a friend with so many secrets. But when Max disappears at the same time as a whole lot of charity money, only budding detective Lori believes that she hasn't run away.

I thoroughly enjoyed this fast-paced detective story, with humour but also some very serious undertones. Perfect for 7-10 year olds.

[Anna Katharine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun, fast, touching story of an aspiring junior detective ready to take on a real case instead of just finding her Nan's glasses case. When new girl Max is accused of stealing class funds to run away, Lori smells a rat- but can't convince adults to believe her. An accidental communication and some clever deductions lead her to the truth. I appreciated the age-appropriate discussions of gambling addition and depression. Love the cover by one of my favorite contemporary illustrators, Jen Hall.

[Molly Oldershaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. It’s the story of two girls who meet at school. Lori has always loved reading crime novels and dreams of being a detective. And then Max, the girl who goes missing. It seems like these two girls are bound to meet eventually. Read this book to uncover secrets and see if justice will be served.

[Vincent Ripley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good detective story, realistic, heartfelt with a quirky twist. Features children with different social backgrounds. That makes for some interesting humor whilst instilling a good feel factor at the end. A book you might want to track down.

[M Lam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

This book was amazing and I would definitely recommend it to younger children.

The only problem is that I couldn’t put it down.

[Andrea Barlien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great detective adventure story with great female characters. Jolly good yarn. My Y7s will love it!

[Amelie Place · Rating 4 out of 5]

So fun and exciting best book ive read in ages X )

[Ella Storey · Rating 4 out of 5]

To be honest, I didn't think I would like this book, and I don't know why I started reading it. Turns out... I LOVED IT!!! This just shows have faith in what you read.

[Zoe James-Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

When money goes missing from the classroom new girl Max becomes the suspect. But her friend and wannabe detective Lori is determined to prove Max's innocence. When Max disappears, can Lori solve the mystery? A contemporary whodunnit with two endearing and quirky heroines. The twists and turns are dealt with a sleight of hand that will have you guessing until the end. Full of laughter, excitement and empathy this is the perfect pick for budding sleuths.