Last Chance

Friday Barnes #11

by R.A. Spratt

Crime is afoot in the city of love in the 11th Friday Barnes mystery!

Someone stole the Mona Lisa. Okay, it was over a hundred years ago, but a recently uncovered letter reveals that the thief forged a copy. That means that the painting in the Louvre now is a fake. And the real Mona Lisa could be anywhere!

Friday Barnes needs to find the truth - and the real painting. She's going undercover as an art student, along with her partner-in-crime-solving, Melanie, and her staggeringly good-looking boyfrenemy, Ian.

As they watch the comings and goings of France's most famous art gallery, they see some very strange things. Amid digital pickpockets, guerrilla graffiti and projectile perfume, Friday soon discovers that the Paris art scene is a hotbed of crime.

Genres: Mystery, Middle Grade, Romance, Childrens

196 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 31, 2023

About the author

R.A. Spratt is an award-winning author and television writer. She lives in Bowral, Australia with her husband and two daughters.

Reviews

[Annabel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Been reading this series since i was 10. I'm 17 now and it still holds up

[bookworm ˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆ · Rating 5 out of 5]

ah i love this series

[tahlia · Rating 5 out of 5]

i’ve been reading this series since i was in the fourth grade and i don’t think i’ll ever get sick of reading every new book that comes out, love it wayy too much

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series will always have a place in my heart ❤️

[Yusra ❥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Friday and Ian 🤩🤩

[Amari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Banger as per usual! No matter how old I get, I will continue to buy each newest Friday Barnes release. not only is it an entertaining quick read, but RA Spratt's writing style is not overly childish and uses normal words 👍. I'm beginning to miss Highcrest a bit, so I hope it's involved in no. 12!

[Lila · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to read the new book in the Friday Barnes series, especially since I’m going to see R.A Spratt tomorrow!

I can’t believe how good it is, possibly the best one yet!

[Tiaraglory · Rating 5 out of 5]

At this point I think I'm always going to love Friday Barnes. The humour was so good once again, like I was giggling constantly, everyone is so fun. Friday's dynamic with literally everyone is top tier, she's just always iconic. Then we have my favourite moments... the ship moments. I'm actually still obsessed with Friday and Ian, their dynamic is so iconic, I love them. And then there's Melanie (my beloved) she can do no wrong I love her.
I also really liked the increased diversity in this, compared to most of the earlier books, sometimes it felt a little awkward or forced, but still a genuine, well-intentioned attempt. Besides, it really added to the comedy [Spoiler: everyone just not believing Friday is Ian's girlfriend, so he has to resort to the weird art kid. Absolutely peak.]

[atty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ngl, I was pretty excited for this book, but it wasn't exactly what I thought it'd be like. It might be because I'm older now. But istg there wasn't anywhere enough of Melanie and Ian. Because Ian is the hottest flirt ever and one of my first book boyfriends and I miss him. So I like NEEDED to have loads of him, but there was absolutely nothing. Like cmon, u gonna tell me that writing two or three paragraphs abt him is gonna be anywhere near enough of ma boy?

[elle · Rating 3 out of 5]

just a lil friday and ian boost during exam week

[Bella Troy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Friday Barnes books are always phenomenal and this is no exception. I have loved reading this series since I was 10 (7 years ago!) and still enjoy them to this day. Nice easy read thats always entertaining.

[laaibahhh :) · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘He showed them a photo of Friday and they didn’t believe him,’ said Epstein
AAAAAAAAA he has photos of her 😻💖
‘Hello,’ Ian whispered in Friday’s ear. She shivered. She hadn’t realised he was so close.
‘Can you risk being seen talking to me?’ asked Friday. She wished she could sound cool, but she couldn’t do it. Her voice came across as peevish. ‘I think I can risk talking,’ said Ian. ‘But I can’t risk what I’d like to do.’ Friday glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. She wasn’t sure what he meant. She hated it when people didn’t say exactly what they were trying to say.
‘I’m glad to see you’re feeling better,’ said Ian. ‘Do you want to sneak behind a statue with me?’
Now Friday blushed. ‘I don’t think that’s appropriate.’
HELP WHAT THE
‘No, I’m pretty sure Friday is the one for me,’ said Ian. ‘I find myself strangely attracted to short, cardigan-wearing girls with no social skills.’ awwwwwwww lol
this book just had more cute frian moments really and looking back, i think the mystery wasn't as fleshed out as the other books yk? but love love love
ugh the cliffhanger at the end feels annoying bc i can't find the 12th book but honestly, i

[lily ೀ.ᐟ⭒ · Rating 4 out of 5]

i have been reading this series since i was like 8 and i stopped reading in 2022 because i didnt understand the concept of 'releasing a new book every year' and i was stupid and i realised that ra spratt released 2 more books and i had to read it and somehow it was still entertaining

yipeee

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A super good twist, captivating, and another great addition to the set

[L.R Drew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another lovely book in this incredible series. I loved reading it but the action towards the end didn’t feel as intense as it has in previous books.

[lotte · Rating 3 out of 5]

mmmm like every other book in the series..

[Jenna]

This book is incredible! I can’t wait for book 12!

[Ruby⋆ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it!! ALL I HAVE TO SAY >:)

[Melia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this book felt like finally being home. It was amazing.
This book series was honestly a favourite of mine growing up, and getting to grow up ALONGSIDE the characters is such an incredible experience that I've had with no other series. The satirical humour in these novels is unmatched, and Spratt never fails to entertain. The plots are never jaw-dropping, but they are good enough to keep you turning page after page, and the ending has never disappointed. The romance is wonderful, and seeing Ian and Friday grow up and be kind-of-together has been soooo wonderful. I honestly love how dysfunctional their relationship is, and I love how Spratt has handled Friday PTSD after the ninth book. Theses books are just such a quick read, and have FINALLYYY gotten me out of my reading slump. I don't think I've ever read a series quite as quick as I read Friday Barnes. Gonna be real quick, I don't think I've ever read an enemies-to-lovers that has been as good as this. I mean, Ian literally tried to get Friday arrested in book 2... Modern 'enemies-to-lovers' is literally two people pretending to hate each other cause they are suppose to, but really having secret (not-so-secret) feelings for each other and then quickly become LITERALLY entangled with one another, and its tiresome, and sooooo basic (and give us a SLOW BURN, PLEASEEE. Be realistic, people). Friday Barnes has been a breathe of fresh air!

*now I just need to get the next book cause I don't want this series to end*
edit: I'd swear I'm not in love with Ian, but that would be lying...

[Schizanthus Nerd · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Do you know anything about the Mona Lisa?’

Fun fact Friday knows the Mona Lisa was stolen in 1911 and recovered two years later. Uncle Bernie tells Friday something she didn’t already know; new evidence suggests it’s possible the painting that was returned to the Louvre all of those years ago was a forgery. Off to Paris we go!

‘Since when did Interpol start recruiting teenagers?’ he asked snidely.
‘Since adult behaviour became so ridiculous,’ suggested Friday, looking from him to her colleague restrained on the ground.

Friday Barnes, my favourite girl detective, is a clumsy, socially awkward genius with a best friend who’d rather be sleeping. Melanie’s sleep to page ratio was smaller than usual in this book. Between the allure of free pizza and their time spent undercover as art students, maybe Melanie simply didn’t have time to reach her usual quota of shut-eye.

Oh, and Ian’s in Paris, too. He’s starting to irritate me but Friday still enjoys his company and his kisses. Meanwhile, I haven’t caught up with Friday being old enough to have a boyfriend.

‘I guess if you can find radiation romantic, then there is hope for you after all.’

I miss seeing her solving all manner of mysteries for the students and staff of Highcrest Academy but our Friday is growing up. Although she’s a teenager now, she’s still the Friday I’ve loved since I was introduced to her eleven books ago, “fluent in science nerd” but directionally challenged.

Each time I catch up with Friday, there are a bunch of smaller mysteries to solve as we figure out the primary one. It doesn’t seem that long ago that I feared I’d investigated alongside Friday for the final time. I love that I’ll be able to spend more time with her soon. I only wish this series existed when I was a kid.

I’m most looking forward to receiving my invitation to Binky and Ingrid’s wedding.

Blog - https://schizanthusnerd.com/

[Nina Kayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Friday Barnes 11: Last Chance by R.A. Spratt is a great addition to the beloved detective series. In this book, Friday Barnes tackles new mysteries at Highcrest Academy with her usual sharp intellect and quirky charm. Spratt’s witty writing and clever plot twists keep readers hooked from start to finish. Themes of friendship, loyalty, and the pursuit of truth add depth to the engaging story. A must-read for fans and newcomers alike, this instalment continues the tradition and excellence of the Friday Barnes series.

[Adelaide Van Klaveren · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading this series when I was ten years old. Years later, I'm still OBSESSED. Although it's quite short compared to most novels I read now, I still enjoy it's simplicity and plot. And omg the characters I love so much. Ian and Friday make me so happy and I'm so glad to see them (kinda) together after so many books and Ian is such a simp im dying.

[Cally Stephens · Rating 3 out of 5]

As always, Friday Barnes brought back childhood memories of trying to figure out the mystery. I enjoyed it very much, although the simple language is to be expected from a children's book. Other than that, the short story is very fun to read.

[Sean Harding · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spratt's Jacks #25
Friday Barnes #11
Well another cracking yarn in the Friday Barnes series, with the most likeable Friday and her array of wonderful side characters and a great story to add to the mix.
More please Ms Spratt!!

[Olivia Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

IAN WAINSCOTT😍😍😍😍

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now what do I read?

[Adeline Hanson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ian + Epstein forever <3

[Fatima · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute as always. Not my favourite mystery, though. But it’s always fun spending some time with Friday and friends. Bernie was great this time around.

[✧ CLAUDIBLE ✧ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The series that got me into reading, always will have a huge part in my heart.
seriously recommend for any ages though, so good.