What do you think?
Rate this book
Johnny Delgado: Private Detective
Johnny Delgado
When Johnny Delgado decided to become a private detective, it seemed like such a good idea at the time. But when you live in a council estate as rough as his, things soon become a little too interesting. He soon finds himself out of his depth and in big trouble.
- GenresMysteryYoung Adult
96 pages, Paperback
First published January 22, 2006
6 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
About the author
Kevin Brooks
60 books877 followersKevin Brooks was born in 1959 and grew up in Exeter, Devon, England. He studied Psychology and Philosophy at Birmingham, Aston University in 1980 and Cultural Studies in London in 1983. Kevin Brooks has been in a variety of jobs including: musician, gasoline station attendant, crematorium handyman, civil service clerk, hot dog vendor at the London Zoo, post office clerk, and railway ticket office clerk.
Kevin Brooks's writing career started with the publication of Martyn Pig in 2002 through The Chicken House which won the Branford Boase Award 2003 and was shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal. He also wrote Lucas (2002) which was shortlisted for the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize and Booktrust Teenage Prize in 2003 also winning the North East Book Award in 2004.
In 2004 he published Kissing the Rain and Bloodline and I See You, Baby and Candy in 2005. In 2006 he published 3 books including: Johnny Delgado Series - Like Father, Like Son and Private Detective as well as The Road of the Dead; a standalone novel. In February 2008 he published the standalone book Black Rabbit Summer.
As a child, Kevin Brooks enjoyed reading detective novels. He writes most plots of the various books he has written around crime fiction. He likes mystery and suspence and enjoys putting both of those components into each and every story he writes in some shape or form.
Kevin Brooks's writing career started with the publication of Martyn Pig in 2002 through The Chicken House which won the Branford Boase Award 2003 and was shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal. He also wrote Lucas (2002) which was shortlisted for the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize and Booktrust Teenage Prize in 2003 also winning the North East Book Award in 2004.
In 2004 he published Kissing the Rain and Bloodline and I See You, Baby and Candy in 2005. In 2006 he published 3 books including: Johnny Delgado Series - Like Father, Like Son and Private Detective as well as The Road of the Dead; a standalone novel. In February 2008 he published the standalone book Black Rabbit Summer.
As a child, Kevin Brooks enjoyed reading detective novels. He writes most plots of the various books he has written around crime fiction. He likes mystery and suspence and enjoys putting both of those components into each and every story he writes in some shape or form.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 30, 2024
Three and a half stars - good for yr 8-10 boys. Short but lots of action.
December 8, 2016
Page 1
Peter Jiang
Mrs.Elshoff
English
November 28 2016
The Change of A Kid to A Private Detective
The life of a private detective, and what is good and bad for him, he wants to found out who killed his father. The story is tells a kid named Johnny who wants to be a private detective and one day in the morning two most beautiful girls is sitting in his bedroom and give him a case for 50$, and it is about a murder case and he does think that much and take the case and now he thinks he should not do it, because it is dangerous, But still author set him up in this conflict and he is starting to in investigate into it, but the more deeper he get more dangerous he get. He has been set up, his friend set him up and put him into a murder sense that the murder weapon is on his hand the the dead man's blood is all over his body. Then the author give a characterization, and the old lady who know about his dad and mother. Author use the Cliffhanger to show that it can be as long as possible, but the justice is still there. In Johnny Delgado Private Detective Kevin Brooks conveys the value of justice by utilizing conflict, characterization, and a Cliffhanger
Page 2
In this book the author set up two conflict, one which is the case that Johnny starting with, and other is about his father’s death. Both conflict have a same idea is that no matter how long or how hard is the problem we must found the true, and the value of justice. He show this by using Johnny get into a murder case which he is set up by his friend and he is weak up in a totally place with a dead body beside him, but for the most of all the police is here too now he don’t know what to do, and what to think. In this moment there is an old lady who safe him, and she know about his mother. However he find the murder who kills the dead guy, and put him in justice.
The author let the old lady save him, but in advance the old lady ask Johnny to tell him what is the case about or she will not help him. So Johnny tells everything. When the old lady is getting Johnny out of the town, in the book she said: “I’ve had a lot of practice(49)” The reader can infer that the old lady is been waiting to this to happen, and she know what is going to happen. The author set up a characterization similar with narrative who know everything in the book, and she safety The author let she safe Johnny so that Johnny can keep going on the solve the unsolved problem, and finish the justice about his father and himself.
Author left a cliffhanger the let the reader see that even you only know a little thing and it have been really long time. We still need to to solve and value the justice. In the book “It’s not much to go on, I know. But, like I say, I ‘m working on it.” The reader can infer this as cliffhanger that he need to solve it even though he have little clue, and this is what the author think what is the value of justice.
Kevin Brooks conveys the value of justice by make the character got into a conflict that have real long term, characterization, and a Cliffhanger.Then he think by doing this can make reader infer no matter how long and the it must be solve. Johnny really want to find out who killed his father but he know it is been to long and he is became a private detective now he believe himself if he keep digging he will found out, and by using the characterization will show the reader see how it is reality back then. The author conflict shows that reader, that one side speak is not enough for the justice explame that Johnny get trap and blame by murder but at least he find the evidence to proof his is not murder.
Peter Jiang
Mrs.Elshoff
English
November 28 2016
The Change of A Kid to A Private Detective
The life of a private detective, and what is good and bad for him, he wants to found out who killed his father. The story is tells a kid named Johnny who wants to be a private detective and one day in the morning two most beautiful girls is sitting in his bedroom and give him a case for 50$, and it is about a murder case and he does think that much and take the case and now he thinks he should not do it, because it is dangerous, But still author set him up in this conflict and he is starting to in investigate into it, but the more deeper he get more dangerous he get. He has been set up, his friend set him up and put him into a murder sense that the murder weapon is on his hand the the dead man's blood is all over his body. Then the author give a characterization, and the old lady who know about his dad and mother. Author use the Cliffhanger to show that it can be as long as possible, but the justice is still there. In Johnny Delgado Private Detective Kevin Brooks conveys the value of justice by utilizing conflict, characterization, and a Cliffhanger
Page 2
In this book the author set up two conflict, one which is the case that Johnny starting with, and other is about his father’s death. Both conflict have a same idea is that no matter how long or how hard is the problem we must found the true, and the value of justice. He show this by using Johnny get into a murder case which he is set up by his friend and he is weak up in a totally place with a dead body beside him, but for the most of all the police is here too now he don’t know what to do, and what to think. In this moment there is an old lady who safe him, and she know about his mother. However he find the murder who kills the dead guy, and put him in justice.
The author let the old lady save him, but in advance the old lady ask Johnny to tell him what is the case about or she will not help him. So Johnny tells everything. When the old lady is getting Johnny out of the town, in the book she said: “I’ve had a lot of practice(49)” The reader can infer that the old lady is been waiting to this to happen, and she know what is going to happen. The author set up a characterization similar with narrative who know everything in the book, and she safety The author let she safe Johnny so that Johnny can keep going on the solve the unsolved problem, and finish the justice about his father and himself.
Author left a cliffhanger the let the reader see that even you only know a little thing and it have been really long time. We still need to to solve and value the justice. In the book “It’s not much to go on, I know. But, like I say, I ‘m working on it.” The reader can infer this as cliffhanger that he need to solve it even though he have little clue, and this is what the author think what is the value of justice.
Kevin Brooks conveys the value of justice by make the character got into a conflict that have real long term, characterization, and a Cliffhanger.Then he think by doing this can make reader infer no matter how long and the it must be solve. Johnny really want to find out who killed his father but he know it is been to long and he is became a private detective now he believe himself if he keep digging he will found out, and by using the characterization will show the reader see how it is reality back then. The author conflict shows that reader, that one side speak is not enough for the justice explame that Johnny get trap and blame by murder but at least he find the evidence to proof his is not murder.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2013
Johnny Delgado, who wants to be a detective, finally has his first case. A really hot girl has paid him $50 to find out if her boyfriend, Lee Kirk, is cheating on her. Upon taking the job, Johnny realizes he has broken two of the three rules he has set for himself. His rules are simple. Rule #1: Never get involved with relationship problems; Rule #2: Never get involved with local gangs; and Rule #3: Never get involved with the police. He has now broken rules one and two. Still, he has agreed to solve the case.
When Johnny realizes he has been framed for the murder of the current gang boss, Tyrell Jones, by Lee Kirk, he must use his wits to save himself. With the help of his friend, Della, her brother, Marcus, a former client, Toog, and an elderly woman, Betty Travis, Johnny is able to prove his innocence and find out the name of the man who supposedly murdered his father.
This is a short novel has everything a reluctant reader needs—beautiful girls, murder, gangs, and non-stop action, all in under a hundred pages! The story is told in first person by Johnny Delgado, a likable teenage boy, who aspires to be the next Sherlock Holmes. Other characters in the book are extremely interesting—Della, who has a heart condition; Marcus, who knows everything that goes on in the projects; Toog, a large, forgetful man with a soft heart; and Betty Travis, the spry old woman who seems much younger than she actually is.
Johnny Delgado: Private Detective is reminiscent of the old Encyclopedia Brown mysteries, but for older readers. Avid mystery and detective fans will really enjoy it! I recommend it for high school libraries needing hi/lo additions to their collections.
**Reviewer's note: The copy reviewed was received from Library Media Connection in exchange for an honest review.
When Johnny realizes he has been framed for the murder of the current gang boss, Tyrell Jones, by Lee Kirk, he must use his wits to save himself. With the help of his friend, Della, her brother, Marcus, a former client, Toog, and an elderly woman, Betty Travis, Johnny is able to prove his innocence and find out the name of the man who supposedly murdered his father.
This is a short novel has everything a reluctant reader needs—beautiful girls, murder, gangs, and non-stop action, all in under a hundred pages! The story is told in first person by Johnny Delgado, a likable teenage boy, who aspires to be the next Sherlock Holmes. Other characters in the book are extremely interesting—Della, who has a heart condition; Marcus, who knows everything that goes on in the projects; Toog, a large, forgetful man with a soft heart; and Betty Travis, the spry old woman who seems much younger than she actually is.
Johnny Delgado: Private Detective is reminiscent of the old Encyclopedia Brown mysteries, but for older readers. Avid mystery and detective fans will really enjoy it! I recommend it for high school libraries needing hi/lo additions to their collections.
**Reviewer's note: The copy reviewed was received from Library Media Connection in exchange for an honest review.
June 13, 2016
I received a copy of this title from Allen & Unwin for review.
Ten Second Synopsis:
Johnny lives in North Tower of an estate with his mum, after his dad - a policeman - was killed in a botched drug raid. Hoping to make it as a private detective, Johnny will stop at nothing to find out the truth, particularly when it involves his family, but in doing so, will put those he loves in danger.
For a high interest/low reading level YA offering, this is a remarkably engaging and suspenseful book. Despite this not being my particular preference for content in YA contemporary, I will admit to being riveted by Johnny's story because it is action-packed from beginning to end. The stories are aimed at readers of YA who can handle mature themes such as drug use, gang warfare and urban poverty. The stories don't shy away from the overbearing sense of despair and entrapment in the poverty cycle that pervades the estate in which Johnny lives, and the writing brings to life the depressing conditions of council house tenants living cheek by jowl.
The characters are, for the most part, authentic representations of the kinds of folk who might populate such an estate and Johnny himself is believable as a young man driven to discover the truth behind his father's death. The vivid action and, dare I say, believable violence contained in the stories will no doubt be a draw-card for reluctant male readers, but overall I would recommend having a look at this series simply for the exciting narrative style, suspenseful action and graphic depictions of urban life in a rough locale.
Ten Second Synopsis:
Johnny lives in North Tower of an estate with his mum, after his dad - a policeman - was killed in a botched drug raid. Hoping to make it as a private detective, Johnny will stop at nothing to find out the truth, particularly when it involves his family, but in doing so, will put those he loves in danger.
For a high interest/low reading level YA offering, this is a remarkably engaging and suspenseful book. Despite this not being my particular preference for content in YA contemporary, I will admit to being riveted by Johnny's story because it is action-packed from beginning to end. The stories are aimed at readers of YA who can handle mature themes such as drug use, gang warfare and urban poverty. The stories don't shy away from the overbearing sense of despair and entrapment in the poverty cycle that pervades the estate in which Johnny lives, and the writing brings to life the depressing conditions of council house tenants living cheek by jowl.
The characters are, for the most part, authentic representations of the kinds of folk who might populate such an estate and Johnny himself is believable as a young man driven to discover the truth behind his father's death. The vivid action and, dare I say, believable violence contained in the stories will no doubt be a draw-card for reluctant male readers, but overall I would recommend having a look at this series simply for the exciting narrative style, suspenseful action and graphic depictions of urban life in a rough locale.
October 24, 2025
A short, action-packed dyslexic-friendly book. The first part of the story deals with Johnny setting himself up as a teenage detective and ending up getting framed for murder. Along the way he discovers something about his father, a police detective who had died in a drugs raid. The second part of the story follows him getting to the bottom of that mystery.
It's an urban setting and touches on gangs, corruption, guns, violence and drug use. Probably best for readers 12+ as it doesn't shy away from depicting a gritty reality. I think it will serve it's purpose well as a book that will interest older readers with low reading ability. It's not long enough to give the characters and story the depth they deserve but that's the payoff for a book that's short enough to be manageable/have appeal for reluctant readers.
It's an urban setting and touches on gangs, corruption, guns, violence and drug use. Probably best for readers 12+ as it doesn't shy away from depicting a gritty reality. I think it will serve it's purpose well as a book that will interest older readers with low reading ability. It's not long enough to give the characters and story the depth they deserve but that's the payoff for a book that's short enough to be manageable/have appeal for reluctant readers.
July 13, 2025
Wow that was a hell of a book. I think Johnny was wayyy too distracted with Carly and Bex. I like Marcus’s vibe like the cool kid who knows everything somehow. Leaving me on a cliffhanger and I really want to know who killed Johnny’s dad besides the name but I need to know who he actually was in detail. Man Della is mad smart she did make a smart move tho I can’t lie..
He should’ve just let Lee fall but then he wouldn’t have known who killed his father. But honestly that was a good book..
He should’ve just let Lee fall but then he wouldn’t have known who killed his father. But honestly that was a good book..
August 16, 2019
I didn't particularly enjoy this or think it was very good
July 29, 2021
Exciting, well written and concise. Good job he has some friends or he would be in a right pickle! Every detective has to start somewhere.
May 6, 2013
Johnny Delgado Private Detective Lerner Publishing Group, Inc., 2006, 81 pp., $6.95
Kevin Brooks ISBN 978-1-78112-115-3
Johnny Delgado, a private detective, just accepted a case with the biggest and most troublesome gang member in his neighborhood, Lee Kirk. When two beautiful girl ends up in his house just to ask him on to the case, he couldn’t resist it, who could? After finally waking up, Johnny realized the problems at hand. He’s in big trouble.
A mystery detective piece, Johnny Delgado Private Detective, written by Kevin Brooks, portrays a young private detective. He started to dig up information on the toughest and meanest of the Westies, a gang chilling in the West tower, Lee Kirk. That’s when he got himself in trouble. The author doesn’t really tell us the background of our character, just parts of it, and that leaves reader’s like me wondering.
I thought it was awesome following the clues left by the author and revealing the main character’s background. As the story got closer to the conflict, it made me more excited. Tons of questions popped out at me and I kept wondering how it would end.
Though the story is kind of short, the author really put good things and details into the book, I would recommend this to readers of all ages especially teenagers because they can relate more.
Kevin Brooks ISBN 978-1-78112-115-3
Johnny Delgado, a private detective, just accepted a case with the biggest and most troublesome gang member in his neighborhood, Lee Kirk. When two beautiful girl ends up in his house just to ask him on to the case, he couldn’t resist it, who could? After finally waking up, Johnny realized the problems at hand. He’s in big trouble.
A mystery detective piece, Johnny Delgado Private Detective, written by Kevin Brooks, portrays a young private detective. He started to dig up information on the toughest and meanest of the Westies, a gang chilling in the West tower, Lee Kirk. That’s when he got himself in trouble. The author doesn’t really tell us the background of our character, just parts of it, and that leaves reader’s like me wondering.
I thought it was awesome following the clues left by the author and revealing the main character’s background. As the story got closer to the conflict, it made me more excited. Tons of questions popped out at me and I kept wondering how it would end.
Though the story is kind of short, the author really put good things and details into the book, I would recommend this to readers of all ages especially teenagers because they can relate more.
April 5, 2016
I don't really know what I think of this book. It's...short. and not in a good way. I picked up this book expecting a short simple mystery. It's not. Not even close. This book is so short, it's not even a novella, it's a short story. There's no character development, world building, or really...anything. the one thing that was good about this book was the voice. The voice was unique, and pretty well done.
Overall I'm glad it only took me a half of an hour to read, otherwise it would have been a waste of my time.
Overall I'm glad it only took me a half of an hour to read, otherwise it would have been a waste of my time.
November 3, 2011
I enjoyed reading this book. I like mystery books because you never really know whats gonna happen next. During this book they made me feel confused but at the end they put all the pieces back together and had a surprise ending. This book was about a young boy named Johnny who wanted to be a spy. His first mission was so get some information on the runner up for head gangster but gets framed of killing the head gangster and ends up getting into some serious trouble.
June 18, 2012
The flow of the story is good but sadly Johnny Delgado isn't much of a detective. As he doesn't even know much about the people around him, however his girlfriend's brother seems to be the real Detective in the story. Well for me its more of a tragedy than a detective story. However the book it self is good. Sorry if this spoiled your curiosity.
Read
May 31, 2016Johnny wants to be a detective, and he's got it all figured out. So what is he to do when two of the most beautiful girls in the world give him a job to investigate? Investigate it of course. But quickly things spin out of Johnny's control, and he gets tangled up with the local gangs. Can he work out how he's ended up in this mess?
May 24, 2012
This book wasn't what I usually go for but it looked intresting and in the end I was glad I read it. Johnny gets set up for murder by gang leader Lee and must be quick witted to reveal the truth.
Great book, well written and told.
Great book, well written and told.
November 28, 2012
Easy to read, easy to follow, jumps right in. The ending leaves the reader wanting a sequel to find out if Johnny is able to avenge his father. While I don't think this is the best book on the list, it is worth recognizing. A YES vote for me.
May 28, 2013
Good easy to read mystery that would be a great read aloud for a class.
November 2, 2015
best book ever!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews