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The Brixton Brothers #2
The Ghostwriter Secret
Steve Brixton is fast becoming America's top detective. After saving the United States of America in The Case of the Case of Mistaken Identity, he has opened his own agency. Steve gets a call to solve the case of the Fairview diamond but it turns into an even bigger mystery. MacArthur Bart, author of Steve's beloved Bailey Brothers series, has been kidnapped!! And there is only one 12-year-old detective who can find him. But not without the help of his best chum Dana and The Bailey Brothers Detective Handbook. Full of run-ins with goons, bullys, and the B. Syndicate (or is that Bee Syndicate?), The *Ghostwriter Secret will keep everyone laughing with suspense.
*Please note Steve encounters no specters in the course of this book.
226 pages, Hardcover
First published October 5, 2010
28 people are currently reading
294 people want to read
About the author
Mac Barnett
93 books1,349 followersBorn to non-farmers in a California farming community, Mac Barnett now lives near San Francisco. He's on the board of directors of 826LA, a nonprofit writing center for students in Los Angeles, and he founded the Echo Park Time Travel Mart, a convenience store for time travelers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
January 7, 2017
How could anything compare to the clever and hilarious first installment of this series? This book almost didn't make five stars until the last few chapters. Serious suprises there. And then more suprises. And even more. The plot is as good as if Steven Moffat wrote a kids' book. The writing style was fantastic (and funny!) as always, and it was fun to see Dana getting in on the adventures. I especially enjoyed that there were again. ;) Not recommended for younger readers because of some disrespect of adults and intense action including kidnapping, and . Also Dana is .
Best quote: Anyway, now Steve had a huge bag of red Jolly Ranchers. And this was a problem. Because his second favorite flavor, watermelon, was red, but so was the flavor he hated most: cherry, a.k.a. disgusting cough syrup. And since watermelon and cherry looked exactly the same, Steve was constantly putting the wrong one in his mouth and then spitting it out.
Altogether--yeah, I need the rest of the series pronto. :D
Best quote: Anyway, now Steve had a huge bag of red Jolly Ranchers. And this was a problem. Because his second favorite flavor, watermelon, was red, but so was the flavor he hated most: cherry, a.k.a. disgusting cough syrup. And since watermelon and cherry looked exactly the same, Steve was constantly putting the wrong one in his mouth and then spitting it out.
Altogether--yeah, I need the rest of the series pronto. :D
January 2, 2017
Haha! Brilliant! Ace!
January 24, 2019
a little scary at points, but again, a page turner. Ghost writers, we're on to you!
December 19, 2023
The Ghostwriter Secret is the second book in the Brixton Brothers series. At the time that I started reading it, I didn't know that. This was a random book that I assumed would be one that I'd pick up for one day and then move on. However, that wasn't the cause. The plot was very interesting to me and the plot twists just added more spice to it. I couldn't put the book down as I continuously read urged to find out what would happen next. I truly enjoyed reading this book and recommend it to others who are interested in topics along the lines of mystery and detectives.
January 27, 2014
Steve Brixton is back with more adventures, more mysteries, more danger, and more trouble!
After the success of his first mystery, The Case of the Case of Mistaken Identity, Steve has opened his own detective agency, the Brixton Brothers' Detective Agency--even though Steve is an only child. (It just sounds better, okay!?) He gets a mysterious letter from Macarthur Bart, author of the Bailey Brothers books, Steve's favorites and his inspiration. Macarthur Bart is in trouble and he needs Steve's help. And so begins Steve's next case, with twists and turns and plenty of laughs.
Mac Barnett has managed to outdo the first Brixton Brothers book--this one was more suspenseful, more humorous, and more fun. I listened to the audiobook and Arte Johnson nails it yet again. I laughed out loud. In my car. By myself. Great stuff, easily recommended, grades 3 and up.
After the success of his first mystery, The Case of the Case of Mistaken Identity, Steve has opened his own detective agency, the Brixton Brothers' Detective Agency--even though Steve is an only child. (It just sounds better, okay!?) He gets a mysterious letter from Macarthur Bart, author of the Bailey Brothers books, Steve's favorites and his inspiration. Macarthur Bart is in trouble and he needs Steve's help. And so begins Steve's next case, with twists and turns and plenty of laughs.
Mac Barnett has managed to outdo the first Brixton Brothers book--this one was more suspenseful, more humorous, and more fun. I listened to the audiobook and Arte Johnson nails it yet again. I laughed out loud. In my car. By myself. Great stuff, easily recommended, grades 3 and up.
August 13, 2015
This is the second book in the Brixton Brothers series by Mac Barnett. The story is an action-packed, fun, fast read and will likely appeal to grades 4-6.
I was highly distracted while reading this book and constantly put it down to read something else. I think I am beginning to tire of the silliness of the story, but I know our girls have really liked them. We have the next book, It Happened on a Train, and I'm sure I'll give it a try. But I'm glad the series is a short one.
interesting quote:
"I have a hunch, and a hunch is the most powerful thing a detective can have." (p. 126)
I was highly distracted while reading this book and constantly put it down to read something else. I think I am beginning to tire of the silliness of the story, but I know our girls have really liked them. We have the next book, It Happened on a Train, and I'm sure I'll give it a try. But I'm glad the series is a short one.
interesting quote:
"I have a hunch, and a hunch is the most powerful thing a detective can have." (p. 126)
October 27, 2010
Excerpt from an interview with my son:
What did you think of this book?
M: Well I think that it's good, and the cover gives you a really good idea of how it is -- exciting, but also like kind of suspenseful. On the cover, you see them underwater in a pool with bullets coming down, and that is really suspenseful.
YNL: Because?
M: Because, well, I don't want to ruin anything if you haven't read the book...
YNL: But I have.
M: Ok well then because THAT ACTUALLY HAPPENS IN THE BOOK!!
YNL: The bullets raining down on them in the pool.
M: Yes!
YNL: And that's important to you because...
M: Kids do not usually get shot at in kids books! That part was great!
Full review on Pink Me: http://pinkme.typepad.com/pink-me/201...
What did you think of this book?
M: Well I think that it's good, and the cover gives you a really good idea of how it is -- exciting, but also like kind of suspenseful. On the cover, you see them underwater in a pool with bullets coming down, and that is really suspenseful.
YNL: Because?
M: Because, well, I don't want to ruin anything if you haven't read the book...
YNL: But I have.
M: Ok well then because THAT ACTUALLY HAPPENS IN THE BOOK!!
YNL: The bullets raining down on them in the pool.
M: Yes!
YNL: And that's important to you because...
M: Kids do not usually get shot at in kids books! That part was great!
Full review on Pink Me: http://pinkme.typepad.com/pink-me/201...
June 30, 2017
If "Danger is the snack food of a true sleuth", Jack will never be hungry in this second Brixton Brothers novel. A stolen diamond, a kidnapped author, guns, warehouse fires and, worst of all, angry parents. Jack and Dana are up to their eyeballs in plot twists and dead ends as they try to piece together what's really happened to MacArthur Bart, famed author of The Bailey Brothers Mysteries. With no help from the police, including Rick, the police officer dating Jack's mom, the boys take matters into their own hands. But, as the Bailey Brothers say: "Ace sleuths must always keep their cool - even when the danger is red hot."
With tongue-in-cheek humor and great retro illustrations, this is a fun read!
With tongue-in-cheek humor and great retro illustrations, this is a fun read!
October 21, 2010
LOVE this second installment of the Brixton Brothers series. Just as good as the first- funny, well-plotted and action-packed. Excellent!
October 28, 2016
Review 1:
There are two main characters in the realistic fiction novel The Brixton Brothers: The Ghostwriter Secret by Mac Barnett named Steve and Dana. Steve Brixton is a confident and daring boy who is very analytical about what goes on around him. He always tries to keep his head up because he always wants to solve his cases. Dana is a more mellow and slow going character who does not know as much about solving mysteries. But he accompanies Steve on his investigations and helps Steve when he is lost or in doubt. Throughout the story Steve moves from clue to clue following different leads, while Dana follows him. Dana repeatedly asks questions because he does not understand most of the things that Steve does When gathering evidence. The two boys have a convincing form of speech because there phrases and statements have the characteristics of regular young boys, with curious minds. In the initial chapters of the story Steve is investigating about a diamond that was stolen from a glass case in a vault. The only thing that was left behind was a drill used to dismantle the protective case. Steve came to the conclusion that thief could not successfully steal the diamond, “so he left it inside the drill” (pg 38). This shows that Steve is very smart because he analyzes his surroundings, and is able to figure out the answer. As the case develops the two boys keep searching for clues. One of which was found by Steve having to shade the imprint on a notepad. As Steve did this Dana asked, “What are you doing” (pg 99). This action was consistent with Dana’s weakness of detective work because it shows he does not understand the reason of Stee doing the action. The ending of the story, while having a few strays from the character’s habits, does flow naturally from what I have read. Towards the end of the story, Steve’s case comes to a dead end and he wants to give up, but then Dana tells him to keep working to solve the case. He brings Steve to his senses, and they then continue to investigate till the case is closed.
Review 2:
I found Mac Barnett to be and inspiring writer because he wrote an interesting mystery that the characters had to solve, and the creative ways that they solved them. Throughout the story the author put in short references to a book called “The Bailey Brothers’ Detective Handbook” which Steve “carried around with wherever he went” (pg 2). Steve used it as a guide when he was stuck in a certain situation and needed advice. These occasional inputs of the handbook made the story all the more interesting and fun to read because the information that was told was believable and seemed very real. I believe this book would be a good choice for people who do not enjoy reading very much because it is an easy reading level book. It is a very interesting book that keeps readers hooked on the mysteries. The book also has a few illustrations that are very detailed and help the reader understand some viewpoints of the story. This book would be best for refers that enjoy a short but interesting book about detectives work and mysteries.
There are two main characters in the realistic fiction novel The Brixton Brothers: The Ghostwriter Secret by Mac Barnett named Steve and Dana. Steve Brixton is a confident and daring boy who is very analytical about what goes on around him. He always tries to keep his head up because he always wants to solve his cases. Dana is a more mellow and slow going character who does not know as much about solving mysteries. But he accompanies Steve on his investigations and helps Steve when he is lost or in doubt. Throughout the story Steve moves from clue to clue following different leads, while Dana follows him. Dana repeatedly asks questions because he does not understand most of the things that Steve does When gathering evidence. The two boys have a convincing form of speech because there phrases and statements have the characteristics of regular young boys, with curious minds. In the initial chapters of the story Steve is investigating about a diamond that was stolen from a glass case in a vault. The only thing that was left behind was a drill used to dismantle the protective case. Steve came to the conclusion that thief could not successfully steal the diamond, “so he left it inside the drill” (pg 38). This shows that Steve is very smart because he analyzes his surroundings, and is able to figure out the answer. As the case develops the two boys keep searching for clues. One of which was found by Steve having to shade the imprint on a notepad. As Steve did this Dana asked, “What are you doing” (pg 99). This action was consistent with Dana’s weakness of detective work because it shows he does not understand the reason of Stee doing the action. The ending of the story, while having a few strays from the character’s habits, does flow naturally from what I have read. Towards the end of the story, Steve’s case comes to a dead end and he wants to give up, but then Dana tells him to keep working to solve the case. He brings Steve to his senses, and they then continue to investigate till the case is closed.
Review 2:
I found Mac Barnett to be and inspiring writer because he wrote an interesting mystery that the characters had to solve, and the creative ways that they solved them. Throughout the story the author put in short references to a book called “The Bailey Brothers’ Detective Handbook” which Steve “carried around with wherever he went” (pg 2). Steve used it as a guide when he was stuck in a certain situation and needed advice. These occasional inputs of the handbook made the story all the more interesting and fun to read because the information that was told was believable and seemed very real. I believe this book would be a good choice for people who do not enjoy reading very much because it is an easy reading level book. It is a very interesting book that keeps readers hooked on the mysteries. The book also has a few illustrations that are very detailed and help the reader understand some viewpoints of the story. This book would be best for refers that enjoy a short but interesting book about detectives work and mysteries.
March 31, 2019
The second book in the hilarious parody-mystery series featuring Steve Brixton, superfan of the Bailey Brothers series, a set of books about two teen sleuths written by MacArthur Bart. Plagued by bullies and his Mom's doofus boyfriend Rick, Steve still manages to solve the theft of the local millionaire's rare red diamond. On the heels of this, he is amazed to get a letter from the actual MacArthur Bart, saying he has reason to believe his life is in danger and asking for Steve's help. With his true chum Dana by his side, Steve is shot at, kidnapped, and stumbles on a plot involving a crime syndicate of smugglers and thieves.
With a plot slightly more grounded in reality than the first book's, yet still packed with surprises, silliness, hilarity, and suspense, this sequel is less surreal but just as enjoyable. There are plenty of laugh out loud moments, such as when after pledging a newfound trust between them, Steve steals Rick's truck for the second time. And of course the outdated tropes of the Bailey Brothers handbook are always amusing. The red herrings, twists, and twist backs make the mystery part a true puzzle, while the wackiness delivers a sly jab to the gee-whiz tone of the Hardy Boys books of yore.
With a plot slightly more grounded in reality than the first book's, yet still packed with surprises, silliness, hilarity, and suspense, this sequel is less surreal but just as enjoyable. There are plenty of laugh out loud moments, such as when after pledging a newfound trust between them, Steve steals Rick's truck for the second time. And of course the outdated tropes of the Bailey Brothers handbook are always amusing. The red herrings, twists, and twist backs make the mystery part a true puzzle, while the wackiness delivers a sly jab to the gee-whiz tone of the Hardy Boys books of yore.
October 1, 2025
I really enjoyed how they explained the settings and scenes and I was really able to get a good perspective of the story. The story itself didn't feel as exciting as how well they would describe the scenes. However, I liked the build up for the story on how the 12 year old detective had to solve the mystery.
February 11, 2019
The book was okay. There was not as much action as the first one but I started to enjoy it a little farther on in the book. I recommend this to anyone who likes and easy book full of mysteries and action. This is a good sequel and I will continue reading them.
April 7, 2019
4 Stars.
Hardcover.
Clever, humorous, good twists & turns.
“Leaping leapfrogs!” (p. 63) / “Speeding cheetahs!” (p. 152) / “People always believe lies if they want them to be true - that’s just a fact.” (p. 80)
Hardcover.
Clever, humorous, good twists & turns.
“Leaping leapfrogs!” (p. 63) / “Speeding cheetahs!” (p. 152) / “People always believe lies if they want them to be true - that’s just a fact.” (p. 80)
August 20, 2024
Mac Barnett has never forgotten what it's like to be a kid. This is apparent by the way he captures the voice and imagination of a child as he writes a fast-paced, easy-to-read mystery that takes multiple turns. It's probably more fun for younger kids than older ones.
December 1, 2019
A favorite of my 7-year -old. Fun to read aloud
February 23, 2021
Stupid but good why didn’t Mac Arthur Bart just kill Steve? At least there was some suspense.
September 17, 2022
This series was clearly written by someone who read too many Hardy Boys mysteries growing up and likes to gently poke fun at them. It's fun and funny.
November 19, 2023
Great mystery for mature second graders and up!
July 29, 2025
Read it with my 13 y/o and we both enjoyed it
September 9, 2010
Steve Brixton is off on another sleuthing adventure in this second Brixton Brothers tale. Having achieved a sort of local celebrity after solving his first mystery, Steve has started an official Brixton Brothers Detective agency, never mind the fact that he is an only child and only employee of the agency. While working on his agency’s first official case, “The Missing Fairview Diamond”, Steve is contacted by his hero, MacArthur Bart, claiming that he has been kidnapped. Bart is the author of Steve’s guide to life, the Bailey Brothers Mystery Handbook, as well as the fifty-eight titles in the Bailey Brothers Mysteries series that Steve reads repeatedly. While most people consider this series to be fairly hokey, to Steve it is his raison d’être. The Bailey Brothers series is what inspired him to become a sleuth! Steve grabs his best friend, Dana (whose name provides a series of cheesy jokes since he is a boy), and heads out to rescue his literary idol. The plot is fast paced and laced with a lot of laugh-out-loud humor. The book is filled with excerpts from the Bailey Brothers Handbook, which provide much of the humor, given the cheesy, 50s era slang (“ace” is used throughout as adjective). There are some tense moments when Steve and Dana are shot at or trapped in a burning warehouse, but our illustrious heroes always seem to get out in the nick of time. Some text is a little bizarre, “The original Bailey Brothers books were written by a bunch of different ghostwriters: newspapermen, college students, even a Canadian” but overall it is a fun read that will have boy appeal. Give this title to fans of either funny stories or mysteries – it is sure to be a hit with both. Readers not familiar with the first title in the series will have no trouble keeping up with the action in this title.
March 25, 2022
The author of Steve’s beloved Not Hardy Boys books sends Steve a letter requesting his help, and Steve drags Dana along for the case.
Just as funny as the first one, and the plot was a lot of fun too. Really liking this series.
Just as funny as the first one, and the plot was a lot of fun too. Really liking this series.
January 18, 2011
The ghost writer secret I thought was a very good book. the book had some action and was a very good mystery book. I gave this book a four out of five because It was very good but not the best book I have ever read. This is a book for boys and I guess girls to. I would defintley read this book again. So if you need a good book that you want to read then read this super good book.
The book is about this boy that loves his favorite author, and he is visiting at a hotel right by his house. The author writes 1 letter to him whish he never has replied to his letters, the letter says that he wants to meet him at the hotel, so of course he goes but his best friend won't let him go by himself so he goes with him and once they get there they get kidnapped by two big men.
What will they do to find out you have to read the ghostwriter secrets by:Mac Barnett
The book is about this boy that loves his favorite author, and he is visiting at a hotel right by his house. The author writes 1 letter to him whish he never has replied to his letters, the letter says that he wants to meet him at the hotel, so of course he goes but his best friend won't let him go by himself so he goes with him and once they get there they get kidnapped by two big men.
What will they do to find out you have to read the ghostwriter secrets by:Mac Barnett
March 12, 2015
Steve Brixton returns for another whirlwind detective adventure! With such a great success after solving The Case of the Case of Mistaken Identity, Steve receives a call for help when a rare red diamond is stolen. But the missing diamond is only the beginning of the true mystery! MacArthur Bart, author of the Bailey Brothers Mysteries series is missing! Steve is on the case with some his best chum, Dana.
Another mystery novel not to be missed! Arte Johnson returns for another marvelous Mac Barnett mystery. I always rejoice when a followup book uses the voice talent from their previous books. If you enjoyed the first Brixton Brothers books, be sure to follow it up with The Ghostwriter Secret. The beautiful mix of modern and yesteryear combine again for a great audio story. Don't be surprised to find yourself slipping into the slang of the past!
Another mystery novel not to be missed! Arte Johnson returns for another marvelous Mac Barnett mystery. I always rejoice when a followup book uses the voice talent from their previous books. If you enjoyed the first Brixton Brothers books, be sure to follow it up with The Ghostwriter Secret. The beautiful mix of modern and yesteryear combine again for a great audio story. Don't be surprised to find yourself slipping into the slang of the past!
August 22, 2011
Steve Brixton has recently opened his own business, the Brixton Brothers Detective Agency (despite the fact that he doesn't have any siblings) and receives a phone call from the richest man in Ocean Park, Victor Fairview, his first official client. Mr. Fairview has had a diamond stolen, one of the top three diamonds in the world, the Nichols Diamond. While working on this case, Steve receives a letter from his hero, MacArthur Bart, author of Steve's favorite series, "The Bailey Brothers Mysteries". MacArthur Bart has been receiving threats and believes his life is in danger. He wants to hire Steve to find out who is making the threats. However, when Steve arrives at the proposed meeting place, MacArthur Bart is missing. Will Steve be able to solve both cases? Another fun and adventurous mystery that should appeal to readers.
March 6, 2014
This series is hilarious! Loosely based on the Hardy Boys series, there are lots of puns and similar names and circumstances. This is book #2.
Twelve year-old Steve Brixton, who has no siblings, formed The Brixton Brothers Detective Agency to model it after his favorite 58 book mystery series, the Bailey Brothers, written by MacArthur Bart. No new books have been written for 30 years. Steve gets a case concerning a missing diamond but he quickly solves it. Steve has written letters to his idol MacArthur Bart for years with no reply. Then the man contacts him but when he goes to meet him he discovers that the author is missing. Soon Steve is involved with the mysterious B. Syndicate. Every step of the way he refers to the Bailey Brothers' Detective Handbook to find out what he should do in various situations. The author, Mac Barnett, has written a very clever series.
Twelve year-old Steve Brixton, who has no siblings, formed The Brixton Brothers Detective Agency to model it after his favorite 58 book mystery series, the Bailey Brothers, written by MacArthur Bart. No new books have been written for 30 years. Steve gets a case concerning a missing diamond but he quickly solves it. Steve has written letters to his idol MacArthur Bart for years with no reply. Then the man contacts him but when he goes to meet him he discovers that the author is missing. Soon Steve is involved with the mysterious B. Syndicate. Every step of the way he refers to the Bailey Brothers' Detective Handbook to find out what he should do in various situations. The author, Mac Barnett, has written a very clever series.
January 14, 2015
This book is absolutely worth reading and would keep you wanting to turn the page. This book is about a 12 year old kid, Steve, who has made his own detective agency. A billionaires multi-million dollar diamond has been stolen and no one knows how! The billionaire has heard of Steve and the previous work he has done, so he asks for his help! Steve is very smart and he solves the case and finds the diamond quickly. Steve gets paid and is recognized for his work. But he then receives a letter from his favorite author who had taught Steve everything he knows. The letter explains how he thinks that his own life might be in danger. Steve is eager to help. But he runs into a lot of trouble. I would recommend this book to anyone who like action books and suspense. The theme of the book is that you are never to young to do something.
January 28, 2015
An intermediate chapter book, "Brixton Brothers: The Ghostwriter Secret" would appeal to 8-12 year olds or 3rd-6th graders. It is written at an AR level 4.5.
The student's interest inventory stated that if an author was writing a book just for him, he would like it to be a mystery. This intermediate novel combines the students interest in mysteries but also includes a style and humor that was popular in the Hardy Boys books. Drawing in elements of history, another interest of this student, The Brixton Brothers book's protagonist is a 12 year-old sleuth who has to solve not one mystery but two, all-the-while facing the doubts adults.
"A huge and rare red diamond has gone missing, and you know just where to start looking for the culprit. As your search begins your favorite author has been kidnapped and has called on you to help. What do you do first?"
The student's interest inventory stated that if an author was writing a book just for him, he would like it to be a mystery. This intermediate novel combines the students interest in mysteries but also includes a style and humor that was popular in the Hardy Boys books. Drawing in elements of history, another interest of this student, The Brixton Brothers book's protagonist is a 12 year-old sleuth who has to solve not one mystery but two, all-the-while facing the doubts adults.
"A huge and rare red diamond has gone missing, and you know just where to start looking for the culprit. As your search begins your favorite author has been kidnapped and has called on you to help. What do you do first?"
September 3, 2011
The Brixton Brothers are back and only child Steve Brixton (think about it) is up to his sleuthing ways, this time involving the kidnapping of the author of his favorite book series, the Bailey Brothers Mysteries. Along with his unfortunately-named (at least for the character, not so much for the reader) best chum, Dana, Steve tries to figure out the whereabouts to his hero (and probably spirit-guide) while dodging bullets, checking into hotels, and driving his mom's boyfriend's truck over the Golden Gate Bridge.
Like the previous entry, this one both sends-up and savors the squareness of the Hardy Boy-esque mysteries. Funny, exciting, and containing such an appealing protagonist, this should be an easy sell to boys. Bring on the sequels!
Like the previous entry, this one both sends-up and savors the squareness of the Hardy Boy-esque mysteries. Funny, exciting, and containing such an appealing protagonist, this should be an easy sell to boys. Bring on the sequels!
October 3, 2011
The Brixton Brothers series is absolutely fabulous. I loved this book and frequently found myself laughing out loud with the ridiculous situations. This will be more enjoyable for those who enjoy parodies, have a sense of humor, and have read a few detective or mystery stories. (The Hardy Boys, the Three Investigators, etc.) Steve is very smart, but is clearly living in the wrong era. He idolizes the Bailey Brothers, fictional detectives of possibly the 1950s or 1960s, calls his best friend "chum," and uses plenty of outdated detection methods, but always seem to crack the case. Steve is a fabulous character, Mac Barnett is a hilarious writer, Arte Johnson is an amazing narrator (audiobook), and I can't wait to get my hands on the 3rd book!
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