Friday Barnes: The plot thickens by R.A. Spratt

Penguin Random House, 2016. Friday Barnes series, bk. 5 ISBN 9780857989932
(Ages: 8+) Recommended. The fifth Friday Barnes book, finds Friday embroiled in a prank battle with her former friend Ian Wainscott who is none too pleased to find out that Friday's deductions are correct yet again. The PE teacher is also out to get Friday as he ramps up his fitness crusade. Then there is also the mystery of the defaced artwork appearing around the school, attempted kidnappings and the list goes on, with the consummate schoolgirl detective solving many smaller mysteries throughout the book to keep readers enthralled. The smaller puzzling occurrences lead Friday to solve the major mystery of what the newly appointed, world-renowned artist come teacher is up to at Highcrest Academy.
Friday Barnes: The plot thickens is a great way to break into the detective story genre for younger readers. The multitude of mini mysteries makes this a high interest book while a more complex over-arching mystery adds more depth. The narrative style is clear and accessible and the school setting will engage primary student readers easily.
This book is recommended for young mystery lovers.
Annette Mesecke