A Quinnie Boyd Mystery: The Maypop Kidnapping

(Hardback)

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This debut middle-grade mystery features a satisfying mix of oddball humor, eccentric characters, and suspense, set against the backdrop of an appealing coastal village in Maine where everybody has a few secrets.

In the coastal village of Maiden Rock, Maine, Quinnie Boyds teacher has disappeared. Quinnie thinks its a kidnapping case, but her mom, the town sheriff just thinks the teacher has left town. Still, Quinnies going to follow her instincts that something's wrong. Her investigation will take her through a damp and smelly marsh, a lobster pound, and some of Maines messiest places. She'll even get help from her glamourous new neighbor, Mariella. As the girls hunt for clues, theyll encounter a swarm of cats, two nuns with a speeding habit, and a group of tattooed rocker-types. But will they find Quinnie's teacher

Reviews

"Quinnie is not looking forward to the first day of school this year, even though she is homeschooled by her favorite tutor, Ms. Stillford. Ever since her friend Zoe moved away, Quinnie has felt alone and abandoned. Ms. Stillford does her best, promising Quinnie a year to rememberand then Ms. Stillford goes missing. No one believes Quinnie's suspicion of foul play, so she must track down clues and try to find out where her teacher has gone. Quinnie is assisted by the new girl in her neighborhood, Mariella, and her friend Ben, who attends public school. Maiden Rock is hardly a town where mystery should exist, but as the three burrow for more clues, they uncover not one but a multitude of hidden dangers. Will they be able to find the missing teacher before they are totally grounded Red herrings aplenty will keep readers guessing about the identity of the criminals, even as Quinnie and her friends are bucked off the trail. Middle-grade readers looking for an unusual protagonist and setting will be well served by this."Booklist Online
"This funny and engaging debut is set in contemporary Maine, as eighth grader Quinnie is just about to begin school with her class of two when her teacher goes missing. Quinnie pleads with her motherMaiden Rock's mayor, sheriff, and only real estate agentto search for her missing teacher, but to no avail. After days of waiting, the tiny town finally realizes that something strange is happening in Maiden Rock. Armed with a new friend and her desperate desire to find her teacher, Quinnie takes matters into her own hands. Who is the kidnapper 'Maniac psycho-killer lover' Owen Loney Left-at-the-altar John Derby And just what are those two nuns up to, anyway Surrisi has created a tale that captures readers' attention within the first few pages and keeps up the pace through the last chapter. The characters are relatable, refreshingly human, and very funny. Quinnie acts just like a 13-year-old girl would; she is an adult, a child, wise, and very foolish all at the same time. Surrisi's law background lends valuable perspective and information to the mystery but is never heavy-handed. Information is always provided through Quinnie and with the right level of comprehension for a girl her age. Perfect for middle schoolers and upper elementary-aged readers, this title hits just the right note of suspense without being too scary. A minor flaw is an abundance of pop culture references, which will date the book far too quickly. Here's hoping the next installment of this planned series keeps Quinnie on her toes. VERDICT: A general purchase for most libraries, and a first purchase where mysteries are in high demand."School Library Journal
"When Miss Stillford, Quinnie's beloved teacher, fails to show up for their first day of school, Quinnie is convinced that her teacher has been kidnapped. Quinnie's mom, the sheriff of the small town, does not share her daughter's concern and tells Quinnie that Miss Stillford probably went on vacation. Quinnie, along with two friends, embarks on an investigation of her own. No one is safe from suspicionMiss Stillford's former boyfriend, a mysterious man, even the sisters who live in the dilapidated convent. Also concerning is a row of abandoned houses. Since Quinnie's mom is also the town's realtor and head of the postal department, Quinnie has access to supplies like keys, as well as evidence-gathering skills and determination. In Surrisi's debut novel, she has created a strong and unique setting in the small waterfront town of Maiden Rock, Maine. A map may help readers visualize the places Quinnie visits as she finds and follows clues. Although there are moments of seemingly forced coincidence, such as Quinnie losing her phone at critical moments, young readers will probably be able to look past that flaw. The Maypop Kidnapping is a sweet mystery that manages to have suspense, bad guys, and danger but avoids gore and being too scary. This new sleuth also finds herself juggling other classic tween issues, such as friendships, struggles with parents, and making decisions. Quinnie stays true to her instincts, and the plot offers a happily resolved ending. This book is recommended for upper elementary mystery collections."VOYA
"When Ms. Stillford does not show up on the first day of school, 13-year-old Quinnie Boyd is convinced her beloved tutor has been kidnapped. Quinnie, clever and endowed with a vivid imagination, is initially unable to convince her mother, the sheriff of the small coastal village of Maiden Rock, Maine (as well as its postmistress and real estate agent; it's that small a town), to mount a search. Missing her best friend, Zoe, who is in Scotland for the year, but aided by her maybe-crush, Ben, and by the new girl, skinny-jeans-clad Mariella from New York City, Quinnie mucks through the marsh, sneaks into houses, spies on visiting tattooed rockers, and jumps to conclusionswith the best intentions but often humorous results. Much of the book's humor derives from the quirky, colorful Maiden Rockers, particularly the two elderly nuns who drive too fast, can't figure out recycling, live in the convent with hordes of cats, and have a puzzling need for bat guano. Quinnie is a memorable protagonist with an engaging voice, confused about her feelings for Ben and her anger at the mother she loves even as she barrels full tilt and against her mother's instructions into her amateur sleuthing. Surrisi's debut novel is a delightful cozy mystery, snugly mixing intrigue and humor, with an unpredictable and satisfying resolution."Kirkus Reviews

Author Bio

C. M. Surrisi lives in Asheville, North Carolina, with her husband Chuck, two rascal Cavalier King Charles Spaniels named Sunny and Milo, and Harry, the Prince of Cats. She is a graduate of the Vermont College of Fine Arts MFA program in Writing for Children and Young Adults. The Maypop Kidnapping is her first novel. It draws from her memories of summers in Maine.