Bernice Peppercorn’s imagination fills her mind and her notebooks with adventure and intrigue.
She sees crimes where there are none and races to the local police station daily to fulfil her civic duty.
When a real robbery is committed in town, Bernice dives into detective mode and stumbles across vital clues that could help find the thieves.
No one believes her except Ike, a one-legged fisherman who lives down at the wharf.
Bernice Takes a Plunge is an exciting and humorous adventure for middle grade readers.
Beautifully Rounded, Entertaining Read!
Although I’m past (well past) the age this book is intended for, I rather enjoyed it!
Bernice is a child with an active imagination; always looking to right wrongs she sometimes lets her imagination get the better of her and the adults surrounding her take it all with a pinch of salt – well, mostly. So when a genuine robbery takes place in town and Bernice puts her detective skills to good use, her ideas are largely ignored with the exception of her new friend, Ike, the one-legged fisherman. How much trouble can she get into this time?
In among all the serious crime thrillers I read, this was a breath of fresh air which any child would love! Bernice is, to me (showing my age here) like a female Just William; her intentions are good and honourable but somehow things don’t always pan out the way she intends. This is a smashing start to a series; not only is there a mystery to solve but we get to know Bernice herself along with her home life and her friends – in other words, what makes her tick. She is a beautifully rounded and well-rounded character who will appeal to everyone who opens this book and all credit to author Ann Harth. With plenty of laughs to balance the serious side of the story, I found this very entertaining indeed and worthy of all five sparkling stars! Highly recommended for all ages – not just the 9-12 year olds it’s intended for.
My thanks to the publisher for my arc copy forwarded to me, and to Henry Roi PR for my invitation to read and review this book; this is – as always – my honest, original and unbiased review.
Tags: children’s mystery, age 9-12
- Format: ebook, paperback
- Size: 110 pages
- Publisher: Odyssey Books
- Publication Date: 05 March 2020
- Links: Goodreads
- Google Play
- Barnes & Noble
- Kobo
- Waterstones
Author Bio
Ann Harth writes fiction and non-fiction for children and adults. Strong, interesting characters creep into most of her books and stories, and many arrive with a sense of humour.
Before becoming a writer, mentor and developmental editor in Far North Queensland, Ann studied psychology, waited tables, bar-tended, picked strawberries, worked as a clown and punched keys on various tills. She also spent ten years working with children with special needs. Ann taught writing for the Australian College of Journalism for eight years before taking the leap into freelance work.
Ann is the Far North Queensland representative for The Society of Children’s Book Writers and illustrators. She’s had a number of fiction and non-fiction children’s books published in Australia and the UK and over 120 short stories sold internationally.
When not tapping the keys, Ann stuffs a notebook into her pack and searches for remote places to camp, hike or explore.
Social Media
Website: annharth.com
Twitter: @annharth
Facebook: @annharth
Grace J Reviewerlady 