Book Review: The Great Mogul Diamond

The Doppleganger Chronicles: The Great Mogul Diamond
By GP Taylor
SaltRiver, 2011
English, 304 pgs


Description:
Everything was going so well for a change. . . . Sadie and Saskia Dopple, those troublesome twins, have been adopted by their loyal friend, the writer Muzz Elliott. And their friend Erik Morrissey Ganger is finally on his way to becoming a full-fledged detective. But when an anonymous note threatening Muzz Elliott arrives, the twins suddenly find themselves on an express train to danger. Awhirl in a series of crimes stolen right off the pages of Muzz Elliott’s own mystery novels, the twins need to figure out who’s behind this twisted plot, or Muzz Elliott will be framed for her own greatest literary invention: the theft of the Great Mogul Diamond.

Meanwhile, Erik speeds through the countryside in a lightning-fast convertible with private eye Dorcas Potts, racing the clock to find the twins and outwit a gang of robbers. At the end of the road (if he ever gets there), he and the twins will have to get their hands on the diamond first . . . even though Erik, the former thief, has sworn never to steal again.

What do you do when you aren’t sure what’s right? Sadie, Saskia, and Erik face this question head-on in the third installment of The Dopple Ganger Chronicles, by New York Times bestselling author G. P. Taylor.

Review:
This book is intended for 9-12 year old readers. It is a really cool mix of novel and graphic novel. I think this would be a good way to get a kid interested in reading. I know a lot parents use comics to get kids reading and this would fit as a transition from comics to chapter books.

There were a few things that bugged me about the book. I don't understand why the adults were referred to by full name every time. Kinda got annoying after a few chapters.

I didn't understand Madame Raphael. I know it's a character from the first two books who is likely explained in one of them. it was hard to understand who she was and why she's there.

I don't know how I feel about Jesus as the "Man of Good-Bye Friday" and the way He was presented. I guess I don't have a problem with it.

I do have a small problem with the fact that the kids steal, snoop and lie. Not really great lessons to teach. I didn't like the potential violence in it either.

All that being said, I did like the story. I read it in one day and I hope that someday I can read it with/to my sons. It's super engaging and I think kids would like it.

I received a copy of the book from Tyndale House in exchange for an honest review. No additional compensation was received and all opinions are my own.