Gay Toltl Kinman Reviews

Page One

Added September 20, 2003

The Mystery of the Missing Arabian

i>An Alison Leigh Powers Mystery

Author: Gay Toltl Kinman
Publisher: Amber Quill Press
Available At: www.amberquill.com
Publishing Date: Available Now
Genre: Middle Reader: Mystery
Format: Ebook download in PDF/HTML/LIT
Price: $3.50
ISBN: 1-59279-057-7
Author Email/Website: www.gaykinman.com/index.htm
Reviewer: Melissa Parcel

Alison Leigh Powers wants nothing more than to receive Gypsy, a beautiful horse, for her twelfth birthday. Alison works for Mr. Dawson at his stables exercising the horses, and Gypsy is her favorite. One day, while riding in the meadow, Gypsy perks up when she hears noises coming from an abandoned, falling down house. When Alison investigates, she finds a beautiful Arabian horse tethered inside. She works to free the horse, all the while the house is falling down around them. She finally gets the horse free and Alison, Gypsy, and the Arabian quickly escape.

Back at the stables, Alison cleans and dresses the scratches on the Arabian. Out of nowhere, a girl appears, shouting for joy that her horse Sultana has been found. The girl introduces herself as Melissa Chan, and tells Alison she had taken Sultana behind her father's back . While riding, some men appeared and kidnapped the horse. Melissa knows she will be in trouble when her father finds out, so the girls plan the story they will tell when the adults arrive. However, when Melissa's father, Mr. Dawson, and the Sheriff appear, the girls decide to tell the truth. Who tried to kidnap Sultana? Are Mr. Dawson's horses safe?

The Mystery of the Missing Arabian is another exciting middle reader mystery from Gay Kinman. Alison is a fiery heroine who goes to great lengths to help both her human and animal friends. The story is told from Alison's first person point-of-view, which makes reading fun as young readers can identify with her thoughts and feelings. Both boys and girls will love the adventures and thrilling situations in which Alison becomes involved.

I highly endorse this entire mystery series, and The Mystery of the Missing Arabian is no exception. Alison is a high-spirited horse lover who will appeal to other kids who enjoy horses and mysteries. Children's time and parents' money are well spent on this delighful book.

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Added August 6, 2003

The Mystery of the Octagon House

An Alison Leigh Powers Mystery

Author: Gay Toltl Kinman
Publisher: Amber Quill Press
Available At: www.amberquill.com
Publishing Date: July 2003
Genre: Middle Reader: Mystery
Format: Ebook download in PDF/HTML/LIT
Price: $5.50 ebook
ISBN: 1-59279-131-X ebook
Author Email/Website: www.gaykinman.com/index.htm
Reviewer: Melissa Parcel

Alison Powers is tired of being an only child. Her biggest wish is for her parents to adopt a big brother so that her schoolmate, Lobita Smythe, will stop picking on her. Alison's best friend is Miss Octagon, an eight- sided house to whom she confides her deepest secrets. Alison hopes to someday get the opportunity to go inside of The Octagon House.

Mr. Donohue, a friend of Alison's parents, arrives for dinner. He has heard that Alison is interested in the house, so he shares his knowledge and draws her a picture of the interior. Later she receives a packet of information in the mail, including floor plans and a newspaper article on the house's history, and is more determined than ever to see all of Miss Octagon. She devises a plan to convince Mr. Waterbury, the house's agorophobic owner, to allow her entrance. When she arrives at the house, all of the curtains are closed and there is a mysterious thumping echoing from within. What is going on in The Octagon House? Is something wrong with Mr. Waterbury? Who are the strange men hanging around?

The Mystery of the Octagon House is a short, engaging mystery for young readers. Alison is a smart young lady with spunk and determination. She has an inquisitive mind and readers will be interested to see how she solves problems and acts quickly to stay out of trouble. Alison is a character that will appeal to boys and girls alike. The book is written in simple enough language for children to understand, but definitely does not talk down to them. Some larger words are included and are defined as part of the story.

I would like to see a sketch of the inside of the house included. The text descriptions are clear, but since the house itself is such a main part of the plot it would be helpful to see it rather than attempt to visualize.

The Mystery of the Octagon House is good, clean fun for young readers. It won an Eppie award in 2002 for Children's Fiction. It might be a bit scary for some, but mystery lovers should definitely pick this up. The second book in the series featuring Alison, The Mystery of the Missing Miniature Books, is due out in September 2003. Experience the fun for yourself!

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