Review by Cotwani -- The Mystery of the Hidden Cabin

[Connie Otwani]

It's too bad it wasn't a little more exciting. At least, it might encourage that age group to keep a diary. Thanks for a great review!

Yes, the diary entries had more meaning, than just who was a brat or who pulled whose hair!

I appreciate your stopping by!

[Connie Otwani]

I read lots of exciting mysteries when I was younger and I don't think this would compare. Also the quote you gave makes the child sound much older. I hate when authors give children the voice of an adult. I think I'll pass on this. Thanks for your review!

Oh yes, sometimes the children were so prim and proper, it was frightening. I think the author needs to add a little spontaneity and loosening up where children are concerned.

Thanks for your feedback. Truly appreciated!

[Fazzier]

I like the fact that the book can make one reminisce the good old days. Who doesn't like nostalgia! Thank you for this review.

[Connie Otwani]

I like the fact that the book can make one reminisce the good old days. Who doesn't like nostalgia! Thank you for this review.

One for the good old days!!! Thank you for your time!

[nooregano]

Maybe something like, ‘What! A Cabin in the Kitchen wall?,’ wouldn't have pre-honed my deductive/investigative skills in anticipation, as I do in ‘normal’ mysteries.

This is a really good point, and a really good suggestion as well! This was a thorough and insightful analysis of the book, and well supported with examples and explanations! Thank you so much!

[Nerea]

I like your book critics in your review. You pointed out the gaps that need to be adjusted to enhance the quality of the story. I hope the author will put them into consideration. Incredible review.

[Shrabastee Chakraborty]

I have reviewed this book,too and did the same mistake of setting the bar too high. While the charming descriptions of Bess's leisure time invoked an image of a peaceful evening I miss very much,there was simply no mystery to solve. Had it been me,I would have read the entries in a couple of days and be done with it. Additionally,the dialogues are often flat, unnecessarily interspersed with some action of the speaker. The author seems to tell us everything,and not show. It was quite disappointing if you ask me. However,thanks for the nice review,Connie!

[allbooked+]

I find that one of the hardest part of an authors job is to make the conversations lively and engaging. I still think that I would have enjoyed this book as a child, the premise is intriguing. Thanks for the comprehensive review!

[Connie Otwani]

Maybe something like, ‘What! A Cabin in the Kitchen wall?,’ wouldn't have pre-honed my deductive/investigative skills in anticipation, as I do in ‘normal’ mysteries.

This is a really good point, and a really good suggestion as well! This was a thorough and insightful analysis of the book, and well supported with examples and explanations! Thank you so much!

I hope the author will improve it. Thanks for your thoughts. Truly appreciated.

[Connie Otwani]

I like your book critics in your review. You pointed out the gaps that need to be adjusted to enhance the quality of the story. I hope the author will put them into consideration. Incredible review.

I hope so too. Thanks for your kind words and for sharing your thoughts.

[Connie Otwani]

I have reviewed this book,too and did the same mistake of setting the bar too high. While the charming descriptions of Bess's leisure time invoked an image of a peaceful evening I miss very much,there was simply no mystery to solve. Had it been me,I would have read the entries in a couple of days and be done with it. Additionally,the dialogues are often flat, unnecessarily interspersed with some action of the speaker. The author seems to tell us everything,and not show. It was quite disappointing if you ask me. However,thanks for the nice review,Connie!

Happy to hear somebody else felt they way! I wondered why she didn't just finish reading the journal entries in day, too. The author should remove the word mystery from the title to avoid our kind of reactions from the readers. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

[Connie Otwani]

I find that one of the hardest part of an authors job is to make the conversations lively and engaging. I still think that I would have enjoyed this book as a child, the premise is intriguing. Thanks for the comprehensive review!

A good point indeed. Maybe i didn't enjoy it cos I'm applying my adult mind. Hope children enjoy it!

I appreciate your thoughts on this!

[María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda]

I don’t know if delving into this book ‘nostalgically’ resulted in me setting the bar too high. All I know is that the book didn’t quite sweep me away to adventure land! First, there wasn’t an exciting mystery to unravel, with confusing tell-tale clues to piece together. Rather, unraveling the mystery relied heavily on research and lots of journal entries. To be fair, the book is said to be in the historical fiction genre. Still, the title seems misleading. Maybe something like, ‘What! A Cabin in the Kitchen wall?,’ wouldn't have pre-honed my deductive/investigative skills in anticipation, as I do in ‘normal’ mysteries.

We often set the bar too high for things that bring back fond memories but, in this case, I think you're right. Every review I've read of this book points out that it's not well executed, one way or the other, and I'm not sure it would capture tweens' attention if the mystery element and the pace aren't well-developed.
Thank you for your honest review!

[Sahani Nimandra]

Thank you for your review! It was great to see a fellow reviewer's opinion about this read.

[Connie Otwani]

I don’t know if delving into this book ‘nostalgically’ resulted in me setting the bar too high. All I know is that the book didn’t quite sweep me away to adventure land! First, there wasn’t an exciting mystery to unravel, with confusing tell-tale clues to piece together. Rather, unraveling the mystery relied heavily on research and lots of journal entries. To be fair, the book is said to be in the historical fiction genre. Still, the title seems misleading. Maybe something like, ‘What! A Cabin in the Kitchen wall?,’ wouldn't have pre-honed my deductive/investigative skills in anticipation, as I do in ‘normal’ mysteries.

We often set the bar too high for things that bring back fond memories but, in this case, I think you're right. Every review I've read of this book points out that it's not well executed, one way or the other, and I'm not sure it would capture tweens' attention if the mystery element and the pace aren't well-developed.
Thank you for your honest review!

I'm glad its a general feeling the book is little bland. I hope the author works on spontaneity and plot pace.

I appreciate your thoughts on this.