> Skip to content

Article  •  13 May 2016

 

Book Buddies review Friday Barnes

Get the verdict on R.A. Spratt’s Friday Barnes: Girl Detective.

If you’ve ever read any of the Nanny Piggins series, you’ll know that each book is full of quirky and enthralling adventures. So when its author, R.A. Spratt, came to us with a new book, we knew EXACTLY what we had to do. Send it to the budding book critics at Book Buddies.

Here’s the blurb we sent you:

When girl detective Friday Barnes solves a bank robbery, she uses the reward money to send herself to the most exclusive boarding school in the country, Highcrest Academy.

On arrival Friday is shocked to discover that the respectable school is actually a hotbed of crime. She’s soon investigating everything from disappearing homework to the Yeti running around the school swamp. That’s when she’s not dealing with her own problem – Ian Wainscott, the handsomest boy in school, who inexplicably hates Friday and loves nasty pranks.

Can Friday solve Highcrest Academy’s many strange mysteries, including the biggest one of all – what’s the point of high school?

It’s all well and good to have a gorgeous cover and a captivating blurb, but what did the Book Buddies think?
 

Your thoughts on the story

‘With her immense knowledge of basically everything, with the way she dresses and combined with the way she speaks, she is a truly original and unique character who I have to say I have never seen even a glimpse of in another book or character.’
Sophie, aged 13.

‘This looks like a book for girls, but boys will love it too. It’s a bit like Ruby Redfort meets Geronimo Stilton – very fun to read!’
Henry, aged 13.

‘This book is oh-so-amazing. When I finished it (which was about two hours after I started), I felt so warm and fuzzy inside and extremely fulfilled... This book will embrace you with warm feelings. It will make you giggle out loud with glee and occasionally shout with excitement. It will make you exclaim with joy because oh gosh Ian Wainscott likes Friday and she likes him and they need to get together and be happy but alas there are complications!’
Kaia, aged 14.

‘I loved this novel! This is a light hearted detective novel which will appeal to a wide audience. Filled with plot twists and surprises this book is hard to put down.’
Kayla, aged 14.
 

So far, you’re loving it. But what about the cover?

‘The pastel colours were captivating and extremely intriguing. It gave you an idea of what the story was about without spoiling it.’
Kathryn, aged 14.

Overall, another extremely helpful and authoritative response from our favourite panel of experts, the Book Buddies.

 

Feature Title

Friday Barnes 1: Girl Detective
Imagine if Sherlock Holmes was an eleven-year-old girl!
Read more

More features

See all
Article
Books to keep older kids busy this Easter

Easter is just around the corner, and more and more parents are opting to gift books instead of chocolate.

Article
How well do you know Formula 1?

Author and motorsport journalist Andrew van Leeuwen shares some surprising facts (and fictions) about the sport.

Article
What we'll be reading on the long weekend . . .

A long weekend means bonus reading time! Here's what the PRH team recommend picking up this easter break.

Article
Win a trip for two to Waiheke Island

Win big with the brand-new novel from the International No 1 Bestselling phenomenon and author Marian Keyes

Article
Real Readers Review: The Space Between

Find out what readers really think of Lauren Keenan's historical fiction debut The Space Between

Article
Where to start with: Māori Made Easy

Keen to start your language learning journey but don't know where to begin? Scotty Morrison's bestselling series is the resource you need!

Article
Look inside Blank Spaces

Sneak a peek into the unofficial Taylor Swift fan journal.

Article
Our Favourite Literary Relationships

From trad-romance to machine love, here's a rundown of some of our favourite romances, relationships and couplings in literature.

Article
Real Readers Review: The Book of Doors

What do fans really think of The Book of Doors?

Article
Ali Abdaal’s best tips for goal-setting in 2024

We caught up with productivity expert Ali Abdaal to get his best advice for smashing our 2024 goals, overcoming challenges and enjoying each step of the process.

Article
What you should read in February and why

Thrills, romance, fantasy and a novel collaboratively written by a collection of literary legends; check out our top reads for February!

Article
A series guide to Orphan X

Evan Smoak is a man with skills, resources, and a personal mission to help those with nowhere else to turn. He’s also a man with a dangerous past. If you're searching for your next thriller obsession, and you haven't checked out the Orphan X series, read on!

Looking for more articles?

See all articles