The Odds of Getting Even

The Odds of Getting Even
(Tupelo Landing #3)
Sheila Turnage

My rating: ★★★★

ISBN: 978-0803739611
Publisher: Kathy Dawson Books
Date of publication: October 6, 2015
Age: Grades 5 and up
Genre: Mystery

Themes: judicial system, fugitive, framing, family, friendship

The trial of the century has come to Tupelo Landing, NC. Mo and Dale, aka Desperado Detectives, head to court as star witnesses against Dale's daddy—confessed kidnapper Macon Johnson. Dale's nerves are jangled, but Mo, who doesn't mind getting even with Mr. Macon for hurting her loved ones, looks forward to a slam dunk conviction—if everything goes as expected. Of course nothing goes as expected. In no time flat, Macon's on the run, Tupelo Landing's in lockdown, and Dale's brother's life hangs in the balance. With Harm Crenshaw, newly appointed intern, Desperado Detectives are on the case. But it means they have to take on a tough client—one they'd never want in a million years.

I love these books and these characters. This one might not have reached the level of the earlier books, however. It's still quick-witted and funny, but I'm confused about Macon Johnson's character. Throughout the story, he's admitted to be a no-good drunk of a dad by everyone, but the whole underlying drive behind plot is how protective he is of his kids. Why is he protective now? I'm just not sure Turnage did a good job with him. Also, the suspect was a bit too obvious from the beginning (here comes a stranger to town!) but I still love how the kids go about figuring it out.

I still love these books. They're great mysteries with plenty of light-hearted humor. I'd still recommend the series.

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The Ghosts of Tupelo Landing

The Ghosts of Tupelo Landing
(Tupelo Landing #2)
Sheila Turnage

My rating: ★★★★★

ISBN: 978-0803736719
Publisher: Kathy Dawson Books
Date of publication: February 4, 2014
Age: Grades 5 and up
Genre: Mystery

Themes: haunting, ghosts, moonshiners, the past, family, friendship, murder

When Miss Lana makes a rush decision at an auction, she becomes co-owner of the old, dilapidated Tupelo Landing Inn—with its own resident ghost in the small print. The Desperado Detective Agency (aka Mo and Dale) decide to add paranormal investigations to their job description. Also, an interview with a ghost would be great for their history assignment (extra credit). They end up discovering that "ghosts" take on many forms, whether it's a spirit haunting a building or memories haunting someone's past.

I love this book. A positively chilling ghost story, but with enough humor to make me laugh out loud. Like, a lot. Have I mentioned that I love this book? The southern wit, amazing characters, and intriguing mystery—just like Turnage's first book that I reviewed—make it a favorite. I'm so glad Turnage was able to repeat her first impressive performance. And with the introduction of some new characters, Harm in particular, that continue to give the story real depth and believability. I love this book. Go read this series.

Read my rave review for Book 1

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Three Times Lucky

Three Times Lucky
(Tupelo Landing #1)
Sheila Turnage

My rating: ★★★★★

ISBN: 978-0803736702
Publisher: Dial
Date of publication: May 10, 2012
Age: Grades 5 and up
Genre: Mystery

Awards: Newbery Honor (2013), ALA Notable Children's Book

Themes: murder, small town, orphan, past

Miss Moses LoBeau lives in Tupelo Landing, NC, population 148, where everyone knows your business. She washed up in the creek during a hurricane and was taken in by the Colonel (cafe owner) and Miss Lana (the ever pleasant cafe hostess). And, while she is looking for her "upstream mother," she'll defend her loved ones with a fiery passion. So when a mysterious detective comes to town investigating a murder, it's imperative that she and her best friend, Dale Earnhardt Johnson III, investigate for themselves--especially when Colonel and his mysterious past become suspect.

Murder mystery AND southern small town wit? I loved it. I love this book. Mo LoBeau is clever, daring, and yet...because of her insecurities about her past, she is a vulnerable and, therefore, believable character. Every character is amazing and well-developed, actually. The story itself? Well, I do love a good mystery. Especially when amnesia and betrayal is involved. So I think you should totally read it.

Find it at your library or on Amazon