5 Star Review: Adventure sure to capture a young reader's imagination. Author Linda Maria Frank begins this book with her historical notes about where the story originated from. This is very educational for young readers as it addresses her earliest memories in Middle Village, Queens, New York at the end of WW ll. The story begins at St. BeSillius's (catholic school), where mystery Author Linda Maria Frank sets the stage for more than one intriguing mystery (wrapped into one), that in my opinion, out preforms the Nancy Drew mysteries that I read as a young reader. Within the walls of a small clubhouse a small band of school friends broke through the strict, stifling, constrictions of the classroom regiment, set in stone, by Sister JoAnn and Mother Superior. This tiny band of self-proclaimed private investigators, set out to find out, who stole the money they had spent an entire year earning, for a class trip to distribute toys to day care centers in the parish. The money disappeared from the Vestry the very day Father Felix was supposed to open a bank account for the school project. This small band of PIs came with an official title "Buccaneers(meaning pirates) of St. Besillius". They wrote up and voted on a charter for their group, which included: Each member is sworn to secrecy, under pain of... what? Oh, I don't know. All communications would be done using our codenames. Mine is Sprocket. Our meeting place would be the old fishing shack on the beach. The hunt for the mystery thief begins, which only leads to more mystery, danger, intrigue and an ominous warning letter. Each club member had responsibilities related to their investigation. Club name Ratchet (real name Amelia) with her camera (Brownie) was the official photographer. Let me bring you into the story at Chapter Fifteen: Meanwhile, At the Ferry Dock. Ratchet would much rather be called by her real name, Amelia. Especially since one of her heroines was Amelia Erhardt, the aviatrix who made news-worthy flights around the world. She disappeared somewhere in the Pacific, never to be found. Ratchet just couldn't resist the mystery of it all. But her trusty Brownie never failed her. Notepad in hand she snapped photos of the ferry passengers going to and from Main. She was looking for the men who threatened her classmate, Janet. Amelia looked up just in time. Janet trotted down the path to the ferry dock. She could have missed her because she had a jacket with a hood. But Janet always wore beaded moccasins and her pigtails had feathers instead of bows. One braid escaped the hood sealing her identity for Amelia. Amelia, now in Ratchet mode, started snapping again. When Ratchet returned to check out the folks getting off the ferry, the strangers she had seen on other days came down the gangplank. Snap! Snap! Snap! They surrounded Janet, one grabbing her arm, the other talking to her, right in her face, grim and threatening. Janet pulled her arm away and snapped back at the stranger who had confronted her. The other man jammed something in her pocket. "Just do it," he growled. This was an easy lip read for Ratchet, a skill necessary for a well-trained snooper, journalist. Janet turned and ran back up the path. The men got back on the boat. What did the stranger put in Amelia's (Ratchet) pocket? I encourage you to purchase "The Buccaneers of St. Frederick Island" by Linda Maria Frank and share it with all the children in your life. This book would make a great summer reading project for kids. This story will spark their imagination and inspire he/she to create their own clubhouse of friends and become private investigators Review by Theodocia McLean (Book Marketing Global Network).

This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought: Title: The Buccaneers of St. Frederick Island Author: Linda Maria Frank Readers' Comments"I thought this book was a lot like in Enid Blyton's Secret Seven. I like the mystery of the stolen money and trying to work out who did it. Also, I like how the kids worked together to solve the crime." Boy reader, aged 12"I liked this adventure story. It was funny in parts and the children were brave and fun to follow. I did think it was a little slow in the beginning, but it got much better." Girl reader, aged 11"The children in my class for the most part enjoyed this mystery novel. They liked the children characters and how determined they were to solve the mystery. They also liked the school setting. A lot of them thought the cover was very poor and let the book down. Personally, I think this author is a strong writer and knows what children enjoy: adventure, a little comedy, and plenty happening all the time." Primary school teacher, age of 44"This was an exciting story. I think mystery books are the best books so this was good for me." Girl, aged 10To Sum It Up: 'An exciting mystery perfect for 9 - 12 year olds. A RED RIBBON winner and highly recommended.' The Wishing Shelf Book Awards