Review Detail

5.0 1

Death, Diamonds, And Dirty Socks Series: Priceless Inheritance: Book 1

Kids Indie 183

Fast Paced tale of Inheritance

November 06, 2016

Overall rating

3.3

Plot

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Characters

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Writing Style

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Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

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Jarod's dysfunctional family is gathered for the reading of his grandfather's will. Jarod misses his grandfather, but the other are just interested in what they will get. When the lawyer brings out a variety of luxury items from which the survivors can pick, they squabble over mink coats and diamond rings, but Jarod contents himself with an old pair of shoes. When his grandfather is revealed to be Lord Kentwood, with impressive holdings outside his small house and run down car, the family becomes even more grasping. Jarod's grandfather's ghost appears to him to let him know he made the best choice, and reveals some more secrets to him. The first in a six books series.

Good Points

A lot of this is pure tween fantasy-- what would it be like to inherit a British title along with a grand manor house and a butler. The house is armed with all manner of safety and security features to keep all of the priceless heirlooms safe against the people who are trying to steal them.

Jarod's family members are all rather grasping and mean, but they do come around a little bit when they realize that Jarod's affection for his grandfather is what earned him the best prize. His mother and sister are a little over the top at first, and one of his uncles is particularly nasty, but everyone learns a little about themselves and has to come to terms with who the grandfather really was.

This book set the stage for the others to come. All of the books are relatively short (about 107 pages), which is a good length for reluctant readers. Readers who like Barbara Wallace's mysteries, as well as books by Philip Ardagh and Lemony Snicket, will enjoy this introduction Death, Diamonds, and Dirty Socks.