School Library Journal Review
Gr 5-8-- Eleven-year-old narrator Rick Van Huler learns that troubles do indeed come in threes: a load of TVs is stolen from his father's tractor-trailer rig, his father walks out after an argument with his mother, who is then kidnapped. Rick and his younger brother go to live with their great-uncle Henry in his converted school bus in an RV park across from Wonderland, a shutdown amusement park. While searching for their mother, the boys uncover a hijacking operation and an insurance scam. The theme of abandonment pervades the novel and, as a symbol of this, the amusement park provides a suspenseful, spooky backdrop. The brisk pace, fluid style, and excitement of the novel are sure to entertain readers, while the sensitive handling of such issues as separation and alcoholism, and the not-perfect ending make the book a cut above the general fare. The title and book jacket will attract readers, and they won't be disappointed in Roberts's latest offering. --Connie Tyrrell Burns, Mahoney Middle School, South Portland, ME (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
When their mother disappears, two brothers decide to investigate some suspicious going-on at an abandoned amusement park. PW said, "The clever sleuthing and intriguing setting will make readers want to ride this one to the finish." Ages 8-12. (Nov.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Horn Book Review
In this adventure novel, two brothers solve the mystery of their mother's kidnapping. Two vicious men chase the boys through an abandoned amusement park in a climax that seems more screenplay than literature. The story is quite far-fetched, but the boys are satisfactorily in charge, and the narrator's style is snappy. From HORN BOOK 1991, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Kirkus Review
In another fast-paced but routine mystery from a prolific author, two boys try desperately to find out what has happened to their vanished mother. Rick, 11, and Kenny, 7, are just beginning to cope with their parents' separation when their mother disappears moments after they see her talking to someone in a big black car. The police are polite but unconcerned; unable to reach their father, a tracker, file boys go to stay with Uncle Henry in an RV park near an abandoned amusement park. There, they meet Conrad, who encourages Rick to try to find his mother on his own. It develops that the mother has information that puts the entire family in danger from a hijacking ring involved with insurance fraud. Despite rudimentary characterization and pedestrian dialogue, the story does move quickly to a satisfying climax, skillfully involving the amusement park. Rick's narration is flat but believable; the tempo holds up to the end. Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
Gr. 4-7. Roberts, one of the best mystery writers for middle readers, loses her customary punch despite her enticing setting--an abandoned amusement park. Rick and his younger brother, Kenny, stay with Great-uncle Henry in a refurbished purple school bus after their parents seemingly abandon them. Rick understands why their truck-driver dad walked out after his load was stolen but is convinced that his mother has been kidnapped. The boys team up with Julie, a girl living with her grandmother who is manager of Wonderland RV Park, and streetwise Connie. Together the four explore the old amusement park, relishing its glamorous hidden secrets. Their exploits turn to advantage when two men--their mother's kidnappers--corner them. Water slides, bumper cars, merry-go-rounds, and a fast-paced chase scene help, but the novel moves slowly and lacks the tension and depth of plotting for which the author is known. The book's strongest feature is the caring friendship between the kids. Roberts' fans will see the story to the end, but avid mystery readers may prefer to wait for her next book. ~--Deborah Abbott