Reviewed by Kelly on
http://www.divabooknerd.com/2014/10/the-secret-abyss-by-darrell-pitt.html
I'm absolutely enamored with Ignatius Doyle. He's eccentric, has an endless supply of cheese in his pocket and tells the most outrageous stories about his past endeavors. He reminds me of a quirky Johnny Depp character. It may be the Jack Mason Adventure series, but the detective is the real star. I can't get enough of his antics.
In The Secret Abyss, we see both Jack and Scarlet now working for Mister Doyle and their latest case brings an old friend of Jack's to their doorstep with a cryptic message during his dying breath. It takes the trio from their base in London to New York City, where industry is thriving and a civil war is on the verge of breaking out. Like a modern day Nancy Drew, Jack Mason is intelligent, endearing and even more likable with each book in the series. But I absolutely love Scarlet. She's such a strong and independent young lady who brings a feminist approach to the male dominated world, with her book heroine and girls can do anything attitude.
It's such a strong social message for girls, and being aimed at the middle grade market, Scarlet is one of my favourite characters within the genre. The point of difference that sets the Jack Mason Adventure series apart is that each book could easily be adapted into a kids television series. A new adventure every week. I'm really enjoying the character growth and the tentative friendship blooming between Jack and Scarlet. They each compliment each other and make a formidable team. I love the adventure and being able to explore an industrial New York that is powered by steam through Jack's point of view. I hope the series allows readers to travel to other continents as it progresses as well.
A brilliantly quirky series that will delight the young, and young at heart.
Reading updates
- Started reading
- 2 October, 2014: Finished reading
- 2 October, 2014: Reviewed