Allyn's Embarrassing & Mysterious Irish Adventures

I was very intrigued by this well-thought-out novel. It was clear that the author was greatly informed about Irish history and geography. The learning experience is a great addition to the comedic and believable aspects of the book. Any child reading it will find it incredibly difficult to put down and may not even realize how much they're learning about Ireland. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone of any age or reading level.

I've never writen a review before of a book I hadn't read, however, ... I just gave this book last night to my 11 year old daughter (who is an avid but picky reader, and as she read it she laughed so much that I couldn't get any work done until she reluctantly agreed to "lights out" way past her bedtime. Then she finished it today and thanked me many times and asked me to see if there were any other books by this author (unfortunately not). So, I can't argue specifically the points made by the one star reviewer since I haven't read it myself, but based on my daughters recaction, I must give it 5 stars, unequivocally!

This clever yarn will appeal to mystery lovers of all ages, but especially to the late elementary and early middle school children, who might be just beginning to read mysteries. They will readily identify with Allyn, the red-headed heroine, and her mischievous little brother, Mitchell. The author's ability to penetrate the world of clever, intelligent, and energetic children and then to portray them as happy and normal is truly refreshing. The children come to life and become so attractive that it is hard to resist wanting them in one's own family. The setting is a family trip to visit the country of their ancestors--Ireland. Great excitement about a holiday from school turns into grand adventure as the children do enough eavesdropping on "suspicious characters" to turn an ordinary vacation into a grand adventure. There are villains and scoundrels and much mischief afoot. The mystery is solved by the charming Allyn who does her Irish ancestors proud on their own turf--with a little help from pesky younger brother. The plot is utterly believable; it is fantastic, yet one can imagine these very things happening to an alert and curious twelve-year-old who is curious, fearless, and determinded. The book is most attractively presented, with photographs which are a feast for the eyes and sketches which assist in following the action. In short, an enchanting story with a most engaging young lady at the center of it; we need to read more of Miss Allyn Gallagher--and her brother, too, of course!

I read this cute, funny and exciting children's book in two sittings of about 2-3 hours each. I couldn't put it down! Even as an adult, I found it very entertaining. I tried to look at it from a child's perspective and how they would read and enjoy the pictures and illustration, and I truly believe the child in me came alive again. I can't imagine anyone from age 6 to 90 who wouldn't enjoy it. Make sure you get a copy soon.