If Photos Could Talk

I met Mr. Oliver at The Camera Company in Madison, Wisconsin where he has his photographs printed. I am also a photographer and writer (advertising copy), so I couldn't resist picking up a copy of Andy's book, "If Photos Could Talk." Having met the author, I intended to read a few chapters, more out of curiosity than anything else. To my surprise, I ended up reading Photos from cover-to-cover. Andy has an engaging style that keeps you turning the pages. And even though he writes for children, I found myself thoroughly involved in the mystery of what happened to Mr. Snider. If you are looking for a wholesome source of entertainment for the adolescent readers in your home, I highly recommend, "If Photos Could Talk," and the second book in the series, "Haunted Hill." While you're at it, give yourself a treat, and read them, too!

If Photos Could Talk: A Sam & Stephanie Mystery is a chapter book for young adults about twelve-year-old Sam and Stephanie's search for an elderly neighbor who has gone missing. Set modern-day southern Wisconsin, If Photos Could Talk tells of their venture into their neighbor's mysterious house filled with strange noises and hidden secrets. The strong bond between the young protagonists forms the heart of this exciting small-town adventure.

I read about this book in a local paper and so read it out of curiousity. When I was a boy, I used to devour mystery stories. This book seemed a little different from most youth mystery books I've read. In my opinion, the protagonist (Sam) seems a bit too mature for his age, as he narrates the story it didn't seem like the speaking style of a boy. Also there seemed to be sexual nuances which I found jarring in a youth mystery (Sam keeps "noticing" Stephanie's rear end, and in one scene a bad man pulls Stephanie's pants down.) Depending on your point of view, these nuances are either cute (young love?) or scary. However, the story includes lots of clever ideas and plot twists which make it very original, and kept me turning the pages.