November 15, 2020
Goldie Vance's amusing adventures continue in this sequel to The Hotel Whodunit (2020). Goldie thought the most exciting part of her day off from the Crossed Palms Resort, where she lives and works as a car valet and aspiring house detective, would be her date with longtime crush Diane--until props start going missing from various workshops at the League of Magical Arts Convention. To top it off, Derek, the extremely annoying, mansplaining son of the headlining magician, Dr. Von Thurston, is trying to horn in on the case. Now, Goldie must help her mentor, Walter Tooey, solve the Case of the Missing Props before the uber-famous Dr. Von Thurston refuses to take the stage, leaving the Florida resort with a tarnished reputation. Through each twist and turn, Goldie has to stay one step ahead of Derek and the troublemaker behind the thefts while also trying to make it the best date Diane has ever had. This neat, straightforward, first-person mystery includes a sweet portrayal of a queer romance and will appeal to genre fans of many ages. The language manages to feel modern while evoking vintage classics. Inspired by the Goldie Vance comic book series, this entry includes several pages of full-color illustrations. Goldie is brown skinned. A wholesome tale featuring a beloved teen sleuth. (Mystery. 11-16)
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January 1, 2021
Gr 3-7-Goldie Vance, hotel valet, waitress, and part-time detective, is determined to find out who is sabotaging the magic acts at her hotel. The Crossed Palms Resort has been selected to host the League of Magical Arts Convention. Magicians, their assistants, and all sorts of people who love magic are in town to amaze and delight or, to be amazed by, the world's premier illusionists. Not to mention, the greatest magician of all time, Dr. Von Thurston, is slated as the concluding act of the convention. Too bad he also brought his pain-in-the-neck son, Derek, who fancies himself a part-time detective as well. When critical pieces of the magicians' acts go missing, it's up to Goldie, with the unwelcome help of Derek, to figure out who is plotting to destroy the reputation of magicians and magic everywhere. Fans of the "Goldie Vance" graphic novels will enjoy the latest prose novel chronicling her adventures. A confident young Black gay sleuth, Goldie is a role model for readers who value independent thinking, solving mysteries, and leaping into fast-paced adventures. VERDICT Perfect for readers looking for a new female hero of modern crime-solving who isn't afraid to be her authentic self.-Carol Connor, Cincinnati Pub. Schls.
Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
January 6, 2020
In this middle grade debut by Rivera (Dealing in Dreams) based on the beloved comics series, Goldie Vance, 16, may officially be a valet at the Cross Palm Resort in St. Pascal, Fla., where she lives part-time with her hotel manager father, but she considers her real title house detective in training. Lucky for Goldie, the actual hotel detective, Walt, gives in to her request to help out with a big movie filming at both the Cross Palm and the Mermaid Club, where Goldie’s mother works as one of the pool mermaids. The movie features megastar Delphine, an actress whom vivacious Goldie quickly befriends, and the Bejeweled Aqua Chapeau, a diamond-encrusted swim cap worth over a million dollars. When the cap goes missing and Goldie’s mom becomes the top suspect, Goldie resolves to solve the case. Though Goldie’s narration frequently sounds young for a 16-year-old, the hotels make great settings for intrigue, and the teen’s world is filled with entertaining characters, including her crush, Diane. Goldie’s endless optimism and belief in herself inspire while creating amusing moments in this satisfying gumshoe mystery. Comic book inserts by animator Power further enliven action-packed segments. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 8–12.