The Whiz Mob And The Grenadine Kid By Colin Meloy

Reviewed by Nolan

Charlie is sitting quietly in the plaza when he sees a burglary. Then a mysterious boy comes up to him to talk, but while Charlie is watching the grounds, the boy slips away with his prized pen, a “Sheaffer” from his dad. Charlie jumps up and runs through the streets to reach the boy. When he finally catches up with the boy, he learn things that will change his life forever.

Charlie, an American boy, is living in France while his dad works as a consul general for the American government. He meets Amir, a boy who works for The Whiz Mob, a group of kids who steal for a huge organization. Charlie eventually joins them, but he is double-crossed.

The Whiz Mob and The Grenadine Kid, by Colin Meloy, is a great book because of the well-described and unique characters. The Whiz Mob is tricky but smart and can pull off just about anything. There is a twist at the end, and then you will see Charlie in a whole new way. They are tricky and sly, so it seems that The Whiz Mob, aside from Amir, has betrayed the innocent protagonist. But it turns to be that even they are kind in the end.

Another reason this book was so powerful was Meloy’s style. He gives you a perspective as a person, watching and listening, but not interacting, like a ghost. The narrator will, at times, talk to you, and tell you about Charlie, or maybe he will just let you watch The Whiz Mob talk in their little alcove.

I rate this book 10/10 because it has a suspenseful plot, strong characters, and a beautiful perspective from Charlie, the protagonist. I recommend this book to anyone who likes mystery. I hope you read this book and like it as much as I sure do!

HarperCollins Publishers, 432 pages