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Rosalind Barden
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The Cold Kid Case: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Kindle Edition

by Rosalind Barden (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 out of 5 stars 66 ratings

A resourceful hero under threat, memorable villains, some gritty violence, and fast-moving suspense. — Kirkus Reviews

Bloody Crime Spree of the Century!

Meet Sparky, an orphaned, street-savvy 11-year-old living by her wits in the Depression-era Bunker Hill neighborhood of downtown Los Angeles. She is on a mission to clear her name after being accused of the murder of a little girl whose body she discovers on a park bench—talk about being in the wrong place at the wrong time! And things only get worse when Sparky is blamed for ever more outrageous crimes until her body count is ridiculous.

Will Sparky be able to summon the gumption to solve the crime and clear her name?

Rosalind Barden crafts an unforgettable and uniquely zany mystery, filled with a web of colorful characters, recalling the charm of decades past, with Hollywood, movie stars, mobsters, and, of course, murder.

#1 Amazon Bestseller and New Release, The Cold Kid Case, the first in Rosalind Barden's Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery series, has been awarded multiple accolades, including the Firebird Book Award 1st Place for Cozy Mysteries. This 1930s humorous historical cozy mysteries series with a most unlikely amateur sleuth is a fun read for middle school tweens to grownups. Continue following Sparky's misadventures with The Cannibal Caper, The Monkey Island Murder, The South Seas Shenanigans, and The Catalina Cahoots.

"The Cold Kid Case delivers a piece of the action—and a spunky streetwise sleuth to go with it!”
— Diane Vallere, national bestselling author of the Madison Night Mystery Series

"Depression-era downtown Los Angeles comes alive when an eleven-year-old back-alley gamin becomes fugitive suspect number-one in a Bunker Hill murder."
— Jim Dawson, author of Los Angeles's Bunker Hill: Pulp Fiction's Mean Streets and Film Noir's Ground Zero

"There’s fun to be had, but little sugarcoating, in this wild, often chilling murder mystery."—Kirkus Reviews

"What a fun, exciting adventure book! . . . A winner for kids [that] will appeal to adult readers as well. You just can’t help loving Sparky!"
— Jackie Houchin, Here's How It Happened
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  1. Reading age
    11 - 18 years
  2. Book 1 of 5
    A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery
  3. Print length
    304 pages
  4. Language
    English
  5. Accessibility
    Learn more
  6. Publication date
    October 31, 2023
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Not Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  10. ISBN-13
    979-8989280810
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From the Publisher

The Cold Kid Case: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery by Rosalind Barden - LA 1932
The Cold Kid Case: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery by Rosalind Barden - girl on the run
The Cold Kid Case: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery by Rosalind Barden - mobsters, hollywood

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The Cold Kid Case delivers a piece of the action—and a spunky streetwise sleuth to go with it!" — Diane Vallere, national bestselling author of the Madison Night Mystery Series

"Depression-era downtown Los Angeles comes alive when an eleven-year-old back-alley gamin becomes fugitive suspect number-one in a Bunker Hill murder." — Jim Dawson, author of Los Angeles's Bunker Hill: Pulp Fiction's Mean Streets and Film Noir's Ground Zero

"There's fun to be had, but little sugarcoating, in this wild, often chilling murder mystery." — Kirkus Reviews

"What a fun, exciting adventure book! . . . A winner for kids [that] will appeal to adult readers as well. You just can't help loving Sparky!" — Jackie Houchin, Here's How It Happened

About the Author

Rosalind Barden has long been fascinated by the history of Los Angeles's lost noir neighborhood, Bunker Hill. "The Cold Kid Case," the first in her zany 1930s "Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery" series is a #1 Amazon New Release, #1 Amazon Bestseller in its category, and has been awarded multiple accolades, including the Firebird Book Award 1st Place for Cozy Mysteries. Over thirty of her short mystery and horror stories have been published, including her inspiration for the "Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery" series, "The Monkey's Ghost," part of the FAPA President's Book Awards Silver Medalist anthology, "History and Mystery, Oh My!" She writes and continues to explore lost history in Los Angeles. Discover more at RosalindBarden.com.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CKX1HVQG
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Poodle Productions, LLC
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 31, 2023
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 5.2 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 304 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8989280810
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 5 ‏ : ‎ A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 11 - 18 years
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 out of 5 stars 66 ratings

About the author

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Rosalind Barden

Rosalind Barden

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Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Discover more at https://rosalindbarden.com/. For bonus content, fun giveaways, and updates, sign up for Rosalind Barden’s Readers Club newsletter at https://rosalindbarden.com/join-readers-club/.

Rosalind Barden's zany, cozy noir mystery novel set in 1930s Depression-era Los Angeles, SPARKY OF BUNKER HILL AND THE COLD KID CASE, is a Firebird Book Award 1st Place Cozy Mystery Winner, Literary Titan Gold Medal Book Award Winner, Author Academy Top 10 Mystery Winner, and Critters Readers Poll Top 10 Finisher for both Best Mystery and Best Young Adult Books. Over thirty of Rosalind Barden's short stories have appeared in print anthologies and webzines, such as the U.K.'s acclaimed WHISPERS OF WICKEDNESS. Mystery and Horror LLC has selected her stories for multiple print anthologies, including FAPA President's Book Award Silver Medalist HISTORY AND MYSTERY OH MY! She is a regular contributor to the STRANGELY FUNNY anthology series. Ellen Datlow selected her short story LION FRIEND as a Best Horror of the Year Honorable Mention after it appeared in CERN ZOO, a British Fantasy Society nominee for best anthology, part of DF Lewis' award winning NEMONYMOUS anthology series. TV MONSTER is her print children's book that she wrote and illustrated. In addition, her scripts, novel manuscripts and short fiction have placed in numerous competitions, including the Writers Digest Screenplay Competition and the Shriekfast Film Festival. She writes in Los Angeles, California. Photo credit: Guy Viau.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
66 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this mystery book exciting for younger readers, with vivid characters and a fast-paced plot featuring a tough sleuth. Moreover, the narrative is driven by Sparky's distinctive voice, and customers appreciate its humor and unique creativity. Additionally, the book receives positive feedback for its youthful perspective and heartwarming story.

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Entertainment valueCharacter developmentPacingVoiceHumorAge rangeHeartwarming storyCreativity
15 customers mention "Entertainment value"15 positive0 negative

Customers find the book entertaining and compelling, particularly noting it is exciting for younger readers and fun to read together. One customer mentions how the novel revels in eccentricity and weirdness, while another describes it as a sparkling adventure.

"...The story is full of old Hollywood charm, movie stars, gangsters, and a lot of suspense. Sparky’s voice is so spunky and real...." Read more

"...The mystery unfolds with several twists and false leads...." Read more

"The Cold Kid Case is a witty, suspenseful, and surprisingly layered mystery told through the eyes of Sparky, a scrappy, street-smart 11-year-old..." Read more

"...Accused of a murder she didn’t commit, Sparky is curious, brave, a little rough around the edges, and makes an unforgettable heroine...." Read more

8 customers mention "Character development"8 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the vivid and colorful characters in the book, with one review highlighting the unforgettable heroine and another noting the quirky supporting cast.

"...The story is full of old Hollywood charm, movie stars, gangsters, and a lot of suspense. Sparky’s voice is so spunky and real...." Read more

"...The quirky supporting cast, from Tootsie and Chum-Chum to a bookie literally named Bookie, adds color and humor, keeping the story vibrant even as..." Read more

"...is curious, brave, a little rough around the edges, and makes an unforgettable heroine...." Read more

"...a body, and from there, it tumbles into a mystery full of eccentric characters, shady Hollywood types, and a touch of the absurd..." Read more

8 customers mention "Pacing"8 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the pacing of the book, describing it as fast-paced with a tough sleuth protagonist.

"...What I liked most is Sparky talks like a real person. She's tough but not annoying. She's funny, but you can tell she's also been through a lot...." Read more

"...is a fresh, fast-paced mystery that’s as much about friendship and resilience as it is about solving a crime." Read more

"Rosalind Barden’s protagonist Sparky, a tough, wisecracking, 11-year-old girl navigating the gritty alleys and hidden staircases of 1930s Bunker Hill..." Read more

"The Cold Kid Case surprised me in the best way. It’s got a gritty, noir feel but told through the eyes of an 11-year-old girl named Sparky, who’s..." Read more

8 customers mention "Voice"8 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the distinct voice of the book, with one customer noting that Sparky's narration is sharp and another mentioning that the dialogue has personality.

"...What I liked most is Sparky talks like a real person. She's tough but not annoying. She's funny, but you can tell she's also been through a lot...." Read more

"...gritty urban backdrop with a youthful perspective, and Sparky’s voice drives the narrative...." Read more

"...Rosalind Barden masterfully captures a child’s voice—Sparky’s narration is sharp, funny, and full of heart without ever feeling forced or overly..." Read more

"...The quirky voices, period slang, and occasional detour into Sparky’s overactive thoughts make her real. She’s not polished, she’s alive...." Read more

6 customers mention "Humor"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book humorous, with one noting its unique writing style.

"...She's tough but not annoying. She's funny, but you can tell she's also been through a lot...." Read more

"...Her narration is direct, alternating between sharp humor and sudden vulnerability...." Read more

"The Cold Kid Case is a witty, suspenseful, and surprisingly layered mystery told through the eyes of Sparky, a scrappy, street-smart 11-year-old..." Read more

"...through the eyes of an 11-year-old girl named Sparky, who’s sharp, funny, and way too clever for her own good...." Read more

4 customers mention "Age range"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the age range of the book, with one review highlighting the spunky 11-year-old main character and another noting its youthful perspective.

"...The premise mixes a gritty urban backdrop with a youthful perspective, and Sparky’s voice drives the narrative...." Read more

"...wonder—something that will resonate with both young readers and nostalgic adults...." Read more

"...She is precocious, yet lovable and is destined to be remembered by young readers...." Read more

"A Street-Savvy Sleuth for the Ages..." Read more

4 customers mention "Heartwarming story"4 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the heartwarming story of the book, with one customer noting it's a sparkling series opener that delivers murder, while another mentions it's never pausing for sentimentality.

"...of corrupt cops, Hollywood insiders, and dead ends, never pausing for sentimentality...." Read more

"...captures a child’s voice—Sparky’s narration is sharp, funny, and full of heart without ever feeling forced or overly precocious...." Read more

"A well-crafted and plotted mystery and crime story, set in 1930s Los Angeles, with a truly unique and spunky 11-year-old main character...." Read more

""Set in the Depression era, this sparkling series opener delivers murder, mayhem, and the finger of blame pointed squarely at a street-savvy eleven-..." Read more

3 customers mention "Creativity"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the creativity of the book, finding it truly unique.

"...profound in its deeper messages, its eccentricity sets it apart as a unique and memorable read." Read more

"...plotted mystery and crime story, set in 1930s Los Angeles, with a truly unique and spunky 11-year-old main character...." Read more

"Creative and Great..." Read more

A great new voice for mystery, crime, & noir fans
5 out of 5 stars
A great new voice for mystery, crime, & noir fans
A well-crafted and plotted mystery and crime story, set in 1930s Los Angeles, with a truly unique and spunky 11-year-old main character. Sparky is a hilarious and sassy and tough sleuth, part Raymond Chandler and part Nancy Drew. The novel is a fun ride, following Spark as she stumbles upon a dead body in a bench, and is quickly accused of its murder. The author has great attention to the details of Los Angeles from back in the Depression, and she really brings the city to life in a truly authentic manner — in some ways the LA neighborhood of Bunker Hill is a character, too. Highly recommended for mystery and crime and LA noir fans.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Kim Brooks
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very Entertaining!
    Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I picked up this book for my granddaughter because she’s really into mysteries these days, and I have to say—we both ended up loving it! I started reading it just to see what it was about, and before I knew it, I was hooked right along with her.
    What I liked most is Sparky talks like a real person. She's tough but not annoying. She's funny, but you can tell she's also been through a lot. And even though this happened a long time ago, the stuff she goes through still makes sense—like trying to figure out who to trust and what to do when everything is falling apart.
    The story is full of old Hollywood charm, movie stars, gangsters, and a lot of suspense. Sparky’s voice is so spunky and real. She’s got a tough shell, but you can tell she’s got a good heart. My granddaughter said she wants to be like her—and honestly, I do too!
    We had such fun reading it together and guessing who the real culprit was. There were lots of twists and turns, and we both got surprised more than once. It’s written in a way that’s exciting for younger readers but still really entertaining for us older folks.
    If you’re looking for a smart, sassy mystery with heart and humor, The Cold Kid Case is just the ticket. Sparky is a little firecracker, and I hope this isn’t the last we see of her!
    One person found this helpful
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  • P. L.
    4.0 out of 5 stars Quirky Mystery
    Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Set in 1930s Los Angeles, The Cold Kid Case follows 11‑year‑old Sparky, an orphan framed for murder, as she fights to clear her name. The premise mixes a gritty urban backdrop with a youthful perspective, and Sparky’s voice drives the narrative.

    Her narration is direct, alternating between sharp humor and sudden vulnerability. She moves through a landscape of corrupt cops, Hollywood insiders, and dead ends, never pausing for sentimentality. The Depression‑era setting is sketched in broad strokes—enough to ground the story without stalling the action. The mystery unfolds with several twists and false leads. At times, the focus on odd side details slows the pace, and a few plot threads remain open at the end. However, these loose ends suggest future installments rather than weak plotting.

    Where the novel struggles is in its dialogue and diction. Modern slang slips into Sparky’s lines, breaking the period atmosphere. The clipped, contemporary prose clashes with the historical setting. But despite these issues, the book holds together on Sparky’s relentless drive. It refuses to soften her reality, and that honesty carries the story through its rough spots.
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  • nightfire
    5.0 out of 5 stars An entertaining and sparkling adventure
    Reviewed in the United States on May 5, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    The Cold Kid Case is a witty, suspenseful, and surprisingly layered mystery told through the eyes of Sparky, a scrappy, street-smart 11-year-old navigating the gritty streets of Bunker Hill, Los Angeles. Accused of a murder she didn’t commit, Sparky dives headfirst into a tangled web of secrets, strange characters, and unexpected allies in a quest to clear her name. Rosalind Barden masterfully captures a child’s voice—Sparky’s narration is sharp, funny, and full of heart without ever feeling forced or overly precocious. The quirky supporting cast, from Tootsie and Chum-Chum to a bookie literally named Bookie, adds color and humor, keeping the story vibrant even as it tackles darker themes. What makes this book truly stand out is how it blends noir sensibilities with childlike wonder—something that will resonate with both young readers and nostalgic adults. While the ending leaves a few threads hanging, it also opens the door for more adventures, which I would happily read. The Cold Kid Case is a fresh, fast-paced mystery that’s as much about friendship and resilience as it is about solving a crime.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Edwin
    4.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining mystery
    Reviewed in the United States on May 14, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    The Cold Kid Case surprised me in the best way. It’s got a gritty, noir feel but told through the eyes of an 11-year-old girl named Sparky, who’s sharp, funny, and way too clever for her own good. The story kicks off with her discovering a body, and from there, it tumbles into a mystery full of eccentric characters, shady Hollywood types, and a touch of the absurd (in a good way).

    It’s not trying to be overly sentimental or heavy—just smart, a little quirky, and surprisingly grounded despite the wild premise. The writing is snappy, the dialogue has personality, and it reads fast without feeling rushed. Sparky’s voice carries the whole thing, and the 1930s setting adds a cool backdrop without bogging things down in historical detail.

    If you like mysteries that don't take themselves too seriously but still keep you guessing, this one's worth checking out.
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  • CBM - an avid reader
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Street-Savvy Sleuth for the Ages
    Reviewed in the United States on April 20, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Rosalind Barden’s protagonist Sparky, a tough, wisecracking, 11-year-old girl navigating the gritty alleys and hidden staircases of 1930s Bunker Hill, Los Angeles, has street smarts, sass, and heart.
    Sparky’s pitch-perfect inner monologue captures the childhood innocence and worldly toughness that define the authenticity of her world in this middle-grade novel.
    Accused of a murder she didn’t commit, Sparky is curious, brave, a little rough around the edges, and makes an unforgettable heroine.
    This twisty whodunnit with eccentric supporting characters like Tootsie, Clara Bell, Chum-Chum, and a bookie named, er, Bookie is vividly painted and fast paced.
    Barden’s young readers can expect a layered, imaginative, fast-paced story that never talks down to them. Yes, Sparky’s world has eccentricity, but it’s all part of the charm. The quirky voices, period slang, and occasional detour into Sparky’s overactive thoughts make her real. She’s not polished, she’s alive.
    The Cold Kid Case: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery delighted my 13-year-old niece and afforded nostalgic pleasure for this old aunt. It's a story that sparks imagination, just like Sparky herself!
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Jim Kent
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Sparkling Mystery Adventure!
    Reviewed in Canada on June 12, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I read "The Cold Kid Case: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery" and was thoroughly impressed by Rosalind Barden's engaging storytelling. I enjoyed the lively portrayal of Depression-era Los Angeles, which, to me and my recollection of the era, felt both authentic and vivid. The story: Sparky, the street-smart 11-year-old protagonist, is a delightful mix of wit, determination, and charm. I found her character to be incredibly compelling, driving the story forward with her relentless quest to clear her name from a murder she didn’t commit.

    As the story progresses, things get even more exciting and the narrative is peppered with colorful characters that add depth and humor to the plot. I appreciated the clever use of historical details that brought the setting to life and made me feel immersed in the era. I also found the book's pacing to be perfect, with a balance of suspense, action, and comedic moments that kept me going through the pages.

    I was particularly impressed by how the author wove in witty observations about people and society, speaking wisdom between the lines, adding layers to the story that resonated with both humor and insight. Overall, I found "The Cold Kid Case" to be a delightful and refreshing read, full of twists and turns that make it a standout mystery novel.
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  • Mr R Woodgate
    5.0 out of 5 stars Zany, offbeat and gloriously comic
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 13, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    The premise isn’t quite believable and as the plot develops, it becomes further and further exaggerated. But that’s the point. The Cold Kid Case is intentionally zany, offbeat, and gloriously comic.

    The Cold Kid Case is told by Sparky, an eleven-year-old street kid, living on Bunker Hill in 1930s Los Angeles. Oozing street-smart, her character is fully formed and I was happy to spend time in her company. Her quest to clear her name from a trumped-up murder charge is fuelled further by a hysterical press into a frenzied girl-hunt. While busy avoiding the law, Sparky still has to deal with the practicalities of life on the street; to keep her stomach from growling, she pursues Gilbert’s delicious home-baked buns and his other tasty offerings. At times, it seems this street-savvy kid can’t possibly be only eleven, but we are deftly reminded of her years through delicately crafted touches. Through Sparky’s child eyes, lasagne becomes ‘flat noodles’, and the pair of stuffed cheetahs she befriends who live in the sunroom of Creepy House, become leopards. But the mistake with the cats is shared by the grown-ups living there too, and it’s left to Sparky’s bookworm best friend, Bobby to spot that particular misnomer.

    The world the author creates is richly stylised; Sparky’s constant fear of running into the policeman, Mug, put me in mind of Top Cat and Officer Dibble. Central to the book’s success for me is Creepy House and its inhabitants. Tootsie is a delicately tempered Hollywood actress, now past her glory days and living holed-up inside the stuffy Creepy House, but with memories of her golden years still very much alive for her. Her faithful live-in servant, Gilbert worries over her, attending to the careful management of ‘Mademoiselle’s nerves’. Along with this carefully drawn character is a constant stream of others to keep the precious Tootsie La Femme in good health. Vitamin doctor, raw-food woman, Mr. Exercise, spiritual man, hair lady, face lady, dress lady, slimming man, massage lady… Mademoiselle clearly needs a lot of attention. This endless pampering, and fawning over her is a hilarious critique of Hollywood celebrity, fashion, and contemporary LA health and lifestyle fads. The names too are wonderful; a little later ‘Onion Girl’ makes her appearance. This effortlessly simple and comic naming puts me in mind of the highly stylised characters found in the casts of Wes Anderson’s films. For me, Tootsie and her entourage positively steal the show, and the strongest sections are those that feature them.

    As for criticism, because it has been written so well, I sometimes found myself forgetting it’s aimed at a younger adult reader. But as one of the ‘big people’, as Sparky calls adults, I did begin to tire of the book in the latter half. Beyond the clever critique of Hollywood’s celebrity-driven lifestyle, there wasn’t enough else to keep me interested throughout this full-length novel. And I expected and would have welcomed a little more scene setting – I like more description than I got. The time and place are of such interest as to warrant more detail, but maybe this is of less importance to a younger adult reader – I don’t know. I enjoyed the ride but by the end I was happy to get off.
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  • Cliente de Kindle
    4.0 out of 5 stars I love it.
    Reviewed in Spain on July 8, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    It is the first book I have read by the author, I found it very tender and entertaining, I really like the cozy mystery genre and this work defines it.

    At times Sparky, a young 11-year-old girl and the protagonist of our story, is very similar to characters like Oliver Twist.

    I loved that the story revolved around a murder and that she was accused of it since the plot has focused on uncovering the truth to clear her name.

    I found it very entertaining and fun to read, an enjoyable and intriguing read, without a doubt a very good read, especially I recommend it for young people who are starting to read since this type of works will undoubtedly awaken their love for reading.
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  • Fin23
    5.0 out of 5 stars brilliant book
    Reviewed in Germany on October 14, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    “The Cold Kid Case: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery” is a very refreshing tale that – with its vibrant setting of 1930 Los Angeles – conveys a strong feeling of the old school, classic adventure novel. The book’s protagonist is 11 yo Sparky, a street girl. She is framed for a murder she did not commit. This sets free a storyline full of peculiar events and incidents that involves a range of eccentric characters. I found the language particularly elegant and well-fitting for the temporal setting. It makes both story and characters appear more genuine and historically accurate. The rich descriptions add depth to the plot; subtle hints and allusions of satire regarding the contemporary makeup of society provide an additional subtext that makes the book an enjoyable read also for adults. The overall tone is colorful. It admits both comical and mystical elements and a lot of suspense. Highly recommend the book!
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  • Lubov Leonova
    4.0 out of 5 stars An interesting look at LA history
    Reviewed in Canada on April 17, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    The mystery follows the story of Sparky, an orphaned 11-year-old living in Depression-era Los Angeles. Accused of a murder she didn't commit, Sparky sets out to clear her name and solve the case of the little girl found dead on a park bench.

    When I first started reading, I was taken aback by the story premise. Seriously, who would ever accuse a child in such a heinous crime?! However, I loved the way the story unfolded.

    One of the standout features of this book is the author's ability to weave in witty observations about people and society, adding layers of humor and insight to the story. These moments of wisdom between the lines give the narrative depth and make the characters feel more real and relatable.

    One significant flaw in the book lies in the writing style with its terse sentence fragments reminiscent of modern social-media discourse. It often felt out of place in a historical context and took me away from the overall immersion in the setting.

    Despite these drawbacks, "The Cold Kid Case" is still a compelling and entertaining read, with a strong protagonist and a well-crafted mystery. The blend of charm, suspense, and humor makes this book a worthwhile addition to any YA mystery lover's collection.
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