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Rosalind Barden
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The Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Kindle Edition

by Rosalind Barden (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.7 out of 5 stars 29 ratings
A Tourist Trap Full of Crazy Monkeys…and Murder!

Sure Sparky’s boss Bookie is a crook, but he’s no murderer! Eleven-year-old, plucky amateur super-sleuth Sparky stops at nothing to convince the police that Bookie was framed for the murder at Monkey Island, a ratty tourist trap in downtown Los Angeles, 1932.

On this, the worst day of her life, Sparky must also survive going back to school. Forever in trouble, Sparky is forced to “volunteer” for top cop Mug and grumpy Detective Bernie. Will the station’s police bunny give Sparky an important clue?

Meanwhile, at the Creepy House mansion, Sparky’s home, onetime silent movie star Tootsie and her assistant Gilbert, aka the goblin, are in a tizzy preparing for an audition that could revive Tootsie’s career. Will Sparky’s detecting antics disrupt her guardian’s big break?

Sparky even considers gravedigging to find clues to help Bookie. . . . But if he’s freed from jail, with Prohibition on its way out, will Bookie need to figure out a new line of work?

Crime-solving is a lonely business, but thankfully, Sparky has Tootsie’s stuffed pet leopards for company. It’s all that and a barrel of monkeys in Sparky’s next adventure.

“Make time to hang with Sparky. . . . You’ll be glad you did!” —DIANE VALLERE, National Bestselling Author, Madison Night Mystery Series.

The Monkey Island Murder is the third novel in the award-winning Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery series. This 1930s cozy noir historical mystery series with a sense of humor also includes The Cannibal Caper and #1 Amazon New Release, The Cold Kid Case. Coming October 2024, the fourth in the series, The South Seas Shenanigans, promises lots more trouble for Sparky!
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  1. Reading age
    11 - 18 years
  2. Book 3 of 5
    A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery
  3. Print length
    235 pages
  4. Language
    English
  5. Accessibility
    Learn more
  6. Publication date
    June 1, 2024
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Not Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  10. ISBN-13
    979-8989280858
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 See full series
There are 5 books in this series.

From the Publisher

The Cold Kid Case: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery
The Cannibal Caper: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery
The Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery
The South Seas Shenanigans: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery
The Catalina Cahoots: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery
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Customer Reviews
4.5 out of 5 stars 66
4.6 out of 5 stars 29
4.7 out of 5 stars 29
4.4 out of 5 stars 38
4.8 out of 5 stars 20
Price $2.99 $4.99 $4.99 $4.99 $4.99
1930s Mystery ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Fun! ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Movie Stars ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Adventure ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Zany Animals ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Wacky Mobsters ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Cozy Noir ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Laugh-Out-Loud ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Tweens to Grown-ups love it! no data no data no data no data no data

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

A Tourist Trap Full of Crazy Monkeys...and Murder!

Sure Sparky's boss Bookie is a crook, but he's no murderer! Eleven-year-old, plucky amateur super-sleuth Sparky stops at nothing to convince the police that Bookie was framed for the murder at Monkey Island, a ratty old tourist trap in downtown Los Angeles, 1932.

And on this, the worst day of her life, Sparky must also survive going back to school and the principal's office. Sparky just can't keep out of trouble, so her school volunteers her for a law-and-order internship with top cop Mug and grumpy Detective Bernie. Will the station's resident police bunny accidentally provide Sparky with an important clue?

Meanwhile, back at the Creepy House mansion, Sparky's home, one-time silent movie star Tootsie and her assistant Gilbert, aka the goblin, are in a tizzy preparing for the audition that could bring back Tootsie's career. But will Sparky's detecting antics disrupt her guardian's big break?

Sparky even considers grave digging to find clues to help Bookie. . . . But even if he's freed from jail, with Prohibition on its way out, will Bookie need to figure out a new line of work?

Crime-solving is a lonely business, but thankfully, Sparky still has Tootsie's stuffed pet leopards for company. It's all that and a barrel of monkeys in Sparky's next adventure.

"Monkey Island Murder is a captivating read that promises—and delivers—both chills and chuckles." —Laurie Buchanan, author of the Sean McPherson crime thriller novels

The Monkey Island Murder is the third novel in the award-winning Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery series. This 1930s cozy noir historical mystery series with a sense of humor also includes The Cannibal Caper and #1 Amazon New Release, The Cold Kid Case.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CLKZCNK6
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Poodle Productions, LLC
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 1, 2024
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.1 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 235 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8989280858
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 3 of 5 ‏ : ‎ A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 11 - 18 years
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 out of 5 stars 29 ratings

About the author

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Rosalind Barden

Rosalind Barden

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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

4.7 out of 5 stars
29 global ratings

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Top reviews from the United States

  • Ciera
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic Characters!
    Reviewed in the United States on April 8, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I enjoyed this! This murder mystery is told through the eyes of a young girl, and I loved how the author showed the world from her perspective. Though Sparky meets unkind people and struggles to navigate life at school, she continues to be loyal to those she cares about.

    The way Sparky struggles to fit in and gives childish names to the adults instead of using their real names offers an element of realism that helps you see the world the way she does. Unlike a lot of stories that are about children under fifteen, Sparky’s reactions struck me as genuine and make her character feel more alive.

    Readers are kept guessing about who Sparky can trust, and in the midst of more serious elements of solving the murder is plenty of comic relief. Sparky’s journey from clearing her friend’s name to going off on new adventures adds excitement to this series that will leave you wanting to read the next book. Would definitely recommend!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Lupine Bailey
    4.0 out of 5 stars Baked Treats and a Spunky Heroine
    Reviewed in the United States on October 8, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Set in 1932, “Monkey Island Murder” follows our precocious 11-year-old heroine, Sparky, who often thinks and acts beyond her years. While this can seem unusual, it fits with the tough environment she’s grown up in. The story is populated with a colorful cast of characters, though some feel a bit one-dimensional. Some are oblivious to Sparky’s antics, some are against her, while others are either onto her or aiding her. The quirky names for characters and places add a fun touch.
    Sparky’s mature POV dialog sometimes sticks out, making her seem too adult-like sometimes, which can be noticeable. The pacing can be slow at times due to the extensive descriptions, but Sparky’s determination to help her friend and her crime boss is commendable. I did wish for a stronger mystery element, but the world-building is top-notch, with vividly described locations that transport you to the 1930s.
    The frequent mentions of baked goods—donuts, cupcakes, breads, pies, cakes, and pastries—are sure to make you hungry! The ending felt a bit abrupt, seemingly setting up the next book in the series. This is great if you’re looking to invest in a series about a spunky, street-smart kid navigating life in the 1930s. Young adults might enjoy this, though the detailed descriptions might slow down those who prefer a faster pace.
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  • Jennifer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Framed for Murder
    Reviewed in the United States on December 2, 2024
    In this next zany Sparky mystery set in the 1930s, Sparky does whatever she can to make it in the streets even befriending the most unusual characters. Her boss, who is a former actor and now criminal, Bookie has been framed for a murder he didn’t commit. Now Sparky is on a mission to find out who else committed this murder. This series is meant for an YA audience but anyone can enjoy this young sleuth, Sparky and solving these mysteries surrounding her.
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  • Joy Shelton-York
    5.0 out of 5 stars Plenty of twist and surprises in this exciting mystery!
    Reviewed in the United States on June 13, 2024
    Set in the 1930’s depression-era in the Bunker Hill area of Los Angeles, we follow the sleuthing adventures of eleven-year-old orphan, Sparky. The streetwise, stubborn, and self-reliant to her own detriment young girl has had a hard life living on the streets after her abusive relatives kicked her out. A rich, kindhearted ex-silent screen star offers her a home with care, education, and a normalcy Sparky doesn’t quite understand or know how to fully appreciate. On the streets Sparky understood the rules or at least the criminal code of conduct which helped her survive—everyone’s out for themselves. Favors are bartered on the street, not offered freely. She knows the score there, unlike in her new environment. Bookie, a criminal boss she has worked for is framed for a murder he didn’t commit. Bookie helped her get out of a murder wrap the summer before, so she feels obligated to find out the who, what, and why he is in jail for a murder she knows he didn’t commit. There begins the rollicking, hilarious, and often perilous adventures through Los Angeles to learn the truth.

    Barden’s vivid descriptions and colorful dialog provide an authentic picture of life in the 1930’s. She skillfully slips into the mind of this spunky, rambunctious, humorous, loyal, and insecure girl who is torn between two worlds, not sure where or if she will ever fit in either. I love the flamboyant, giving, lovable, but self-absorbed Tootsie who wants to be a good caretaker, but has no idea how. A warm bed, new clothes, and cake aren’t the answer.

    There are so many layers to this story and Sparky herself. I fell in love with Sparky’s quick wit, zany antics, innovative sleuthing methods, and loyalty to her friends who see past the rough edges into the kind and misunderstood person she is. I enjoyed all the unique characters in this book, even the bad guys. The mystery plot was complex but easy for the reader to follow, with many twists I didn’t anticipate. The ending was a surprise and hints at more exciting adventures in the next Sparky mystery. I highly recommend it for adults and teen mystery lovers.
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  • kpetty
    4.0 out of 5 stars Reminds me of Trixie Belden
    Reviewed in the United States on July 17, 2024
    This is the first time reading this author for me. I was transported back to my childhood with this one. I was reminded of the Trix Belden series of my youth. This the 3rd book in this series and I was so delighted with this book and the memories it brought back that I will be going back to read the first 2 in the series. Love the characters with all their charm and quirks. Barden has done a remarkable job developing characters that we can fall in love with. I was a little unsettled with the amount of characters that were thrown at me but, I'm assuming if I had read the other 2 in series I might not have been overwhelmed. This book can be read as a standalone but, I think it would flow better in ones mind if read in order.
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Kristina
    5.0 out of 5 stars Mystery, heart, and humor
    Reviewed in Canada on June 29, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Sparky knows how to flatter sensitive movie stars longing for fame! She is a fortunate girl, pampered by rich and kind-hearted people, and she could choose to live without worries. However, she feels her best on the streets of Los Angeles, figuring out how to help her criminal boss, who was framed for murder, to get out of jail.
    Most parents won’t like her character. She spoils one dress and one pair of shoes every day, she eats lots of sweets (her school lunches are all pastries and cakes every kid would dream of), she constantly runs away from home at night and even digs up bodies!
    I’m so curious to find out what modern kids think of Sparky; it seems to me that they will be shocked by her street adventures. Two other girl characters are tough and mean, but boys are sweet and helpful.
    The Monkey Island Murder is the third novel in the historical (1930) mystery series and the ending promises new adventures! I recommend it to everyone who loves detective stories and quirky characters.
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