Who Killed Darius Drake?: A Mystery

About this book

In award-winner Philbrick's new page-turning mystery, Arthur "Bash Man" is the school thug, paid with candy to bully and threaten other students. When genius orphan Darius Drake employs Arthur to help him discover the origin of a suspicious threat, written in blood, they uncover a mystery that involves Darius's estranged grandfather, who was imprisoned for forging evidence in a search for a long-lost diamond necklace worth millions. The boys make the dangerous decision to search for the jewels themselves — and in the process, they discover that the car crash that killed Darius's parents was not an accident at all. Who will be next?

Where are the diamonds? And who is stalking the boys? In his first mystery for children, Philbrick delivers yet another suspenseful, unpredictable tale filled with twists and turns that will leave readers breathless.

Reviews

"A smart and worthy mystery." -- Kirkus Reviews

"Dropping tantalizing hints of grisly events to come, Philbrick leads readers to a melodramatic denouement. An artful mix of clues, cons, and violence, with prizes at the end that glitter both literally and figuratively." -- Booklist

"Mystery and adventure abound in Philbrick's latest middle grade novel.... the odd friendship of the two main characters builds throughout the novel. The feeling of being an outsider, or of just being different, will resonate with students. The mystery elements are well plotted, and readers will enjoy trying to piece together various clues." -- School Library Journal

"Philbrick's lean prose is richly descriptive (an abandoned house “looks so Halloween, with a roof peaked high like a witch's hat, and the windows boarded up, and a saggy old porch melting into the dirt”). The short novel is big enough to contain an engaging mystery, thought-provoking reflections on class, and satisfying character development." -- The Horn Book

"This mystery has it all: a spooky old house, unreliable and untrustworthy adult characters, intelligent and resourceful children, family secrets, and a sweet love story that has reached almost urban legend status. The ending is particularly action-packed. Ultimately, the mystery works and a perceptive reader should be able to figure out the bad guy. A fun, fast-past story that will be enjoyed by readers maturing in their reading interests." -- School Library Connection

"Arthur's straightforward narration and direct addresses to the reader make this highly accessible, and the plot's quick pace, with the appearance of a bloodstained letter and a decrepit old house within the first few chapters, gives it immediate appeal.... For kids who've moved beyond Encyclopedia Brown but aren't quite ready for the various YA iterations of Sherlock, this will hit the sweet spot." -- BCCB

Praise for The Big Dark

"A riveting, credible, and even inspiring vision of life just after the apocalypse." --Kirkus Reviews

"A fast pace, pulse-pounding premise, and approachable first-person narration." --Booklist

"Philbrick (Zane and the Hurricane) weaves an absorbing tale about the breakdown of contemporary civilization, the return to chaotic vigilante justice, and the strength of kindness and community." -- Publishers Weekly

Praise for Zane and the Hurricane

2015-2016 Texas Bluebonnet Award Master List

*"Vivid descriptions of the toxic waters, the commotion at the Superdome, and racial tension are handled factually yet sensitively." --School Library Journal, starred review

*"An appropriately serious and occasionally gruesome tale of surviving Hurricane Katrina, buoyed by large doses of hope and humor."--Kirkus Reviews, starred review

*"Zane's first-person account is tense and authentically youthful as the group paddles through the flooded streets of New Orleans seeking refuge." --Publishers Weekly, starred review


Praise for The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg

A Newbery Honor Book

*"The horror of war and injustice of slavery ring clearly above the din of playful exaggerations." --Publishers Weekly, starred review