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

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