Book Review: The Secret Files of Fairday Morrow

*** Before I start, I want to share some writing news: I’m thrilled to say that I have made it to the short list for the STARÓG PRIZE. Winners to be announced in two weeks, so there goes any chance of a good night’s sleep in the near future! 🙂 ***

This week we’re reviewing The Secret Files of Fairday Morrow by Jessica Haight and Stephanie Robinson. When Fairday’s parents decide to leave New York for Ashpot in Connecticut to turn the ramshackle old Begonia House into a B&B, eleven-year-old Fairday is not impressed. Not only does she have to leave behind her friends and start over in a new school, but the move separates her from best friend Lizzy who forms the other half of the elite Detective Mystery Squad (DMS). It doesn’t take long for Fairday to discover some very strange goings-on in Begonia House, mysteries crying out for the DMS to investigate…

This is a hugely enjoyable story. Begonia House is a truly terrifying place and I had no idea that it would hold so many dark fantasy and horror secrets, which were right up my street. It’s a spooky and exciting read, with secret rooms, enchanted mirrors and magical blueprints, all lightly told and pitched perfectly for the middle grade reader. Fairday, Lizzy and new squad member Marcus are all great characters. Fairday is exceptionally brave – I think I’d have been out of that house the first night! Begonia House has a lot more mysteries to be uncovered, and book 2, Fairday Morrow and the Talking Library (I love the title) is on my list to be read. I believe a third book is on the way, and I look forward to reading it as well.

There is a dog in the story. Auntie Em is the family pug, so I pass over to TOTP and friends for the canine view.

TOTP: It was great to see a dog in this book, especially one that played such a pivotal role.

Knitted TOTP: Yes, but we didn’t get to see any of her adventures inside the mirror. In Fairday’s world, Auntie Em spent a lot of time sleeping.

TOTP: It would have been more fun to see the whole story from Auntie Em’s point of view.

Knitted TOTP: The most shocking moment of the story was when Fairday left sleeping Auntie Em alone in the attic… I knew something bad was going to happen to her. What kind of human pet was Fairday?

TOTP: If Fairday hadn’t done so, we wouldn’t have had such an exciting adventure. Maybe Auntie Em has a bigger role in Fairday Morrow and the Talking Library.

Knitted TOTP [Spoiler Alert]: At least Auntie Em didn’t DIE!

TOTP: Not this time. Overall we rate this book as ‘Satisfactory’ for Canine Rep

Knitted TOTP (mutters): But could be better…

Thank you both. Unlike my canine friends, I rate this fun and spooky adventure as Excellent, and recommend you check it out. Though if you are planning to visit Connecticut, perhaps you shouldn’t stay in Begonia House!

Valinora Troy

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16 responses to “Book Review: The Secret Files of Fairday Morrow”

  3. Exciting news. I hope you get the prize!! And if you don’t…at least you made it into the final round. I LOVED TOTP and Knitted TOPT’s POVs on this book. They are very literate pups!

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  5. Congratulations on the award nomination. I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you. Pongo is very impressed by your dog’s book reviews, although he said he would rather nap by my side than have to write them!

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