i received a copy of dead good detectives from harper collins nz in exchange for an honest review.


star rating

dead good detectives review

“sometimes we must sail into a storm, no matter how scared we are” — Bones.

there’s a lot that happens in dead good detectives, but to put it simply: dead good detectives is the story of two twelve year old’s helping a ghost pirate to pass on.

sid is a memorable main character. she’s weird, quirky, and relatable. did i mention she loves maps? i can’t say i loved maps as a kid, but each to their own i guess? i found it really unique. the start of the book features her map that she’s spent a long time drawing up. not only does it include places, but also memories – and i think that’s the coolest part. it’s a map that means something to her.

zen, her best friend, is your typical twelve year old. he loves to play games, particularly catching “ghosts” (/a plastic bag) in the local graveyard. his dedication to sid is truly outstanding. she reveals some weird stuff (ie, seeing a ghost pirate), and he offers to start helping said pirate.

bones is the ghost pirate. he’s easily my favourite character. he’s like a giant teddy bear, but intimidating looking. even though i knew how it was going to end (that is, the “happy ending”), i still couldn’t help myself. i cried, and cried and cried. this poor man suffered so much, yet received so much kindness. (i’ll say no more, as i don’t want to spoil anything).

it’s not all sad either. the characters are goofy and fun. i laughed many times. i couldn’t stop grinning during others. i just want to know why it’s always the middle grade books that have me feeling all kinds of emotions?

i can’t say this enough: please read this book. i don’t care if you “don’t read middle grade books”. do yourself a favour: read it.

tl;dr: i absolutely loved this book.

buy your copy now!

mighty ape | the nile | paper plus | whitcoulls

8 Comments

  1. avatar

    this looks like such a fun & sweet mg story! your review has convinced me to add this to my to-read list 😍 a spectacular & very convincing review Chelsea!

    1. avatar

      yes!! please do read it! (i’m going to consider it my lives work to get people to read this amazing book!)

  2. avatar
    WendyW says:

    A Ghost Pirate! This sounds like a lot of fun

  3. avatar

    This sounds like a fun and cute story. I honestly love reading middle grade books. I’ll have to put this on my TBR.

    1. avatar

      i honestly don’t read them enough, considering every one i read i love! i really hope you enjoy this one, as i can’t recommend it enough!

  4. avatar

    HIIIII IM IN LOVE WITH YOUR REVIEW????? Also the book cover actually,, IT LOOKS STUNNING??? also THIS: “she reveals some weird stuff (ie, seeing a ghost pirate), and he offers to start helping said pirate.” It’s magical how you MAKE ME LOVE THE CHARACTERS already and I HAVENT EVEN READ THE BOOK YET BUT THANK YOU FOR ALL THE CONVINCING AM RUNNING TO CHANGE THAT NOW AND DID I MENTION I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS?????

    1. avatar

      PLEASE!!! i beg everyone to read this book! easily up there in one of the best books i’ve read this year!! (also, ghost pirates sounds so cool!)

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