Conspiracy 365 October - Gabrielle Lord

Conspiracy 365 October
Gabrielle Lord
Scholastic
ISBN 9781443104777

Scholastic Australia

eISBN 9781921988622

ASIN B00BFV1H2S

This story is fast drawing to a close. As of the reading of this volume there are only 2 left to go. I read the first two volumes in this series back in 2011; I had planned on reading them one a month as they were released. But that did not happen. My son started reading them in 2026 and he is in his late teens so I decided to pick them back up and finish the series. I have read about one a month over the last several months.

When I read the first 2 it was a new series from Scholastic, Conspiracy 365, is another unique approach to books that will draw readers in and keep them addicted. Much like the 39 Clues or Skeleton Creek books, it approaches storytelling in a new and different way that with draw an addicted following of readers. The story is about the life of Callum (Cal) Ormond. Almost like a year-long version of the TV series 24. The story was originally told over 12 books, one released each month for a year. And we now know the story continued with a shorter follow up series.

The description of this volume states:

“A gun shot rings out as Cal hides from his stalkers - two old bounty hunters and their savage dog, Sniffer. The hostile desert seems determined to become Cal's final resting place. Had Kelvin spared his life for nothing? 

Back in the city, an impossible job looms. To break into Oriana's safe at Zurich Bank, Cal needs Boges to make a perfect copy of her fingerprint...and they need her PIN. But will stealing from Oriana force her into a lethal alliance with Sligo? If so, Cal's enemies could instantly double in power, destroying all hope of survival. The clock is ticking. Any second could be his last. 

Callum Ormond has been warned. He has 365 days. The countdown has begun... 12 books. 12 months.”

About the author we are informed:

“Gabrielle Lord is one of Australia's bestselling crime writers for adults. Following the Conspiracy 365 series, she already has plans for another three adult novels and two more young adult books. Research is everything, Gabrielle says. 'Out of my contacts with experts (who are always far too modest to describe themselves that way) I get not only the fine-tuning necessary for today's savvy readers, but also wonderful incidents and images that enrich and enlarge my books.”

This volume picks up right where the previous left off. And things are pretty bleak at the beginning. And unfortunately they end on an even worse note. Some things do go right for Cal and his team during this story. But things do take a turn for the crazy and that drives Cal to some desperate actions. 

This one yet again ends on a major cliff hanger. Thus leaving you desperate for the next volume. 

These books were originally published in Australia and North America by Scholastic, unfortunately it appears eBook editions were never released in Canada. This is another good instalment in a thrilling series.

These books have a few cool features. In each book, the page numbers start at the highest and count down. The chapter and section headings are Dates and Time. This was an excellent ninth instalment in the series. Give them a try you will not be disappointed. This is another good read in an excellent series. 

Books by Gabrielle Lord:
Conspiracy 365:
Series Overview
January (2011)
February (2011)

March (2011)
April (2011)
May (2011)
June (2011)
July (2011)
August (2011)
September (2011)
October (2011)
November (2011)
December (2011)

…

Conspiracy 365 Black Ops:

Missing (2013)

Hunted (2013)

Endgame (2013)

…

48 Hours Series:

The Vanishing (2017)

The Medusa Curse (2017)

…

Gemma Lincoln:

Feeding the Demons (1999)

Baby Did a Bad Thing (2002)

Spiking the Girl (2004)

Shattered (2007)

Death by Beauty (2012)

…

Jack McCain:

Death Delights (2001)

Lethal Factor (2003)

Dirty Weekend (2005)

…

Other Books:

Fortress (1980)

Tooth and Claw (1983)

Jumbo (1986)

Salt (1990)

Whipping Boy (1992)

The Stranger Inside: An Erotic Adventure (1994)

Bones (1995)

The Sharp End (1998)

Monkey Undercover (2006)

…

The Young Man and the Sea - Rodman Philbrick - aka Lobster Boy

The Young Man and the Sea  

Rodman Philbrick

Scholastic Canada

The Blue Sky Press

ISBN 9780439856300

eISBN 9780545600309

ASIN B00B9FX1ZG

Lobster Boy

Usborne Publishing

ISBN 9780746065099

eISBN 9781409591092

ASIN B00UXA3YJG

First this volume has been published under two different titles in North America it is published as ‘The Young Man and the Sea’ in the UK it is published as ‘Lobster Boy’, at the time of the writing of this review there are 27 editions on Goodreads under the former name and 3 under the latter. Apparently Philbrick wanted the ‘Lobster Boy’ title, but the publisher kept referring to as ‘The Young Man and the Sea’ and it ended up sticking. And it has been through a wide range of covers over the last 12 years.

A few months ago I was having a discussion with a young man in his early 20’s and asked about his favourite book, because that is what bibliophiles do. He immediately said this Freak the Mighty, no hesitation, no pause just an immediate answer. I looked it up later in the day and discovered there was two books in that series and also a movie. While working on the review of the first Mighty book, I found at least a dozen I was interested in just from the titles. So this is the sixth volume by Rodman reading not quite one every other week, and every time I read one the list of ones I want to read grows! I have now compiled a list of all books published by Philbrick, under his various pen names. I enjoyed that first one so much I had picked up 3 other volumes by Philbrick before I even finished it! And by the time I had read three I had picked up nearly a dozen. 

I have been publishing reviews for 21 years now, first in papers and magazines and then on my blog and other platforms. I continue to read and write reviews because I must. I am a dyslexic bibliophile. I have tagged Scholastic over 450 times on my blog for reviews of books, or for my Top Ten Lists each quarter or year. I was greatly surprised I had not encountered Philbrick, it was absolutely my loss. Back to the book at hand. 

The description of the ‘The Young Man and the Sea’ edition states:

 “A story of determination and survival from the acclaimed author of FREAK THE MIGHTY. "This thrilling and elegant book ... will hold the interest of even the most stalwart landlubber." -- PW

Twelve-year-old Skiff Beaman's mom just died, and his fisherman dad is too depressed to drag himself off the couch and go to work. So these days Skiff has to take care of everything himself.

But when his dad's boat sinks, Skiff discovers it will cost thousands to buy a new engine. Skiff's lobster traps won't earn him enough, but there are bigger fish in the sea -- bluefin tuna. If he can catch one of those monster fish, Skiff just might save the boat -- and his family.”

The description of the ‘Lobster Boy’ edition states:

“Skiff Beaman has a problem. A BIG problem. He needs to fix up his family's fishing boat, but to do that he needs money. A whole heap of money.His father isn't going to help – he can't see further than the next can of beer since Skiff's mother died – and nor is his classmate, Tyler, inventor of the nickname "Lobster Boy".But Skiff can still hear his mother's voice telling him "Never give up". So he comes up with a plan. It's crazy, it's dangerous, and it's going to take all Skiff's grit and strength to win a great battle against the sea. An inspirational and compelling action-packed tale by the internationally bestselling author, Rodman Philbrick.”

About the author in another volume we are informed:

“After years of writing mysteries and suspense thrillers for adults, Rodman Philbrick decided to try his hand at a novel for young readers. That novel, Freak the Mighty, was published in 1993 to great acclaim and stellar reviews. In addition to being named an ALA Best Book for Young Adults and winning several state awards, it was also made into the Miramax feature film The Mighty in 1998. Rod returns to Maxwell Kane’s story in a sequel, Max the Mighty, a fast-paced cross-country odyssey.

Rod takes young readers to the American West in his exhilarating tale of two brothers on the run in The Fire Pony, winner of the Capital Choice Award, and on to a land where nothing is as it seems in the science-fiction adventure REM World. His thought-provoking novel The Last Book in the Universe, also an ALA Best Book for Young Adults, takes place in a futuristic world where no one reads anymore. Rod thought back to his New England roots and knowledge of boat building to write The Young Man and the Sea. School Library Journal praised its “wide-open adventure” and “heart-pounding suspense” and named it a Best Book of the Year in 2004.

Rodman Philbrick has also written several spine-tingling series for young readers with his wife, Lynn Harnett, including The House on Cherry Street and The Werewolf Chronicles. Rod and Lynn divide their time between homes on the coast of Maine and in the Florida Keys.”

There are supplemental sections at the end of each edition. For the US edition they are:

Acknowledgements

About the Author

Q&A with Rodman Philbrick

Rod’s Writing Tips

A Sneak Peek at Freak the Mighty

In the UK Edition they are:

A Conversation with Rodman Philbrick

About the Author (In his own words)

Sneak Preview of Fire Pony by Rodman Philbrick

Freak the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick

More Usborne fiction

A quick check and the text appears to be identical or nearly so. 

This story could be considered a school story because of the school age protagonist, but the events take place over summer vacation. But in many ways it is a father son story. It is a story of both of them dealing with loss. And the son, Skiff Beaman, is just trying to keep things up after the passing of his mother. He wants to restore the family boat in the hopes his father will start working again. He wants to fix things, first the boat, then his father. But life at times is a lot harder than many expect. And Skiff is just trying to live by the three rules him mother instilled in him, and her voice reminding him what she would say in different situations. 

The volume is clearly written in homage to The Old Man and the Sea, And Moby Dick. It is written in a way that when young readers encounter them later in life they will recognize the echoes. And for us older readers we will see a similar story with very different eyes.

This is another excellent story from Philbrick’s masterful pen. It reminds me a lot of the works of Andrew Clements or Gordon Korman, Tony Abbott, and Dan Gutman. All of whom I loved and have read numerous stories. Because of the various genres he writes in I am beginning to think of him as an American Arthur Slade. I am really surprised I had not encountered the author previously. These first six books are so great; I might just end up reading everything from the author. After reading more Philbrick I am also being reminded more of Madeleine L’Engle who wrote adult fiction, nonfiction, children’s fiction, teen fiction, and even theology.  

This is another one of those excellent stories for middle grade or tween readers. It is even strong enough for us older folks for I am in my mid 50’s and could not put it down and read it over an afternoon, over several mugs of tea. It is a very moving story, one I can easily recommend. And I know I will be reading more by Philbrick and the various names he publishes under!

Books by Rodman Philbrick:

Max the Mighty Series:

Freak the Mighty (1993)

Max the Mighty (1998)

…

 

House on Cherry Street Series: (with Lynn Harnett)

1. The Haunting (1995)

2. The Horror (1995)

3. The Final Nightmare (1995)

…

 

Werewolf Chronicles Series: (with Lynn Harnett)

1. Night Creature (1996)

2. Children of the Wolf (1996)

3. The Wereing (1996)

…

 

Visitors Series: (with Lynn Harnett)

1. Strange Invaders (1997)

2. Things (1997)

3. Brain Stealers (1997)

…

 

Wild Series:

1. Wildfire (2019)

2. Wild River (2021)

3. Wild Wave (2024)

4. Wild Blizzard (2026)

…

 

Other Books:

Shooting Star (1982)

The Black Moon (1989) 

Brothers and Sinners (1993)

The Fire Pony (1996)

Abduction (1998) (with Lynn Harnett)

The Mighty (1998)

The Last Book in the Universe (2000)

Dark Matter (2000)

Rem World (2000)

The Journal of Douglas Allen Deeds (2001)

Coffins (2002)

The Young Man and the Sea (2004)

Lobster Boy (2005)

The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg (2009)

Listening To Kids In America (2011)

Zane and the Hurricane (2014)

The Big Dark (2016)

Who Killed Darius Drake? (2017)

We Own the Sky (2022)

…

Written as William R Dantz:

Pulse (1989) (as by William R Dantz)

The Seventh Sleeper (1991) (as by William R Dantz)

Hunger (1993) (as by William R Dantz)

Nine Levels Down (1995) (as by William R Dantz)

Written as by W R Philbrick:

The Big Chip (1990) (as by W R Philbrick)

…

J.D. Hawkins Series:

1. Shadow Kills (1985)

2. Ice for the Eskimo (1986)

3. Paint It Black (1989)

4. Walk on the Water (1991)

…

 

T.D. Stash Series:

1. The Neon Flamingo (1987)

2. The Crystal Blue Persuasion (1988)

3. Tough Enough (1989)

…

Written as by Chris Jordan:

Randall Shane Series:

1. Taken (2006)

2. Trapped (2007)

  aka Lost

3. Torn (2009)

4. Measure of Darkness (2011)

…

Who Killed Darius Drake? - Rodman Philbrick

Who Killed Darius Drake? 

Rodman Philbrick

Scholastic Canada

The Blue Sky Press

ISBN 9780545789783

eISBN 9780545789806

ASIN B06X9G41KP

A month ago I was having a discussion with a young man in his early 20’s and asked about his favourite book, because that is what bibliophiles do. He immediately said this Freak the Mighty, no hesitation, no pause just an immediate answer. I looked it up later in the day and discovered there was two books in that series and also a movie. While working on the review of the first Mighty book, I found at least a dozen I was interested in just from the titles. So this is the fifth volume by Rodman I have read in as many weeks, and every time I read one the list of ones I want to read grows! I have now compiled a list of all books published by Philbrick, under his various pen names. I enjoyed that first one so much I had picked up 3 other volumes by Philbrick before I even finished it! And by the time I had read three I had picked up nearly a dozen. 

I have been publishing reviews for 21 years now, first in papers and magazines and then on my blog and other platforms. I continue to read and write reviews because I must. I am a dyslexic bibliophile. I have tagged Scholastic over 450 times on my blog for reviews of books, or for my Top Ten Lists each quarter or year. I was greatly surprised I had not encountered Philbrick, it was absolutely my loss. Back to the book at hand. The description of this volume state:

“From Newbery Honor author Rodman Philbrick comes a delicious, fast-paced whodunit about two socially outcast boys who set out to find jewels hidden for a century--and unwittingly flush out a murderer.

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.”

The back cover of the print edition of the book states:

“For Arthur Bash, the mystery all begins with a letter, written in blood, threatening his geeky classmate Darius Drake. For the price of two candy bars, Arthur agrees to his usual job of thug-for-hire, but in this case, Darius is secretly pulling him into a much more dangerous task than scaring kids at school. Orphaned when his parents were killed in a car crash, Darius uncovers clues that lure both boys into a web of lies, corruption, and conflicting tales about Darius’s family and their long-ago connection to a still-missing treasure worth millions. Newbery Honor author Rodman Philbrick presents a page-turning story that will absorb readers as it reveals the complexities of greed, deception, family ties, and friendship. Who killed Darius Drake? And why?”

About the author in another volume we are informed:

“Newbery Honor author Rodman Philbrick has written more than a dozen novels for young readers. In 1993, he published his first children's book, Freak the Mighty, which became an instant classic, and was made into a feature film. The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg was a 2010 Newbery Honor Book. Philbrick's other acclaimed novels include Max the Mighty, The Young Man and the Sea, The Last Book in the Universe, Zane and the Hurricane, and Wildfire. Philbrick divides his time between Maine and the Florida Keys. You can learn more about him on his website: rodmanphilbrick.com.”

This story is a little book school story, a little bit buddy story, a little bit broken family and a whole lot of mystery. This is a fast paced mystery. The events appear to take place over a few days, at least the main story. We are led by the indomitable Darius Drake who receives a letter in blood asking who killed him? SO he grabs the school goon who works for chocolate bars, a thug for hire, Arthur Bash. But soon Arthur finds himself drawn into a story a hundred years in the making. The missing Dunbar diamonds, parents killed in a car crash 10 years earlier, A grandfather not long out of jail. When we throw in a step sister and rick business tycoon and a scared and disfigured Excon, you end up with one awesome story. But in their rush to find the diamonds the kids just might forget about safety. Read this excellent story to find out what happens.

This is another excellent story from Philbrick’s masterful pen. It reminds me a lot of the works of Andrew Clements or Gordon Korman, Tony Abbott, and Dan Gutman. All of whom I loved and have read numerous stories. Because of the various genres he writes in I am beginning to think of him as an American Arthur Slade. I am really surprised I had not encountered the author previously. These first five books are so great; I might just end up reading everything from the author. After reading more Philbrick I am also being reminded more of Madeleine L’Engle who wrote adult fiction, nonfiction, children’s fiction, teen fiction, and even theology.  

This is one of those excellent stories for middle grade or tween readers. It is even strong enough for us older folks for I am in my mid 50’s and could not put it down and read it over an afternoon, over several mugs of tea. It is an excellent story, one I can easily recommend. And I know I will be reading more by Philbrick and the various names he publishes under!

Books by Rodman Philbrick:

Max the Mighty Series:

Freak the Mighty (1993)

Max the Mighty (1998)

…

 

House on Cherry Street Series: (with Lynn Harnett)

1. The Haunting (1995)

2. The Horror (1995)

3. The Final Nightmare (1995)

…

 

Werewolf Chronicles Series: (with Lynn Harnett)

1. Night Creature (1996)

2. Children of the Wolf (1996)

3. The Wereing (1996)

…

 

Visitors Series: (with Lynn Harnett)

1. Strange Invaders (1997)

2. Things (1997)

3. Brain Stealers (1997)

…

 

Wild Series:

1. Wildfire (2019)

2. Wild River (2021)

3. Wild Wave (2024)

4. Wild Blizzard (2026)

…

 

Other Books:

Shooting Star (1982)

The Black Moon (1989) 

Brothers and Sinners (1993)

The Fire Pony (1996)

Abduction (1998) (with Lynn Harnett)

The Mighty (1998)

The Last Book in the Universe (2000)

Dark Matter (2000)

Rem World (2000)

The Journal of Douglas Allen Deeds (2001)

Coffins (2002)

The Young Man and the Sea (2004)

Lobster Boy (2005)

The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg (2009)

Listening To Kids In America (2011)

Zane and the Hurricane (2014)

The Big Dark (2016)

Who Killed Darius Drake? (2017)

We Own the Sky (2022)

…

Written as William R Dantz:

Pulse (1989) (as by William R Dantz)

The Seventh Sleeper (1991) (as by William R Dantz)

Hunger (1993) (as by William R Dantz)

Nine Levels Down (1995) (as by William R Dantz)

Written as by W R Philbrick:

The Big Chip (1990) (as by W R Philbrick)

…

J.D. Hawkins Series:

1. Shadow Kills (1985)

2. Ice for the Eskimo (1986)

3. Paint It Black (1989)

4. Walk on the Water (1991)

…

 

T.D. Stash Series:

1. The Neon Flamingo (1987)

2. The Crystal Blue Persuasion (1988)

3. Tough Enough (1989)

…

Written as by Chris Jordan:

Randall Shane Series:

1. Taken (2006)

2. Trapped (2007)

  aka Lost

3. Torn (2009)

4. Measure of Darkness (2011)

…

Conspiracy 365 September - Gabrielle Lord

Conspiracy 365 September
Gabrielle Lord
Scholastic
ISBN 9781443104760

Scholastic Australia

eISBN 9781921988615

ASIN B00BFV1GQA

Once again I will state that this story just continues to get better and better, each offering is more intense than the previous. I read the first two volumes in this series back in 2011; I had planned on reading them one a month as they were released. But that did not happen. My son started reading them in 2026 and he is in his late teens so I decided to pick them back up and finish the series. I have read about one a month over the last several months.

When I read the first 2 it was a new series from Scholastic, Conspiracy 365, is another unique approach to books that will draw readers in and keep them addicted. Much like the 39 Clues or Skeleton Creek books, it approaches storytelling in a new and different way that with draw an addicted following of readers. The story is about the life of Callum (Cal) Ormond. Almost like a year-long version of the TV series 24. The story was originally told over 12 books, one released each month for a year. And we now know the story continued with a shorter follow up series.

The description of this volume states:

“Convinced Oriana was behind his little sister's kidnapping, Cal teams up with Boges to pull off a plan to extract vital information out of her. Together they plant a listening bug in Oriana's house by firing it through her window with an air rifle!

But will spying on his would-be killer reveal the location of the precious Jewel and Riddle, or will it put Cal in the line of fire? With his enemies growing in number as fast as the days are counting down, Cal will risk almost anything to stay alive and reclaim his normal life.

The clock is ticking. Any second could be his last.”

The Australian description states:

“Convinced Oriana was behind his little sister's kidnapping, Cal teams up with Boges to pull off a plan to extract vital information out of her. Together they plant a listening bug in Oriana's house by firing it through her window with an air rifle! But will spying on his would-be killer reveal the location of the precious Jewel and Riddle, or will it put Cal in the line of fire?”

About the author we are informed:

“Gabrielle Lord is one of Australia's bestselling crime writers for adults. Following the Conspiracy 365 series, she already has plans for another three adult novels and two more young adult books. Research is everything, Gabrielle says. 'Out of my contacts with experts (who are always far too modest to describe themselves that way) I get not only the fine-tuning necessary for today's savvy readers, but also wonderful incidents and images that enrich and enlarge my books.”

This volume picks up right where the previous left off. And things are pretty bleak at the beginning. But soon a few things finally go right for Cal and his team. For that is the big change Cal, Boges and Winter really have come together as a team. The earlier conflicts and suspicions seem to have been set aside. And they are working on solving the Ormond Riddle. But having given up altered copies of some of their clues and the jewel itself. They are back to trying to acquire pieces they already had. And the risk are high. So much goes on in this volume. Cal is trapped in a hideout, caught in a cave in, left in the desert, and taken to a ghost town. How much can one young man take. 

Oh and this one again ends on a major cliff hanger. Leaving you desperate for the next volume. 

These books were originally published in Australia and North America by Scholastic, unfortunately it appears eBook editions were never released in Canada. This is another great instalment in a thrilling series.

These books have a few cool features. In each book, the page numbers start at the highest and count down. The chapter and section headings are Dates and Time. This was an excellent ninth instalment in the series. Give them a try you will not be disappointed. This is another great instalment in an excellent series. 

Books by Gabrielle Lord:
Conspiracy 365:
Series Overview
January (2011)
February (2011)

March (2011)
April (2011)
May (2011)
June (2011)
July (2011)
August (2011)
September (2011)
October (2011)
November (2011)
December (2011)

…

Conspiracy 365 Black Ops:

Missing (2013)

Hunted (2013)

Endgame (2013)

…

48 Hours Series:

The Vanishing (2017)

The Medusa Curse (2017)

…

Gemma Lincoln:

Feeding the Demons (1999)

Baby Did a Bad Thing (2002)

Spiking the Girl (2004)

Shattered (2007)

Death by Beauty (2012)

…

Jack McCain:

Death Delights (2001)

Lethal Factor (2003)

Dirty Weekend (2005)

…

Other Books:

Fortress (1980)

Tooth and Claw (1983)

Jumbo (1986)

Salt (1990)

Whipping Boy (1992)

The Stranger Inside: An Erotic Adventure (1994)

Bones (1995)

The Sharp End (1998)

Monkey Undercover (2006)

…

Conspiracy 365 August - Gabrielle Lord

Conspiracy 365 August
Gabrielle Lord
Scholastic
ISBN 9781443104753

Scholastic Australia

eISBN 9781921988608

ASIN B00BFV1GQ0

The story just continues to get better and better, each offering is more intense than the previous. I read the first two volumes in this series back in 2011; I had planned on reading them one a month as they were released. But that did not happen. My son started reading them in 2026 and he is in his late teens so I decided to pick them back up and finish the series. I have read one a month over the last several.

When I read the first 2 it was a new series from Scholastic, Conspiracy 365, is another unique approach to books that will draw readers in and keep them addicted. Much like the 39 Clues or Skeleton Creek books, it approaches storytelling in a new and different way that with draw an addicted following of readers. The story is about the life of Callum (Cal) Ormond. Almost like a year-long version of the TV series 24. The story was originally told over 12 books, one released each month for a year. And we now know the story continued with a shorter follow up series.

The description of this volume states:

“Now I was completely alone. There was nothing but silence and the ghosts of the dead. Cal Ormond has escaped death several times and deceived enemies in the most unlikely situations. All this to discover what the Ormond Singularity is, a secret that transformed the young man's routine and that can change history as we know it. However, an unexpected event ended Cal's search and he ended up in the hands of the police. Now he risks spending the rest of his life in prison. But something gave him a good reason not to give up on his plans and prove he was not a criminal: the kidnapping of one of his family members. Cal needed to return to the streets to propose a rescue: to exchange everything he had gathered about the riddle for that person's life - and even offer himself, if necessary.”

The Australian description states:

“Buried alive in a coffin, Cal's chances of survival are running out as fast as the air around him. Thanks to his unknown attackers, he's lost the Jewel and the Riddle, and now his life hangs in the balance. Six feet under. Boges and Winter are frantically trying to find him before it's too late. Meanwhile, Gabbi-Cal's comatose little sister-has been kidnapped, and he is the prime suspect! Some seriously daring and dangerous tactics are needed to save her this time...”

About the author we are informed:

“Gabrielle Lord is one of Australia's bestselling crime writers for adults. Following the Conspiracy 365 series, she already has plans for another three adult novels and two more young adult books. Research is everything, Gabrielle says. 'Out of my contacts with experts (who are always far too modest to describe themselves that way) I get not only the fine-tuning necessary for today's savvy readers, but also wonderful incidents and images that enrich and enlarge my books.”

The Australian description gives a lot more away about events in this volume in the series than the Canadian one. This eighth instalment keeps up the intense plot. This one starts with:

“Thud … 

The thudding was becoming duller, more distant.

Thud … 

The grave was being filled in, fast. The earth raining down on the lid of the coffin was building up an unbreakable barrier between me and the world of the living above. 

I broke out in a cold sweat. I was being buried alive!

Thud … 

I strained and struggled, terror and panic finally starting to overcome the effects of the drug they’d used to immobilise me. I tried to scream and kick and claw at the wooden walls, but it was useless. Fear destroyed all rationality, as I kept on thrashing–smashing my knees, elbows, fingers and head against the unyielding tomb. 

Think, Cal, think.”

Soon Cal is back in cuffs and in the hospital. Though this time what he is told surprises him even more than he ever expected. The stakes are higher, the risks more dangerous, and only luck and a bit of grace might get him through.

To find out, read this and the other instalments in this great series!

These books were originally published in Australia and North America by Scholastic, unfortunately it appears eBook editions were never released in Canada. This is another great instalment in a thrilling series.

These books have a few cool features. In each book, the page numbers start at the highest and count down. The chapter and section headings are Dates and Time. This was an excellent eighth instalment in the series. Give them a try you will not be disappointed.

Books by Gabrielle Lord:
Conspiracy 365:
Series Overview
January (2011)
February (2011)

March (2011)
April (2011)
May (2011)
June (2011)
July (2011)
August (2011)
September (2011)
October (2011)
November (2011)
December (2011)

…

Conspiracy 365 Black Ops:

Missing (2013)

Hunted (2013)

Endgame (2013)

…

48 Hours Series:

The Vanishing (2017)

The Medusa Curse (2017)

…

Gemma Lincoln:

Feeding the Demons (1999)

Baby Did a Bad Thing (2002)

Spiking the Girl (2004)

Shattered (2007)

Death by Beauty (2012)

…

Jack McCain:

Death Delights (2001)

Lethal Factor (2003)

Dirty Weekend (2005)

…

Other Books:

Fortress (1980)

Tooth and Claw (1983)

Jumbo (1986)

Salt (1990)

Whipping Boy (1992)

The Stranger Inside: An Erotic Adventure (1994)

Bones (1995)

The Sharp End (1998)

Monkey Undercover (2006)

…

Sleepless - Gordon Korman

Sleepless
Gordon Korman
Scholastic
ISBN 9781546126119

eISBN 9781546126126

ASIN B0FK1HWG4L

I started reading Gordon Korman books with my son in 2019. That first one was a gift from a teacher at the end of the school year. Each student received a copy with a personal note, after we finished reading Restart, my son and I each picked the other books by him I picked up the eBooks, and we planned to work through them all. Last year I finished reading all of the published book by Korman, and have plans to go back and reread a few of them. My son still has about 30 of the 111 to go. But we were both excited about this new title that released in 2026.  This was Korman’s latest release published in the summer of 2026.

But back to this specific volume; Sleepless like many volumes by Korman is told is a series of first-person narratives from different characters perspectives.  The chapters in this volume are:

One: Mickey Prima

Two: Skye Berenger

Three: Levi Mackenzie

Four: Mickey Prima

Five: Cyrus Teitelbaum

Six: Thea Davidson

Seven: Mickey Prima

Eight: Skye Berenger

Nine: Mickey Prima

Ten: Levi Mackenzie

Eleven: Cyrus Teitelbaum

Twelve: Thea Davidson

Thirteen: Mickey Prima

Fourteen: Levi Mackenzie

Fifteen: Skye Berenger

Sixteen: Mickey Prima

Seventeen: Levi Mackenzie

Eighteen: Mickey Prima

Nineteen: Thea Davidson

Twenty: Cyrus Teitelbaum

Twenty-One: Skye Berenger

Twenty-Two: Mickey Prima

Twenty-Three: Cyrus Teitelbaum

Twenty-Four: Thea Davidson

Twenty-Five: Mickey Prima

Twenty-Six: Skye Berenger

Twenty-Seven: Mickey Prima

Twenty-Eight: Cyrus Teitelbaum

Twenty-Nine: Mickey Prima

Epilogue: Thea Davidson

About The Author We Are Informed:

“GORDON KORMAN wrote his first novel, This Can’t Be Happening at MacDonald Hall, when he was thirteen years old. Since then, he’s written over a hundred other books, including the #1 New York Times bestseller Restart; Linked, a Sydney Taylor Honor Book; Slacker; Mixed Up; Faker; and Snoop. He lives on Long Island with his family and can be found online at site.”

The description of the volume states: 

“From the #1 bestselling author of RESTART, the story of five kids who are up all night every night... and desperate to find out why.There's not enough time in the day.How often have Mickey, Skye, Levi, Cyrus, and Thea thought that?Well, now they have plenty of extra time... because they no longer need to sleep.None of them know why this is happening to them. All they know is that they have to keep it a secret from their families and their friends. And while they keep it a secret, they can use their extra hours to become better than everyone else.Each of them thinks they're alone in their sleeplessness. But once they find each other, they know it can't be just an accident. Suddenly they're forced to keeping them awake at night?”

This was an excellent story. It reminded me of a character from the 1985 movie ‘Real Genius’. There is a character Jordan Cochran played by Michelle Meyrink, who is a nonsomniac, she never sleeps. She is eccentric, fast-talking prodigy with a hyperactive personality and has the ability to function perfectly without any rest. In this story a group of kids experience the same thing but artificially. I had always hopped to develop it, there are so many books to be read. But after reading this volume, it is a little less appealing. 

It was fascinating to read how each of the youths discovered they could not sleep, and how they choose to fill their time. Some turned to sports, some the arts, some focused on academics and some invention. As they slowly realized that they were not alone and discovered each other their questions only grew. As they try and figure out what makes them different they make a discovery and it changes everything. 

This is another wonderfully written story by Korman. I absolutely loved it, and have already recommended it to my son, and my nephew, and some friend’s kids. All I can say is wow what a story! I can easily recommend it.

 

Books by Gordon Korman:

MacDonald Hall Series:

This Can't Be Happening at Macdonald Hall  (1978)

Go Jump in the Pool (1979)

Beware the Fish!  (1980)

The Wizzle War (1982)

         (formerly The War With Mr. Wizzle)

The Zucchini Warriors (1988)

Light’s Camera, Disaster (1991)

          (aka Macdonald Hall Goes Hollywood)

The Jokes on Us (1995)

          (formerly Something Fishy at Macdonald Hall)

…

Bugs Potter Series:

Who is Bugs Potter? (1980)

Bugs Potter LIVE at Nickaninny (1983)

…

Jeremy Bloom Series:

The D−Poems of Jeremy Bloom (1992)

The Last-Place Sports Poems of Jeremy Bloom (1996)

…

Monday Night Football Series:

The Quarterback Exchange (1997)

Running Back Conversion (1997)

Super Bowl Switch (1997)

Heavy Artillery (1997)

Ultimate Scoring Machine (1998)

NFL Rules! Bloopers, Pranks, Upsets, and Touchdowns (1998)

…

Masterminds Series:

Masterminds (2015)

Masterminds: Criminal Destiny (2016)

Masterminds: Payback (2017)

…

Slapshots Series:

The Stars From Mars (1999)

All-Mars All-Stars/The Dream Team (1999)

The Face-off Phony (2000)

Cup Crazy (2000)

…

4-in-1 Slapshots: The Complete Collection (2008)

…

Nose Pickers Series:

Nose Pickers from Outer Space! (1999)

Planet of the Nose Pickers (2000)

Your Mummy Is a Nose Picker (2000)

Invasion of the Nose Pickers (2001)

…

4-in-1 The Ultimate Nose-Picker Collection (2006)

…

Island Series:

Shipwreck (2001)

Survival (2001)

Escape (2001)

…

3-in-1 Island Trilogy Collection (2006)

…

Son of the Mob Series:

Son of the Mob (2002)

Son of the Mob 2: Hollywood Hustle (2004)

…

Everest Series:

The Contest (2002)

The Climb (2002)

The Summit (2002)

…

Everest Trilogy Box Set (2002)

Dive Series:

The Discovery (2003)

The Deep (2003)

The Danger (2003)

…

On the Run Series:

Chasing the Falconers (2005)

The Fugitive Factor (2005)

Now You See Them, Now You Don't (2005)

The Stowaway Solution (2005)

Public Enemies (2005)

Hunting the Hunter (2006)

…

Kidnapped Series:

The Abduction (2006)

The Search (2006)

The Rescue (2006)

…

Swindle Series:

Swindle (2008)

Zoobreak (2009)

Framed (2010)

Showoff (2012)

Hideout (2013)

Jackpot (2014)

Unleashed (2015)

Jingle (2016)

…

Titanic Series:

Unsinkable (2011)

Collision Course (2011)

S.O.S (2011)

…

The 39 Clues Series:

One False Note (2008)

The Emperor's Code (2010)

Vespers Rising (2011)

The Medusa Plot (2011)

Flashpoint (2014)

…

Hypnotists Series:

The Hypnotists (2013)

Memory Maze (2014)

The Dragonfly Effect (2015)

…

Ungifted Series:

Ungifted (2012)

Supergifted (2018)

Hypergifted (2026)

…

Slacker Series:

Slacker (2016)
Level 13 (2019)

...

Non Series Books:

I Want to Go Home! (1981)

Our Man Weston (1982)

No Coins, Please (1984)

Don't Care High (1985)

Son of Interflux (1986)

A Semester in the Life of a Garbage Bag (1987)

Radio 5th Grade (1989)

Losing Joe's Place (1990)

The Twinkie Squad (1992)

The Toilet Paper Tigers (1993)

Why Did the Underwear Cross the Road (1994)

The Chicken Doesn't Skate (1996)

Liar, Liar Pants on Fire (1997)

The Sixth Grade Nickname Game (1998)

No More Dead Dogs (2000)

Maxx Comedy: The Funniest Kid in America (2003) 

Jake, Reinvented (2003)

Born To Rock (2006)

Schooled (2007)

The Juvie Three (2008)

Pop (2009)

Restart (2017)

What's His Face? (2018)

The Unteachables (2019)

Notorious (2019)

War Stories (2020)

Game On (contains The Chicken Doesn’t Skate and The Toilet Paper Tigers (2021)

Unplugged (2021)

Linked (2021)

Operation Do-Over (2022)

The Fort (2022)

The Super Teacher Project (2023)

Mixed Up (2023)

Slugfest (2024)

Faker (2024)

Old School (2025)

Snoop (2025)

Sleepless (2026)

The Favorite (2027)

… 

Gordon Korman - Sheelagh Matthews - Remarkable Writers 

Gordon Korman Children’s Storytellers - Chris Bowman

...

Author Profile and Interview with Gordon Korman

...

 

Conspiracy 365 July - Gabrielle Lord

Conspiracy 365 July
Gabrielle Lord
Scholastic
ISBN 9781443104746

Scholastic Australia

eISBN 9781921988592

ASIN B00BFV1G92

The story just keeps getting better, each offering is more intense than the previous. I read the first two volumes in this series back in 2011; I had planned on reading them one a month as they were released. But that did not happen. My son started reading them in 2026 and he is in his late teens so I decided to pick them back up and finish the series. I have read one a month over the last several.

When I read the first 2 it was a new series from Scholastic, Conspiracy 365, is another unique approach to books that will draw readers in and keep them addicted. Much like the 39 Clues or Skeleton Creek books, it approaches storytelling in a new and different way that with draw an addicted following of readers. The story is about the life of Callum (Cal) Ormond. Almost like a year-long version of the TV series 24. The story was originally told over 12 books, one released each month for a year. And we now know the story continued with a shorter follow up series.

The description of this volume states:

“Breaking out of the fishing net is the least of Cal's worries - all kinds of perils await him on deck.

He may have a chance at freedom if he can find his Great-aunt Millicent, who holds the key to some answers about his family's secrets. But with all sorts of criminals hot on his heels, he worries about exposing another relative to danger.

The clock is still ticking ...”

The Australian description states:

“He dodges the cops, but becomes indebted to the boat captain. How can he learn more about Piers Ormond's will if he is stuck carting fish to earn back his freedom? Cal may have a chance if he can find his Great-aunt Millicent. But with Sligo's thugs hot on his heels, he may not be her only unexpected visitor. A sinister storm is brewing...Should Cal expose another relative to danger? The clock is ticking. Any second could be his last. Callum Ormond has been warned. He has 184 days. The countdown continues.”

About the author we are informed:

“Gabrielle Lord is one of Australia's bestselling crime writers for adults. Following the Conspiracy 365 series, she already has plans for another three adult novels and two more young adult books. Research is everything, Gabrielle says. 'Out of my contacts with experts (who are always far too modest to describe themselves that way) I get not only the fine-tuning necessary for today's savvy readers, but also wonderful incidents and images that enrich and enlarge my books.”

This seventh instalment keeps up the intense plot. This one starts with a splash and ends with a thud. A lot happens between those two sounds. After the previous volume I wondered how are you going to top surviving attack dogs, a fire, and crashing an experimental plane? This time he starts under water trapped in a fishing net, and he could be a big money catch if he is recognized. The incident with a locked in freeze, and several more close encounters with police and the bad guys who are hunting him down. Add in a visit to a distant relative in a cloistered convent, and an encounter with a speed bike and this one is packed yet again with action, adventure and mystery.

There is still a long way to go to New Year’s Eve. Can Cal keep it up? To find out read this and the other instalments in this great series!

These books were originally published in Australia and North America by Scholastic, unfortunately it appears eBook editions were never released in Canada. This is another great instalment in a thrilling series.

These books have a few cool features. In each book, the page numbers start at the highest and count down. The chapter and section headings are Dates and Time. This was an excellent sixth instalment in the series and I know I will have to read all 12 books; the story is so good I cannot put it down. Give them a try you will not be disappointed.

Books by Gabrielle Lord:
Conspiracy 365:
Series Overview
January (2011)
February (2011)

March (2011)
April (2011)
May (2011)
June (2011)
July (2011)
August (2011)
September (2011)
October (2011)
November (2011)
December (2011)

…

Conspiracy 365 Black Ops:

Missing (2013)

Hunted (2013)

Endgame (2013)

…

48 Hours Series:

The Vanishing (2017)

The Medusa Curse (2017)

…

Gemma Lincoln:

Feeding the Demons (1999)

Baby Did a Bad Thing (2002)

Spiking the Girl (2004)

Shattered (2007)

Death by Beauty (2012)

…

Jack McCain:

Death Delights (2001)

Lethal Factor (2003)

Dirty Weekend (2005)

…

Other Books:

Fortress (1980)

Tooth and Claw (1983)

Jumbo (1986)

Salt (1990)

Whipping Boy (1992)

The Stranger Inside: An Erotic Adventure (1994)

Bones (1995)

The Sharp End (1998)

Monkey Undercover (2006)

…