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Big Splash #1
The Big Splash
Snappy, pulp-inspired noir set in the mean hallways of middle school, from an exciting debut author.
The treacherous, hormone-soaked hallways of Franklin Middle School are the setting for this sharp, funny noir novel about tough guys and even tougher girls. “The Frank” is in the clutches of a crime syndicate run by seventh-grader Vinny “Mr. Biggs” Biggio, who deals in forged hall passes and black-market candy. Double-cross him and your number is punched by one of his deadly water-gun-toting assassins. One hit in the pants and you are in “the Outs” forever. Matt Stevens is a proud loner with his own code of justice. He’s avoided being pulled into Vinny’s organization until Mr. Biggs has offered him a job he can’t resist, one that leads to the surprising downfall of Vinny’s top assassin, the beautiful and deadly Nikki “Fingers” Finnegan, at the hands of an unknown assailant. Matt thinks he was used, and he becomes determined to find the trigger-guy or -girl, even if it means bringing down one of his oldest friends.
New talent Jack D. Ferraiolo revitalizes the noir novel while delivering a terrific, addictive mystery that crackles with wit and excitement. “Jack Ferraiolo shines a light on middle school and reveals what we’ve always it’s a sinister place ruled by crime bosses and thugs. ‘The Big Splash’ will make you laugh out loud.”—Jeff Kinney, #1 New York Times bestselling author of DIARY OF A WIMPY KID
“Move over Bogart; now there's hard-boiled private detective Matt Stevens on the job at Franklin Middle School ... You could call this genre kid noir.”—Judy Freeman, on the "Sure Shot Books for Boys" list on readkiddoread.com
“Entertaining and thrilling.”-- The New York Times Sunday Book Review (full page review)
“A first novel with an ingenious junior high noir … Twists and curve balls keep readers guessing; extended jokes will keep them laughing. With crisp prose and surprisingly poignant moments, Ferraiolo’s debut entertains on many levels.” -- Publishers Weekly , starred review
“Ferraiolo weaves a tale that is thought-provoking and rib-tickling all at the same time. Highly recommended.”-- Library Media Connection starred review
“Matt Stevens may turn out to be a bankable His first-person present-tense narration carries in it echoes of Marlowe, and the simple plot makes some crafty twists and turns as it goes along.”-- Kirkus
“Ferraiolo cleverly interweaves Mafia undertones with Middle School social dynamics in this comical yet page turning novel. Young adult mystery enthusiasts will love the unmasking of this new sleuth in literature.”-- ALAN
“Ferraiolo has taken us down, in a manner of speaking. Good fun, and the comic-book style cover will attract readers.”— KLIATT reviews
“This fabulous mystery will have teens racing to get to the last page…A great whodunit mystery lovers are sure to consume.”— VOYA
“This debut novel delivers plenty of laughs … Fans of private-eye spoofs will enjoy this entertaining read.”— Booklist
“Well paced, funny, and suspenseful, with some real commentary on bullying and mob mentality, this book will have fans eagerly awaiting the next installment in this faux noir detective series.”— School Library Journal
“ Ferraiolo shines in this debut novel, working the noir tropes for all they’re worth … The mystery itself is cagily constructed to keep readers guessing pretty much til’ the last bell.”— Bulletin for the Center of Children’s Books
“If middle school has an “underworld,” this book is The Godfather and The Maltese Falcon all rolled into one. Better still, it’s funny, and not just a little.”—Gordon Korman, author of SCHOOL OF ROCK
F&P W
The treacherous, hormone-soaked hallways of Franklin Middle School are the setting for this sharp, funny noir novel about tough guys and even tougher girls. “The Frank” is in the clutches of a crime syndicate run by seventh-grader Vinny “Mr. Biggs” Biggio, who deals in forged hall passes and black-market candy. Double-cross him and your number is punched by one of his deadly water-gun-toting assassins. One hit in the pants and you are in “the Outs” forever. Matt Stevens is a proud loner with his own code of justice. He’s avoided being pulled into Vinny’s organization until Mr. Biggs has offered him a job he can’t resist, one that leads to the surprising downfall of Vinny’s top assassin, the beautiful and deadly Nikki “Fingers” Finnegan, at the hands of an unknown assailant. Matt thinks he was used, and he becomes determined to find the trigger-guy or -girl, even if it means bringing down one of his oldest friends.
New talent Jack D. Ferraiolo revitalizes the noir novel while delivering a terrific, addictive mystery that crackles with wit and excitement. “Jack Ferraiolo shines a light on middle school and reveals what we’ve always it’s a sinister place ruled by crime bosses and thugs. ‘The Big Splash’ will make you laugh out loud.”—Jeff Kinney, #1 New York Times bestselling author of DIARY OF A WIMPY KID
“Move over Bogart; now there's hard-boiled private detective Matt Stevens on the job at Franklin Middle School ... You could call this genre kid noir.”—Judy Freeman, on the "Sure Shot Books for Boys" list on readkiddoread.com
“Entertaining and thrilling.”-- The New York Times Sunday Book Review (full page review)
“A first novel with an ingenious junior high noir … Twists and curve balls keep readers guessing; extended jokes will keep them laughing. With crisp prose and surprisingly poignant moments, Ferraiolo’s debut entertains on many levels.” -- Publishers Weekly , starred review
“Ferraiolo weaves a tale that is thought-provoking and rib-tickling all at the same time. Highly recommended.”-- Library Media Connection starred review
“Matt Stevens may turn out to be a bankable His first-person present-tense narration carries in it echoes of Marlowe, and the simple plot makes some crafty twists and turns as it goes along.”-- Kirkus
“Ferraiolo cleverly interweaves Mafia undertones with Middle School social dynamics in this comical yet page turning novel. Young adult mystery enthusiasts will love the unmasking of this new sleuth in literature.”-- ALAN
“Ferraiolo has taken us down, in a manner of speaking. Good fun, and the comic-book style cover will attract readers.”— KLIATT reviews
“This fabulous mystery will have teens racing to get to the last page…A great whodunit mystery lovers are sure to consume.”— VOYA
“This debut novel delivers plenty of laughs … Fans of private-eye spoofs will enjoy this entertaining read.”— Booklist
“Well paced, funny, and suspenseful, with some real commentary on bullying and mob mentality, this book will have fans eagerly awaiting the next installment in this faux noir detective series.”— School Library Journal
“ Ferraiolo shines in this debut novel, working the noir tropes for all they’re worth … The mystery itself is cagily constructed to keep readers guessing pretty much til’ the last bell.”— Bulletin for the Center of Children’s Books
“If middle school has an “underworld,” this book is The Godfather and The Maltese Falcon all rolled into one. Better still, it’s funny, and not just a little.”—Gordon Korman, author of SCHOOL OF ROCK
F&P W
277 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2008
18 people are currently reading
354 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
March 24, 2009
I wasn't sure about the cover, so I put it on hold. While it was sitting in my drawer, waiting to be read, I had a kid ask for a funny mystery. He needed to read a certain number of pages by the end of the week. I saw this on the new book shelf and told him I hadn't read it, but it looked good, and he should try it. He grabbed the book and completely stopped looking.
Less than a week later (note that he'd probably finished the requirement by now), he came back to me, book in hand, and asked what else we had like this. He REALLY liked it.
So I read it. :)
And yeah, it's pretty dang good. It's told in a noir style, like "Brick" (Joseph Gordon-Levitt film which came out in 2005), using gumshoe vocabulary to describe a detective's experience solving a case. But in a middle school. Where the addictions are to sugar and you get "offed" by being shot by a squirtgun filled with cat pee.
It's pretty darn brilliant (as long as it isn't a rip-off of Brick). Kinda hilarious, but without putting down the real difficulties of middle school. It's downright symbolic - after all, major humiliation in middle school really can take you out for all of your high school career.
The author also does a great job of using the detective scenario to get to real kid problems. Our narrator speaks of his dad's disappearance as one of the "case[s:] always in the back of my mind" (pg. 70). Also, he's realistic (amidst the stylistic language), touching on how our hero and his dad bonded over playing sports - he talks about how the dad never let the son win, and in fact teased his kid... "Someone walking past might think that he was being cruel, making fun of his young son. They would be missing the mark. It wasn't my ability to catch a ball that we were bonding over, it was my ability to catch his sarcasm" (pg. 105-106). SUCH great stuff. Solid 5th/6th grade boy read. But seriously, you'll enjoy it too.
Less than a week later (note that he'd probably finished the requirement by now), he came back to me, book in hand, and asked what else we had like this. He REALLY liked it.
So I read it. :)
And yeah, it's pretty dang good. It's told in a noir style, like "Brick" (Joseph Gordon-Levitt film which came out in 2005), using gumshoe vocabulary to describe a detective's experience solving a case. But in a middle school. Where the addictions are to sugar and you get "offed" by being shot by a squirtgun filled with cat pee.
It's pretty darn brilliant (as long as it isn't a rip-off of Brick). Kinda hilarious, but without putting down the real difficulties of middle school. It's downright symbolic - after all, major humiliation in middle school really can take you out for all of your high school career.
The author also does a great job of using the detective scenario to get to real kid problems. Our narrator speaks of his dad's disappearance as one of the "case[s:] always in the back of my mind" (pg. 70). Also, he's realistic (amidst the stylistic language), touching on how our hero and his dad bonded over playing sports - he talks about how the dad never let the son win, and in fact teased his kid... "Someone walking past might think that he was being cruel, making fun of his young son. They would be missing the mark. It wasn't my ability to catch a ball that we were bonding over, it was my ability to catch his sarcasm" (pg. 105-106). SUCH great stuff. Solid 5th/6th grade boy read. But seriously, you'll enjoy it too.
May 17, 2009
I adore this book. Clever from beginning to end. First, the idea: a noir detective story, a la "The Big Sleep," set in middle school. And the world these characters inhabit is complete: the detective, the case to solve, the kingpin, his lackies, the swell girl--even the neighborhood "bar" where they can all hang out (I won't ruin what it actually is, because it's one of the many ingenious touches throughout this ingenious book).
Not only is the story flat-out funny and yet also sweet when it comes to family and friend relationships, the writing itself is first rate. There were so many choice phrases I had to go back and reread, just to savor them.
I finished this book a few days ago, and have already pimped it out to at least ten people. Boys will love it, girls will love it, grown men and women will love it.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND.
Not only is the story flat-out funny and yet also sweet when it comes to family and friend relationships, the writing itself is first rate. There were so many choice phrases I had to go back and reread, just to savor them.
I finished this book a few days ago, and have already pimped it out to at least ten people. Boys will love it, girls will love it, grown men and women will love it.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND.
April 10, 2015
In this book "The Big Splash" by Jack D. Ferailolo talks about the main character who is an average boy in middle school named Matt. He is on a mission to find out who was the person that put his fried, Nikki Finnegan in something called the "Outs". The Outs is something pretty difficult to explain but you'll start recognizing what it is once you go through the story. But to sum it up in a nutshell, it is basically when someone sets a trap like for example a water balloon, and then throws it below your waist which makes you looked like you peed your pants and the worst part of it is that students are around you and you get made fun of and get laughed at. Everyone there is a suspect to Matt, so he is careful on who he trusts and the rumors that will probably be right information or wrong. This book includes a little bit of romance, suspense, and of course funny parts of the it too.
September 23, 2017
The book The Big Splash by Jack D. Ferraiolo is a fiction mystery book. This book is about Matt who is the school detective which students from the school hire with cases and mysteries to solve ,Vinny who operates a school business that forges hall passes and puts kids into the outs and Nicole Finnegan. The outs is a group of students that nobody wants to hang out with or talk with. Students get put into the outs usually by getting sprayed with a water gun in the crotch area and then people think that they peed their pants so nobody wants to hangout with them anymore. Usually Nicole Finnegan (Nikki Fingers) is the one spraying people and setting traps. She gets her name Nikki fingers because she has the fastest draw in the school with a squirt gun and has taken out so many kids. But one day Nikki gets taken out by getting sprayed in the crotch. Nikki is put into the outs and everybody laughs at her. Matt gets hired by Vinny who used to employ Nikki because he wants to find out who took her out. Matt can trust nobody everybody is a suspect. The book has a very fast paced plot with an event or discovery happening about every chapter to keep you interested. I would recommend this book to a boy or a girl in 5th-9th grade that likes fiction stories, suspense and romance. (there is a little bit of romance in the book) This book reminds me of The Fourth Stall, a similar book that deals with helping and solving mysteries in school. Overall I would rate this book 5/5 stars because it kept me on the edge of my seat and I wanted to keep reading, I couldn't put the book down.
August 30, 2022
If I had read this before going to middle school would definitely have caused me much anxiety. Humorously over done with the traumas of junior high.
November 10, 2012
Reviewed by Sarah Bean the Green Bean Teen Queen for TeensReadToo.com
"The Frank" may seem like a typical middle school, but it's actually run by Vinny Biggs and his gang. Need a stolen exam? Or want a sugar high? You'll have to go through Vinny. Cross Vinny, and you'll be facing one of his "hired assassins."
Vinny's "hired assassins" hold your social life fate in their hands. These assassins hide water guns, and with one quick shot you'll look like you peed your pants, face social humiliation, and immediately are put in "the outs."
Nikki Fingers used to be the fastest and most feared shooter at "The Frank," but at the beginning of seventh grade decides for a fresh start. But when Nikki is taken out, seventh grade detective Matt Stevens is hired. Could it have been her former boss, Vinny? The boy who had a crush on her? Or one of the many students at "The Frank" with a reason to hate Nikki? Matt only has a week to find out or he might find himself in "the outs" as well.
I can't say enough good things about this book! It's wonderfully written in a clever noir style that kept me laughing and guessing all night. It reads just like an old pulp detective novel and includes many of the characters you would expect to be there - the mob boss, the hired guns, the detective, the girl crush - only this time they're in sixth and seventh grade. At times it reminded me of one of my favorite old movies, Bugsy Malone, in which kids play the gangsters.
There were so many things sprinkled in this story that made me smile. The kids who would do anything for a pixy stick rush, the frazzled newspaperman, and the kid-owned sandwich shop all added to the style, and I felt like I really was transported back into one of those old pulp detective novels.
The mystery had plenty of twists and turns and kept me guessing and second-guessing who did Nikki in. The dialogue is witty and snappy and is full of humor.
Although the setting is middle school, readers who have gotten through their middle school years are sure to enjoy THE BIG SPLASH, as well. Fans of great detective novels or gangster stories should add this one to their reading pile!
I'm looking forward to reading more from Jack D. Ferraiolo - and hope that Matt Stevens is on another case soon!
"The Frank" may seem like a typical middle school, but it's actually run by Vinny Biggs and his gang. Need a stolen exam? Or want a sugar high? You'll have to go through Vinny. Cross Vinny, and you'll be facing one of his "hired assassins."
Vinny's "hired assassins" hold your social life fate in their hands. These assassins hide water guns, and with one quick shot you'll look like you peed your pants, face social humiliation, and immediately are put in "the outs."
Nikki Fingers used to be the fastest and most feared shooter at "The Frank," but at the beginning of seventh grade decides for a fresh start. But when Nikki is taken out, seventh grade detective Matt Stevens is hired. Could it have been her former boss, Vinny? The boy who had a crush on her? Or one of the many students at "The Frank" with a reason to hate Nikki? Matt only has a week to find out or he might find himself in "the outs" as well.
I can't say enough good things about this book! It's wonderfully written in a clever noir style that kept me laughing and guessing all night. It reads just like an old pulp detective novel and includes many of the characters you would expect to be there - the mob boss, the hired guns, the detective, the girl crush - only this time they're in sixth and seventh grade. At times it reminded me of one of my favorite old movies, Bugsy Malone, in which kids play the gangsters.
There were so many things sprinkled in this story that made me smile. The kids who would do anything for a pixy stick rush, the frazzled newspaperman, and the kid-owned sandwich shop all added to the style, and I felt like I really was transported back into one of those old pulp detective novels.
The mystery had plenty of twists and turns and kept me guessing and second-guessing who did Nikki in. The dialogue is witty and snappy and is full of humor.
Although the setting is middle school, readers who have gotten through their middle school years are sure to enjoy THE BIG SPLASH, as well. Fans of great detective novels or gangster stories should add this one to their reading pile!
I'm looking forward to reading more from Jack D. Ferraiolo - and hope that Matt Stevens is on another case soon!
April 19, 2010
6th&up. Matt Stevens is my hero! Clever, honorable, smart-ass, and determined. This Spenser-like character navigates the treacherous waters of Franklin Middle School with a style you have to respect. Ferraiolo creates a mystery that's perfect for his audience, with some well crafted twists and turns. There's even some nice underlying messages as Matt refrains from jumping to conclusions, stands up to bullies despite the realistic risks that entails, and never gives up on his friends (even when others would have turned their backs). Rounding it all out with a lot of snark (my favorite), and just a smidge of romance, and I'm totally hooked. Can't wait for more! Please?!
October 23, 2008
This was a fun and creative noir mystery in the style of the classics like Mickey Spillane. It had me laughing aloud with delight at the language and the similies. AND it wasn't just a gimmick...there were tender relationships, awkward adolescent moments, and a great mystery with twists and turns. I kept wanting to pick it up again when I didn't have time...always a good sign. Look at this, "Nicole Finnegan, a.k.a. Nikki Fingers, was a dream girl...the kind who caused nightmares." How can you beat that?!!!
June 27, 2015
Fantastic middle grade/middle school book, especially for guys. I read this when it first came out, but came across it again recently and was reminded how much I loved it- I need to start handing it out more. Lots of humor (laugh out loud moments, even!) but also a nail-biting mystery.
And I just saw there is a sequel! Yesssssss.
And I just saw there is a sequel! Yesssssss.
December 10, 2008
Loved it. Noir for the middle school set. Great narrator, fun. I hope there's another Matt Stevens mystery in the works.
August 16, 2025
For a first book, it's really neat and very readable. The writing flows nicely and the story was engaging enough that it wasn't a struggle to push my way through. Even though it's a noir detective book that takes place in a middle school, there was a lot of thought put into the dynamics of how that would shake out, from how the Outs loosely parallels death in crime fiction, to murders being replaced with being soiled through any means, to the comparison of sugar and pixie sticks to hard drugs, these little bits of world building are out there, a little strange, but very fitting for the setting.
While the premise is kind of silly, there are genuine moments of real depth that seriously made me feel for the characters: Every time Matt talked about his dad and the memories he had of him, I felt the sadness deep in my heart. It was horribly earnest.
The book takes itself very seriously, to its own benefit: It really helps with the narrative that Matt himself is a character within this world, in this middle school, and that to him, the stakes are very, very real. While the mystery itself isn't anything incredibly special, I can acknowledge that this perspective comes from me reading it as an adult. If I were reading this as a kid, I would've eaten it up.
While the premise is kind of silly, there are genuine moments of real depth that seriously made me feel for the characters: Every time Matt talked about his dad and the memories he had of him, I felt the sadness deep in my heart. It was horribly earnest.
The book takes itself very seriously, to its own benefit: It really helps with the narrative that Matt himself is a character within this world, in this middle school, and that to him, the stakes are very, very real. While the mystery itself isn't anything incredibly special, I can acknowledge that this perspective comes from me reading it as an adult. If I were reading this as a kid, I would've eaten it up.
January 28, 2018
Franklin middle school is not just your ordinary middle school, from the water balloon attacks in the hallways to the infamous underworld boss, Vinny Biggs, this middle school is one’s nightmare. Such a creative and enterprising setting can only be created by one author, Jack Ferraiolo. The book starts off in the hallways of Franklin middle school, were Vinny’s most feared water balloon thrower, Nicki who is very vivacious and feared around the school, gets pummeled by a water balloon. Due to this hit, Nicki gets placed in “The outs”, a place meant for social rejects. School detective Matt Stevens decides to investigate this crime, and puts it on the top of his list. Throughout his investigation, Matt encounters many adversaries and enemies who are against the investigation and will do anything to stop it. Will Matt find the culprit or will the culprit find him first? I would recommend this book to kids who like action and mystery, because this book has many twists and turns that will keep you enticed. I would rate this book 5/5 because the author described many of the events very descriptively.
July 31, 2017
I really did not enjoy this book from the start because it's 100% about bullying, and none of it is ever addressed by the adults. I also wasn't a fan of all the voices the audiobook narrator was providing. Usually I like that, but his whiney female husky voice was very off-putting, and so were his hyena laughs and other quirks.
Matt is a detective of sorts, and his best friend recently left him to join the school's mafia to protect the mob boss who deals candy contraband. Kids carry around squirt guns filled with cat urine, soaking students that become outcasts. Ugh. I really just didn't like anything this book did, but perhaps upper middle schoolers might find it amusing.
Matt is a detective of sorts, and his best friend recently left him to join the school's mafia to protect the mob boss who deals candy contraband. Kids carry around squirt guns filled with cat urine, soaking students that become outcasts. Ugh. I really just didn't like anything this book did, but perhaps upper middle schoolers might find it amusing.
May 29, 2017
Extremely entertaining! Gumshoe detective hired by the middle school equivalent of the Godfather, just has to retrieve a good luck charm from a retired associate. The plot thickens when the retired person gets hit instead, ruining her reputation just like she has ruined several others before. I don't remember middle school being that cruel, but then again, I may have just been clueless to the sinister underworld in my middle school.
June 25, 2018
Like Raymond Carver for the middle-school set. It's got it all: corrupt hall-monitors, pixie-stick junkies, water-gun slingers (who always aim for the crotch), and plenty of goofy metaphors. This is an all time favorite book for my son and me - I'm hoping the 2 book series expands soon.
July 28, 2017
If you enjoy sarcasm and noir mystery, this book has both in spades. I love how the students assume the stereotypical roles of a Hollywood who-done-it.
October 24, 2020
Very interesting book, incredible
October 2, 2021
The best intermediate-age book I've read since Insert Coin to Continue and Vanished!.
May 4, 2011
As a lover of Raymond Chandler, noir mysteries, humor, and a fan of Jack himself--as a particularly enjoyable conversationalist and general good company--I had pretty high expectations for The Big Splash (especially when I learned that Gordon Korman had done the blurb.)
The premise itself, a hard-boiled detective story set in middle school, is a delightfully clever one. Middle school is, if anything, more gritty, suspenseful and riddled with danger than the seedy underbellies of society that the classic hard-bitten private eye must navigate. Fewer fedoras, maybe, but in The Big Splash the criminal activity is just as depraved, the cops just as dirty and the addicts just as willing to do anything for a fix. The ingenious and often hilarious parallels are set up so masterfully that the book would be a great read on that merit alone. But the merits pile up. The voice and character of the protagonist, in particular, completely nails the cynical, intuitive, world-weary wise-guy persona (complete with the usual ethical grey areas, self-recrimination and a certain lack of regard for his personal safety) but with an added dimension of realism. He's a vulnerable, confused kid who misses his Dad and is trying to survive life in middle school as best he can, by working with what he's got. It's a touching look at the issues of identity that usually crop up around that age. He's not doing too badly, either. He's a free agent, not a bully or an outcast, and, best of all, he refuses to succumb to the overwhelming pressure to conform. He takes a moral stance and he sticks to it. Do you realize how hard that is to do in middle school? He says it himself--if you're all laughing at someone else, people aren't laughing at you.
At it's core, this book is about bullying. Its about the dangers of being so concerned and self-conscious and insecure that you would do anything to feel accepted. Its about how easy it is to be cruel when being cruel is commended, enjoyed, lauded, rewarded, or even just because that's what everyone is doing. Being accepted is important, sure, and not rocking the boat is an easy way to get there. Being complacent, however, is a cowardly slippery slope. And even when stepping up, not staying silent, trying to do what's right seems like a good way to make your middle school experience a living hell, the consequences of choosing to do the right thing will last a lot longer than 8th grade. The protagonist of this book, who is much smarter than I was at that age, is an excellent role-model, a hero, and a realistic portrayal of someone who is stuggling like everyone else, but winning the battle.
Funny, fast-paced (unlike this review), genuine and, most of all, entirely entertaining and satisfying, I would recommend this book to just about anyone. I literally have nothing bad to say about it.
The premise itself, a hard-boiled detective story set in middle school, is a delightfully clever one. Middle school is, if anything, more gritty, suspenseful and riddled with danger than the seedy underbellies of society that the classic hard-bitten private eye must navigate. Fewer fedoras, maybe, but in The Big Splash the criminal activity is just as depraved, the cops just as dirty and the addicts just as willing to do anything for a fix. The ingenious and often hilarious parallels are set up so masterfully that the book would be a great read on that merit alone. But the merits pile up. The voice and character of the protagonist, in particular, completely nails the cynical, intuitive, world-weary wise-guy persona (complete with the usual ethical grey areas, self-recrimination and a certain lack of regard for his personal safety) but with an added dimension of realism. He's a vulnerable, confused kid who misses his Dad and is trying to survive life in middle school as best he can, by working with what he's got. It's a touching look at the issues of identity that usually crop up around that age. He's not doing too badly, either. He's a free agent, not a bully or an outcast, and, best of all, he refuses to succumb to the overwhelming pressure to conform. He takes a moral stance and he sticks to it. Do you realize how hard that is to do in middle school? He says it himself--if you're all laughing at someone else, people aren't laughing at you.
At it's core, this book is about bullying. Its about the dangers of being so concerned and self-conscious and insecure that you would do anything to feel accepted. Its about how easy it is to be cruel when being cruel is commended, enjoyed, lauded, rewarded, or even just because that's what everyone is doing. Being accepted is important, sure, and not rocking the boat is an easy way to get there. Being complacent, however, is a cowardly slippery slope. And even when stepping up, not staying silent, trying to do what's right seems like a good way to make your middle school experience a living hell, the consequences of choosing to do the right thing will last a lot longer than 8th grade. The protagonist of this book, who is much smarter than I was at that age, is an excellent role-model, a hero, and a realistic portrayal of someone who is stuggling like everyone else, but winning the battle.
Funny, fast-paced (unlike this review), genuine and, most of all, entirely entertaining and satisfying, I would recommend this book to just about anyone. I literally have nothing bad to say about it.
August 28, 2013
First, before we begin, lets talk about how I will conduct my review. I will be grading them on a scale of 10 out of 10. I will award two points for 5 catagories for each book, and if a book is lacking in a catagory, i will deduct half a point to a whole point. These are the catagories: Plot, Characters, Pacing, Originality, and Enjoyment. Alright then lets start the review with a book I started and finished today, The Big Splash, written by Jack D. Ferraiolo.
The story takes place in a typical JYA novel, right in the middle of Franklin Middle School. However, the correlation between most JYA dramas and this novel stop right there, as it is made clear that this is no ordinary Middle School. It is one filled with corruption and cruelty, as is evident in the first few pages. There is a group of people inside the school known as the Outs, kids who have been humilated and rejected by the school as a whole. The novel follows a noir-film type of protagonist named Matthew Stevens, who is a private eye detective while also being a student. As the novel begins, Matthew is approached by the 'kingpin' of the corruption of the school, Vincent "Vinny" Biggio, who asks him for a favor: retrieve a good luck charm from his old 'assassin' as it were, Nikki Fingers. However, things go horribly wrong, as Matt witness Nikki being taken out and forced into the Outs. What follows is a nostalgic, tense adventure in traditional noir-style as a Matt tries to unwrap a case that threatens to destroy the lives of his friends and his own.
As far as Plot goes, this is a new one for me. I would'nt have expected to see a plot like this to have the amount of twist and turns it does. For a JYA novel, it can get very, very dark at times, showing just how brutal middle school can be. The Characters are also well done. Matthew has a lot of depth to him, a lot more than I would have suspected in a middle schooler. He has issues at home, and at school, both of which force him to develop as a character. However, the antagonist, Vinny, is a sterotypical type of villain for such a book, which doesn't really help. He isn't a Bond villain persay, but he is kinda flat, except for certain moment,s but those are few and far between. The Pacing is like the old noir films, tense and fast, which is a nice nostalgic feeling. Originality is very promiment here, because i have yet to see a novel use this type of setting and put it in old noir gangsyer type of plot. The Entertainment value is also high, with the humor very sarcastic and noir like, and the action is very enjoyable. Over all, The Big Splash is an enjoyable read, and I would reccomend this to all ages. This is Zack Knight, signing out.
The story takes place in a typical JYA novel, right in the middle of Franklin Middle School. However, the correlation between most JYA dramas and this novel stop right there, as it is made clear that this is no ordinary Middle School. It is one filled with corruption and cruelty, as is evident in the first few pages. There is a group of people inside the school known as the Outs, kids who have been humilated and rejected by the school as a whole. The novel follows a noir-film type of protagonist named Matthew Stevens, who is a private eye detective while also being a student. As the novel begins, Matthew is approached by the 'kingpin' of the corruption of the school, Vincent "Vinny" Biggio, who asks him for a favor: retrieve a good luck charm from his old 'assassin' as it were, Nikki Fingers. However, things go horribly wrong, as Matt witness Nikki being taken out and forced into the Outs. What follows is a nostalgic, tense adventure in traditional noir-style as a Matt tries to unwrap a case that threatens to destroy the lives of his friends and his own.
As far as Plot goes, this is a new one for me. I would'nt have expected to see a plot like this to have the amount of twist and turns it does. For a JYA novel, it can get very, very dark at times, showing just how brutal middle school can be. The Characters are also well done. Matthew has a lot of depth to him, a lot more than I would have suspected in a middle schooler. He has issues at home, and at school, both of which force him to develop as a character. However, the antagonist, Vinny, is a sterotypical type of villain for such a book, which doesn't really help. He isn't a Bond villain persay, but he is kinda flat, except for certain moment,s but those are few and far between. The Pacing is like the old noir films, tense and fast, which is a nice nostalgic feeling. Originality is very promiment here, because i have yet to see a novel use this type of setting and put it in old noir gangsyer type of plot. The Entertainment value is also high, with the humor very sarcastic and noir like, and the action is very enjoyable. Over all, The Big Splash is an enjoyable read, and I would reccomend this to all ages. This is Zack Knight, signing out.
October 2, 2013
*** Spoil Alert***
The Big Splash is a good book but could be a little confusing. The Big Splash is a mystery book, although it is funny and suspense. I think this book would be a good book to read for kids in middle school. They would enjoy The Big Splash.
Matt Stevens is a smart mouth detective. In The Big Splash Matt Stevens is hired by Vinny Biggs the most notorious kid at the Frank to find out who took out Nichole "Nikki Fingers" Finnegan. Vinny Biggs is a kid who controls the the Frank. He has an organization that puts kids in the outs which basically the biggest 'club' in the school. You are put in the 'Outs' by being sprayed on the front of your pants. The 'outs' makes kids lose the social life. Matt Stevens looks for the kid who took out Nikki which once was Vinny's biggest assassin. Matt would do about anything to find this assassin even if it's bring down his close friends. The Big Splash is a person vs society novel.
I liked the way the author leaves you in suspense. The author has you find out clues with the characters. He also puts a smart mouth character like Matt Stevens. I could relate to the character, Matt Stevens because he could have a smart mouth at times and he also is smart.
I think the book would be a good book to read. It teaches that you can't trust everyone and to find who your real friends are. In the book Matt's closest friend Kevin turned on him. Kevin, Liz (Kevins sister), and Matt were close friends but Kevin wanted to have have power so he joined Vinny's organization and is Vinny's right hand man. My favorite parts of The Big Splash is when Matt Stevens runs his smart mouth and also when he faces with Vinny.I thought the ending of the book was a little confusing because Matt was also confuse. Matt was confused because he was accusing alot of people for taking out Nikki. Matt didn't know who or what to believe. The author of The Big Splash also wrote another book called Quick Fix. The Quick Fix is the sequel of The Big Splash. The story point of view is 1st person point of view. The book say "I" referring to Matt Stevens.
Overall I thought the book was pretty good, funny, and suspense. I would rate this book a 8.5.I would rate the Big Splash a 8.5 because at times it was confusing. It was also kind of cool that a school will have the 'outs'. The Big Splash would be a good book for middle school kids because the story takes place at Franklin Middle School. The Big Splash is a good family book. This novel would make the reader feel like they are at the Frank.
The Big Splash is a good book but could be a little confusing. The Big Splash is a mystery book, although it is funny and suspense. I think this book would be a good book to read for kids in middle school. They would enjoy The Big Splash.
Matt Stevens is a smart mouth detective. In The Big Splash Matt Stevens is hired by Vinny Biggs the most notorious kid at the Frank to find out who took out Nichole "Nikki Fingers" Finnegan. Vinny Biggs is a kid who controls the the Frank. He has an organization that puts kids in the outs which basically the biggest 'club' in the school. You are put in the 'Outs' by being sprayed on the front of your pants. The 'outs' makes kids lose the social life. Matt Stevens looks for the kid who took out Nikki which once was Vinny's biggest assassin. Matt would do about anything to find this assassin even if it's bring down his close friends. The Big Splash is a person vs society novel.
I liked the way the author leaves you in suspense. The author has you find out clues with the characters. He also puts a smart mouth character like Matt Stevens. I could relate to the character, Matt Stevens because he could have a smart mouth at times and he also is smart.
I think the book would be a good book to read. It teaches that you can't trust everyone and to find who your real friends are. In the book Matt's closest friend Kevin turned on him. Kevin, Liz (Kevins sister), and Matt were close friends but Kevin wanted to have have power so he joined Vinny's organization and is Vinny's right hand man. My favorite parts of The Big Splash is when Matt Stevens runs his smart mouth and also when he faces with Vinny.I thought the ending of the book was a little confusing because Matt was also confuse. Matt was confused because he was accusing alot of people for taking out Nikki. Matt didn't know who or what to believe. The author of The Big Splash also wrote another book called Quick Fix. The Quick Fix is the sequel of The Big Splash. The story point of view is 1st person point of view. The book say "I" referring to Matt Stevens.
Overall I thought the book was pretty good, funny, and suspense. I would rate this book a 8.5.I would rate the Big Splash a 8.5 because at times it was confusing. It was also kind of cool that a school will have the 'outs'. The Big Splash would be a good book for middle school kids because the story takes place at Franklin Middle School. The Big Splash is a good family book. This novel would make the reader feel like they are at the Frank.
June 14, 2023
Vinny Biggs and his syndicate has control of Franklin Middle School. You know, the usual stuff, forged hall passes, contraband candy. If you cross him, or he doesn't like you, then you get put in "the outs" - a group of outcast kids who once had water guns sprayed on them so it looks like they peed themselves. You try coming back to the cafeteria after the entire school has laughed at you. Vinny needs a favour from Matt - the local school detective, but that favour turns into another job after one of Vinny's top guns gets soaked. Who sprayed Nikki? Matt is on the case, with the help of the local newspaper editor and friends to solve the mystery.
This book was great - so film noir I could hear the characters talking like on set of a noir film! There was a touch of romance, but more about junior high friendships, all narrated perfectly by our detective. Sure it was written for kids (man I bet junior high boys would love it), but I think the author did such a great job with the film noir tone that I thoroughly enjoyed it. I'd highly recommend this to any mystery fans who are in, or want to go back to those junior high days!
There's a sequel too (The Quick Fix) that I fully intended on reading, but the premise sounded similar and let's be honest, I'm not 13. It was a fun trip to film noir for preteens though! (Although I wonder if Matt found his dad, who disappeared mysteriously? And what's up with his mom's mean boss...)
This book was great - so film noir I could hear the characters talking like on set of a noir film! There was a touch of romance, but more about junior high friendships, all narrated perfectly by our detective. Sure it was written for kids (man I bet junior high boys would love it), but I think the author did such a great job with the film noir tone that I thoroughly enjoyed it. I'd highly recommend this to any mystery fans who are in, or want to go back to those junior high days!
There's a sequel too (The Quick Fix) that I fully intended on reading, but the premise sounded similar and let's be honest, I'm not 13. It was a fun trip to film noir for preteens though! (Although I wonder if Matt found his dad, who disappeared mysteriously? And what's up with his mom's mean boss...)
March 8, 2009
Imagine taking Phillip Marlowe or Sam Spade and placing them in middle school - that’s how you end up with Matt Stevens. Matt is a no-nonsense private eye working the halls of the ‘Frank’- that’s Franklin Middle School to you.
Matt has the unenviable task of trying to track down who took out Nicole Finnegan, or as she was known up until the end of last year, Nikki Fingers. You see, Nikki was the fastest squirt gun shot around, but as her younger sister Jenny is about to start classes at the Frank;,Nikki gave up the life of squirt gun assassin extraordinaire in an effort to set a good example for Jenny’s sake.
It could be anyone. There’s Vinny Biggio, Nikki’s old boss, who’s in charge of anything and everything not on the level. Then there’s Kevin Carling, Vinny’s right-hand man, and Nicole’s old flame. We can’t forget Liz Carling, Kevin’s little sister either. Or maybe it was one of the kids that Nikki put in the Outs.
The Outs? Let’s just say it’s the social leper colony. Once you’re on the Outs, there’s no coming back.
Matt only has a few days to solve the case. The weekend is approaching and by Monday this case will be as forgotten as last week’s math quiz.
This book was cooler than the back of on ice cream truck, funnier than a clown convention, and smarter than a MENSA meeting.
Matt has the unenviable task of trying to track down who took out Nicole Finnegan, or as she was known up until the end of last year, Nikki Fingers. You see, Nikki was the fastest squirt gun shot around, but as her younger sister Jenny is about to start classes at the Frank;,Nikki gave up the life of squirt gun assassin extraordinaire in an effort to set a good example for Jenny’s sake.
It could be anyone. There’s Vinny Biggio, Nikki’s old boss, who’s in charge of anything and everything not on the level. Then there’s Kevin Carling, Vinny’s right-hand man, and Nicole’s old flame. We can’t forget Liz Carling, Kevin’s little sister either. Or maybe it was one of the kids that Nikki put in the Outs.
The Outs? Let’s just say it’s the social leper colony. Once you’re on the Outs, there’s no coming back.
Matt only has a few days to solve the case. The weekend is approaching and by Monday this case will be as forgotten as last week’s math quiz.
This book was cooler than the back of on ice cream truck, funnier than a clown convention, and smarter than a MENSA meeting.
July 12, 2016
The Big Splash has a wonderful noir feel. It has all the pieces; the hard detective, the damsel in distress, the harried newspaper man, the scared sources, the neighborhood bar, the crime boss, the thugs. All of it. It has the fun narration by the detective complete with colorful similes like ‘a bully without intimidation was like a new car without a motor: It may look impressive, but it wasn’t going anywhere,’ and ‘they rolled around my brain like billiard balls on a table with no pockets; nothing was sinking in.’ The story is peopled with interesting people. Most of the transitions from noir to middle school work well; the sugar habits instead of drug ones, the assassins with water instead of bullets. It has a fun lighthearted feel a lot of the time but it also has a hard edge as you see the kids pounce on someone when they are down and the consequences that humiliation has on their lives. It’s an interestingly convoluted mystery with lots of clues and suspects and twists right up until the final denouement. But it isn’t just about the mystery. It also manages to work in the problems of growing up with friendship and romance and trying to fit in. The only problem is that sometimes it pushes a little too hard and it goes a bit too far and they don’t sound like kids anymore. But that can easily be forgiven because you get wrapped up in the feeling of the book.
January 18, 2013
A quick and easy YA book to read. The noir style mystery set in middle school is enjoyable, and interestingly enough explores the psychology of the seventh graders quite accurately. You have the bullies working for the mafia selling contraband sugary sweets, the bullied in an outcast group called the Outs, and the normal kids trying to survive by attaching themselves to a clique or a certain profession such as hall monitoring or school journalism. At times, the book can't decide between comedy and drama, but it never gets slow. The main character, Matt Stevens (a private detective- respected but alone), is full of integrity and honesty, and the supporting characters all get enough time to shine. While the mystery of the novel is easy to figure out partway through, the final solution is still thrilling and funny. Also, to keep the book grounded in realism, Matt's home life is difficult and at times heart-wrenching. This is a nice break from the hyper-reality of his middle school filled with mafia, assassins, and conspiracies. The main character's back story and relationship with his mother is what makes this book go a little deeper than the average YA mystery novel. It definitely leaves you waiting for the sequel as not all the loose ends are tied up by the end of this book.
June 5, 2009
Matt Stevens is the guy to go to when you need to solve a mystery at Franklin Middle School. Jenny hires him to find out who “took out” her sister using a well-aimed stream from a SuperSoaker watergun. When kids are “taken out,” they become social outcasts. Jenny is determined to know who did it so she can get revenge on her sister’s behalf.
Matt only has a couple of days before the start of the weekend to find the person who did it because, after the weekend, the trail usually goes cold. Between having to deal with Vinny Biggs, the leader of uncover operations at school (such as creating fake hall passes and selling contraband candy) and being confused over his feelings for two different girls, Matt has a lot on his plate. Plus, he needs to be extra cautious during his investigations so that he doesn’t get “taken out” too!
This is a really fun book. Readers who don’t normally care for mysteries will find that the twists and turns—along with the humor—make this a quick and enjoyable read despite its mysterious elements. Matt is a very likable character who wants to do the right thing not only in his investigative duties, but also in his personal life.
Matt only has a couple of days before the start of the weekend to find the person who did it because, after the weekend, the trail usually goes cold. Between having to deal with Vinny Biggs, the leader of uncover operations at school (such as creating fake hall passes and selling contraband candy) and being confused over his feelings for two different girls, Matt has a lot on his plate. Plus, he needs to be extra cautious during his investigations so that he doesn’t get “taken out” too!
This is a really fun book. Readers who don’t normally care for mysteries will find that the twists and turns—along with the humor—make this a quick and enjoyable read despite its mysterious elements. Matt is a very likable character who wants to do the right thing not only in his investigative duties, but also in his personal life.
May 24, 2010
I’m a big fan of hard-boiled detective stories, so when I saw The Big Splash---the first one of that sort that I’ve ever seen written for a juvenile audience---I really, really wanted to read it. After all, where else but in middle school will you find the situation so ideal for the noir-style mystery? And Jack D. Ferraiolo includes just about all the elements of the genre: there’s an organized crime boss, bully boys, assassins, dangerous dames, a story-hungry reporter, and the law, represented by the orange sash of a hall monitor, of course.
I really enjoyed the combination---and the mystery---but I’m not so sure The Big Splash will hold the interest of its intended juvenile audience. After all, how much fun is it to read a book written in Humphrey Bogart’s voice when you don’t even know who Humphrey Bogart is? There are also a few more adult themes hovering behind the story---the relationship between the hero’s mom and his best friend’s married dad, for example. Perhaps a juvenile reader won’t think anything about that detail, but I’m more inclined to err on the side of caution and recommend The Big Splash to a slightly older audience, just in case.
I really enjoyed the combination---and the mystery---but I’m not so sure The Big Splash will hold the interest of its intended juvenile audience. After all, how much fun is it to read a book written in Humphrey Bogart’s voice when you don’t even know who Humphrey Bogart is? There are also a few more adult themes hovering behind the story---the relationship between the hero’s mom and his best friend’s married dad, for example. Perhaps a juvenile reader won’t think anything about that detail, but I’m more inclined to err on the side of caution and recommend The Big Splash to a slightly older audience, just in case.
June 25, 2014
I'm not sure why this book hasn't received more attention. It covers many of the typical issues of middle school including bullying, self-esteem issues, and public humiliation as well as only passing references to classes and schools. Clearly, the author knows just what matters to middle graders, and it isn't the subjects they are studying. The author peppers in unique vocabulary and slang in this story he tells about seventh grader Matt Stevens, a private eye who wants to find out who is responsible for the squirt gun humiliation of Nikki Fingers, the former enforcer for the local school kingpin, Vincent Biggio. Not only are the characters and the way they speak and view the world unique, but the film noirish, tough guy (with a soft spot for certain folks) stances is highly appealing. The plot is somewhat complicated, and there are the usual twists, turns, and red herrings as Matt tries to figure out what's going on. In lots of ways, middle school is like gang warfare with one exception being the weapons that are used. When you think about it, there is nothing quite as embarrassing for a seventh grader than having your classmates think you have wet or soiled your pants.
December 13, 2016
This book is funny. That's about all. This book was made to be a parody of the "typical" detective story, with the Mafia, and the private eye, and you know what I'm talking about. It succeeds in that, but in making it unique? Not so much. I got most of the references, but it just seemed so unrealistic to have a middle school ruled by a mob boss. I also didn't think that the portrayal of the victims in the "Outs" as shell-shocked 6 year olds with PTSD would happen in a million years. Now, I know it is not supposed to be realistic, but... I just don't know. Some good things. It was definitely a very good and solid (and funny) parody. It will make you laugh. It is a good mystery. Like it says on the cover, "[it has] more twists than a candy addict on a swivel chair." (The whole book is filled with one-liners like that.) The twists could also be a bad point though. There were probably 5 girls that I couldn't remember the difference between, and all of them were the suspect at one point. The bad points and the good points mixed with quite a few swear words make this a 3/5.
EDIT: I think what I was trying to say is that it was a perfect parody, but that's only what it is: a parody.
EDIT: I think what I was trying to say is that it was a perfect parody, but that's only what it is: a parody.
September 29, 2008
Nice little piece of middle school crime fiction, more akin to Nickelodeon, than BRICK or VERONICA MARS. For the first 80-90 pages I wasn't all that into it, but on page 96, suddenly, all the bits of noir trappings vis-a-vis middle school, all the straining metaphors, snapped into focus:
"Five minutes doesn't seem like a long time, unless you're on the playground getting hammered with kickballs, wearing only socks and a stained diaper. Then five minutes is an eternity. That's how long it took for a teacher to finally break things up and get Joey inside. Five minutes to destroy a kid's life. Even the teacher who saved Joey had a look of disgust on her face."
Criminal candy rackets, squirt-gun assassins, hall-pass forgeries might strain it's credibility a bit, but emotionally, it all rings true. In middle school, your rep is all you have, your one life to live, and you spend all your days in the one place where it is easiest to have that life utterly destroyed.
If not for Matt Stevens...
"Five minutes doesn't seem like a long time, unless you're on the playground getting hammered with kickballs, wearing only socks and a stained diaper. Then five minutes is an eternity. That's how long it took for a teacher to finally break things up and get Joey inside. Five minutes to destroy a kid's life. Even the teacher who saved Joey had a look of disgust on her face."
Criminal candy rackets, squirt-gun assassins, hall-pass forgeries might strain it's credibility a bit, but emotionally, it all rings true. In middle school, your rep is all you have, your one life to live, and you spend all your days in the one place where it is easiest to have that life utterly destroyed.
If not for Matt Stevens...
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