The Vanishing Game

If the last chapter had been handled differently, this would have been a one star read. But, because this is the first of a continuing mystery (seems like it will be a duology) I will be a little less harsh. This is entirely because we don't really get a mystery resolution and, more than that, we do not get a confession.

For me, I don't really believe the mystery has been solved until the culprit admits to their dastardly deeds - a ‘and I would have gotten away with it, too, if not for you meddling kids' if you will. Because this book does not have that, this was another bad mark for it - until the last chapter ends on a bit of a cliffhanger. Indicating that the mystery isn't over and I still might get my moment - or the culprit might not be the actual culprit. (Either way.)

Now, other issues I had.

The cover. It has only the most tangential bearing on the mystery herein. It was, in fact, a scene from a dream/nightmare that Frank had. It does not actually happen in the book, nor anything that even vaguely resembles this moment. (How desperate are they for action/adventure moments if the cover has to come from a dream? Judging by the lack of verve in these stories, very.)

The revolving door of girlfriends, crushes, and maybe's. In the first book Joe had a crush on a girl. Okay. In the second book, he is not interested in any. Good. (After all, it was all I could do to put up with Frank's girl trouble in the second book.) In this third book, Joe is dating a totally different girl than the crush in the first book. And, in fact, is dating a girl that hadn't been mentioned previously. Which, admittedly, feels kind of odd considering the fact that so far every single book has taken place in Bayport with at least some scenes in school.

I wish that the boys would either get steady girlfriends - like they had in the original series - or that they would just quit being interested in girls. Because, honestly, this is going to annoy me much more than the ... lackluster mysteries.

Which, this mystery wasn't bad, it's just... I don't know. It's the best so far, if that means anything?

(Also, side note, Frank sounds like such a middle aged man sometimes. It's hilarious.)

edited to add, because I forgot
Also, also, also...

The ride? You know, the one that sounds so awesome an all the teens love? I've seen and read things about how things like this (loud music, specific images, (and these do not sound like happy images) and movements (though this one less than the other two)) have been used as torture and/or brainwashing methods. So... And, honestly, this ride does not sound fun or exhilarating in any way. The kids that ride it seem to love it, but there's a lack of any real reason/explanation why, as far as I can tell. ... Other than the fact that they are teenagers.