P.K. Pinkerton And The Deadly Desperados (2013) - Plot & Excerpts
"P.K. Pinkerton and the Deadly Desperados" is an action packed page turner. Twelve-year-old P.K. is twice orphaned, running from the killers of his foster parents and searching for his inheritance. The killers follow him to 1862 Virginia City. P.K. confronts and overcomes many obstacles along his journey and encounters Sam Clemens, eager reporter looking for a scoop, before he writes under pen name of Mark Twain.Vivid setting descriptions and historical elements bring this story to life, drawing the reader into the story and time period. I liked the glossery in the back that defined the historical expressions, etc.The characters are delightful and colorful. P.K. learns to deal with his "Thorn" (not being able to read people well) by hooking up with Poker Face Jace who teaches P.K. about body language.I liked everything about this book except the sprinkling of profanity. Since it is a children's book, I would like to have seen some creative substitute words used instead. A well written western, the rhythm of the plot rises steadily to the climax and ends with a satisfying resolution. I was given this by my editor to show me what could be done in a mid-grade novel, and I'm bloody glad of it. Lawrence acknowledges her debt to Charles Portis, as well she should. True Grit is one of my favourite novels, and this is a worthy homage. Our young is half-Indian, autistic and on the run after his adoptive parents are horribly murdered by the deadly desperados. There follows a wild chase from the small town where PK lives via the back of a stagecoach, through the Chinese laundries, saloons, bordellos, newspaper offices, muddy streets and shops of Virginia to the bottom of a pitch-black mine-shaft, with a few rare pauses for breath to ponder the mystery of what they're after and why and encounter a few of the colourful folk living there, some considerably less trustworthy than others. Vividly entertaining, this manages to stay grounded while keeping things age-appropriate with a few sly wry nods to grown-up readers.
What do You think about P.K. Pinkerton And The Deadly Desperados (2013)?
Cracking little kids' book, immensely enjoyed it. Hope I can get my two boys to read it someday.
—LucyBook
