What do You think about Summer Of The Dragon (2001)?
Sometimes Elizabeth Peters reminds me strangely of Diana Wynne Jones ... esp. this book, which has several very Deep Secret moments, such as the eccentric convention of odd characters. It's a good thing! The only part about this book that I really couldn't stand was the fact that she kept mentioning the hero's moustache ... I just couldn't picture him as attractive when the only image coming to my mind was 70s cowboy ... yuck. Apart from this point, which I fully admit is totally shallow and without any merit, I thoroughly enjoyed the book! Great adventure, sense of humour, and even a hunt for buried treasure - so good.
—Basil D
I really thought this book was going to be a 5 after the first few pages. I love the sarcastic attitude that D.J. takes to everything. It made me laugh. Unfortunately, things slowed down quite a bit during the course of the book and while I still enjoyed it quite a bit, it wasn't as good as my first impressions led me to believe. D.J. is a funny girl who is a bit of an oddball, but she gets pretty lucky in this story where she has to find out what happened to Hank, her summer employer. A fun read, and I plan to read other books by Elizabeth Peters as this book was quite enjoyable.
—JC
I was hesitant when I first started this book. For some reason it has always annoyed me when the narrator talks directly to the reader about "reading this book." From the first chapter, I prepared myself to think the voice was forced and not enjoy it at all.However, it grew on me. I started to understand the humor, and soon I found myself laughing out loud. The main character and narrator D.J. was spunky, blunt, and quite frankly hilarious. I loved the story that involved all of the "crazies," and the end was genuinely intense and not at all anticlimactic.I do suggest this book for anyone who wants a fairly light read with some humor and intelligent mystery.
—Laina
