WHERE IS THE FLASH GANG? Pittsburgh's most notorious thieves haven't struck for a year, not since a devastating fire resulted in the supposed death of two streeters. Pearl and Lewis - along with their pals, Duck and Mac - are alive and well, just in hiding. But now, their hideout is crumbling under the relentless rain. It's been a winter of bitter winds and slim pickings, and their friendship is starting to fray. To make matters worse, streeters are disappearing. Are they skipping town or is something more nefarious afoot? When one of their own vanishes, the gang goes all out to unravel the mystery, which once again point to enemy #1: the steel tycoon who had Lewis's father killed. But Pittsburgh is flooding and the tycoon's plans are in motion. If they want to save their friends, they're running out of time.
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- Middle Grade Fiction & Indies
- Middle Grade Indie
- Treasonous Tycoon (The Adventures of the Flash Gang Episode Two)
Treasonous Tycoon (The Adventures of the Flash Gang Episode Two)
Author(s)
Publisher Name
Fitzroy Books
Age Range
10+
Release Date
March 05, 2024
ISBN13
978-1646034031
ISBN10 or ASIN
Editor review
1 review
Stopping the enemies within
Overall rating
5.0
Plot
5.0
Characters
5.0
Writing Style
5.0
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
N/A
What worked:
The book is set in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, during the Great Depression and the descriptions of that time in history make it historical fiction. The plot centers on streeters, kids living on the streets, and their struggles to survive. They shoplift, pickpocket, and do random menial jobs, anything to find food and shelter from the elements. Some of them even run errands for the mob or sell information to those who can afford it. The steelworkers during the Depression are struggling too and there is unrest between them and the factory owners. Hitler is gaining power in Europe (a few years before WW II) and he’s being supported by the antagonists in this book. The concept of fascist sympathizers underlies the conflict in the plot and highlights an issue that’s not often talked about. Pittsburgh suffered one of its worst natural disasters in 1936 and the book reflects this when the city is devastated by a torrential flood.
Lewis, or Brain, is the leader of the Flash Gang, although he is determined to not use the Recipe again. The Recipe is a mixture of powders from the previous book that creates a blinding flash of light allowing Lewis to steal food for his gang, the church, and others in need. The four members of his gang behave like a family and they combine their efforts to survive. However, the enemies of Lewis and Pearl think they’re dead, and using the Recipe again will let those enemies realize Lewis and Pearl are still alive. Young Mac doesn’t understand why using the Recipe is a big problem and he’s angry at Lewis for not using it to keep them from feeling starved all of the time. A huge problem arises when Mac disappears from their hideout after Lewis chooses not to use the Recipe to rescue him at a critical moment.
As always, Pearl is a highlight of the book. She calls herself Lola and Lewis is called Sir Nigel after characters from her favorite radio show. She talks incessantly and her creative mind generates various stories out of the most mundane tasks. She often speaks of her father, a world-famous explorer, and it’s hard for Lewis to tell when to separate her imagination from reality. She was mistreated while staying with her aunt so she’s now living with Lewis in an abandoned factory. Pearl quickly gets worked up when she even thinks about Nazis and she has her sights on J.J. Pickering, a major Pittsburgh benefactor and entrepreneur. Lewis and her determination to stop Pickering the ongoing conflict in the series.
What didn’t work as well:
Much of the book follows Lewis as he investigates the disappearance of many streeters but Pearl is absent for chunks of the story. The interest level drops a little when she is gone even though the author continues to develop the mystery of the streeters. Pearl adds flair to the story and she will reappear at the most critical moments.
The final verdict:
The book continues the wonderful underdog story of the Flash Gang. I recommend you begin with the first book but it’s probably not essential to enjoy this one. The flooding in the second half of the book provides an exciting, natural complication to the plot that enhances the conflict with Pickering. Overall, young readers will become engrossed with Lewis and his gang and I highly recommend you give this book a shot.
The book is set in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, during the Great Depression and the descriptions of that time in history make it historical fiction. The plot centers on streeters, kids living on the streets, and their struggles to survive. They shoplift, pickpocket, and do random menial jobs, anything to find food and shelter from the elements. Some of them even run errands for the mob or sell information to those who can afford it. The steelworkers during the Depression are struggling too and there is unrest between them and the factory owners. Hitler is gaining power in Europe (a few years before WW II) and he’s being supported by the antagonists in this book. The concept of fascist sympathizers underlies the conflict in the plot and highlights an issue that’s not often talked about. Pittsburgh suffered one of its worst natural disasters in 1936 and the book reflects this when the city is devastated by a torrential flood.
Lewis, or Brain, is the leader of the Flash Gang, although he is determined to not use the Recipe again. The Recipe is a mixture of powders from the previous book that creates a blinding flash of light allowing Lewis to steal food for his gang, the church, and others in need. The four members of his gang behave like a family and they combine their efforts to survive. However, the enemies of Lewis and Pearl think they’re dead, and using the Recipe again will let those enemies realize Lewis and Pearl are still alive. Young Mac doesn’t understand why using the Recipe is a big problem and he’s angry at Lewis for not using it to keep them from feeling starved all of the time. A huge problem arises when Mac disappears from their hideout after Lewis chooses not to use the Recipe to rescue him at a critical moment.
As always, Pearl is a highlight of the book. She calls herself Lola and Lewis is called Sir Nigel after characters from her favorite radio show. She talks incessantly and her creative mind generates various stories out of the most mundane tasks. She often speaks of her father, a world-famous explorer, and it’s hard for Lewis to tell when to separate her imagination from reality. She was mistreated while staying with her aunt so she’s now living with Lewis in an abandoned factory. Pearl quickly gets worked up when she even thinks about Nazis and she has her sights on J.J. Pickering, a major Pittsburgh benefactor and entrepreneur. Lewis and her determination to stop Pickering the ongoing conflict in the series.
What didn’t work as well:
Much of the book follows Lewis as he investigates the disappearance of many streeters but Pearl is absent for chunks of the story. The interest level drops a little when she is gone even though the author continues to develop the mystery of the streeters. Pearl adds flair to the story and she will reappear at the most critical moments.
The final verdict:
The book continues the wonderful underdog story of the Flash Gang. I recommend you begin with the first book but it’s probably not essential to enjoy this one. The flooding in the second half of the book provides an exciting, natural complication to the plot that enhances the conflict with Pickering. Overall, young readers will become engrossed with Lewis and his gang and I highly recommend you give this book a shot.
User reviews
1 review
Overall rating
3.7
Plot
4.0(1)
Characters
4.0(1)
Writing Style
3.0(1)
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
N/A(0)
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Historical Action Rescue
Overall rating
3.7
Plot
4.0
Characters
4.0
Writing Style
3.0
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
N/A
"The Adventures of the Flash Gang: Episode Two - Treasonous Tycoon" by S.J. Waugh and M.M. Downing continues the journey of Lewis and Pearl, whose friendship is put to the test in this emotionally charged installment. The duo faces a challenging choice between doubt and trust, a significant theme given their upbringing in an environment fraught with uncertainty.
With the introduction of new friends Mac and Duck, who have been part of their world for a year now, the dynamics within the group appear harmonious at first. However, their failing investigation into the crimes of a treacherous tycoon begins to strain the bonds between Pearl, Lewis and Mac. This narrative explores the impact of new secrets that threaten to unravel the carefully constructed world they've built together.
The plot takes a gripping turn when Mac goes missing, and the fragile ties within the group begin to fray. A new rescue mission ensues, bringing both allies and adversaries into the mix. This installment may not match the sheer excitement of the first book, but it compensates with deeper emotional connections and the introduction of intriguing new characters.
One of the notable aspects of this book is its integration of real historical events, such as the Pittsburgh flood, which adds an element of authenticity to the story. This historical backdrop enriches the narrative, making the adventure more immersive.
As a reader, the anticipation for the next book is heightened by the promise of the story moving to Berlin. The challenge of how two young kids with limited resources will manage to embark on their biggest rescue mission yet adds an intriguing layer of suspense. While it’s difficult to see how they will accomplish this feat, the prospect of surprises keeps the anticipation alive.
Overall, "Treasonous Tycoon" might not be as action-packed as its predecessor, but it delivers a more nuanced exploration of relationships and trust. The combination of historical references and new character introductions keeps the series fresh and engaging. With the promise of exciting developments in Berlin, readers are left eagerly awaiting the next adventure in the Flash Gang series.
With the introduction of new friends Mac and Duck, who have been part of their world for a year now, the dynamics within the group appear harmonious at first. However, their failing investigation into the crimes of a treacherous tycoon begins to strain the bonds between Pearl, Lewis and Mac. This narrative explores the impact of new secrets that threaten to unravel the carefully constructed world they've built together.
The plot takes a gripping turn when Mac goes missing, and the fragile ties within the group begin to fray. A new rescue mission ensues, bringing both allies and adversaries into the mix. This installment may not match the sheer excitement of the first book, but it compensates with deeper emotional connections and the introduction of intriguing new characters.
One of the notable aspects of this book is its integration of real historical events, such as the Pittsburgh flood, which adds an element of authenticity to the story. This historical backdrop enriches the narrative, making the adventure more immersive.
As a reader, the anticipation for the next book is heightened by the promise of the story moving to Berlin. The challenge of how two young kids with limited resources will manage to embark on their biggest rescue mission yet adds an intriguing layer of suspense. While it’s difficult to see how they will accomplish this feat, the prospect of surprises keeps the anticipation alive.
Overall, "Treasonous Tycoon" might not be as action-packed as its predecessor, but it delivers a more nuanced exploration of relationships and trust. The combination of historical references and new character introductions keeps the series fresh and engaging. With the promise of exciting developments in Berlin, readers are left eagerly awaiting the next adventure in the Flash Gang series.
Good Points
- fast pace
- action
- rescue mission
- deep emotional connections
- action
- rescue mission
- deep emotional connections
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