Tools for this page
Print

Operation Red Jericho (The Guild of Specialists, Book 1)

Book Summary

Reviewed by Matt Berman

In 1920, fifteen-year-old Becca and her thirteen-year-old brother Doug have become behavior problems since their parents disappeared a year ago. They have been expelled from several schools and bounced from relative to relative. Now they are sent to Shanghai to stay with their Uncle Fitzroy MacKenzie, captain of the research ship Expedient.

But Capt. MacKenzie's ship holds many secrets, not least of which are the torpedo tubes and two powerful hidden naval guns on hydraulic lifts. Soon the siblings are literally up to their eyeballs (you'll have to read the book to find out how that can be literal) in an adventure involving vicious 20th century pirates, kidnappings, murder, gadgets, explosives, and a centuries-old secret society of which their parents may have been a part.

Is It Any Good?

5

A delightful mix of Jules Verne, Tom Swift, and Sherlock Holmes, this mystery/adventure combines swordfighting, exotic locales, lots of science and pseudo-science, photos, maps, appendices, and nonstop excitement, all making for a rich and stimulating reading experience. Purporting to be from a secret underground archive found when the author's great-aunt -- who was the young girl of the story -- died and left him her house, it boasts an incredible level of detail and extras. They show a devotion to the creation of this fictional society that borders on the obsessive. From the moment you pick up this book, it is purely enjoyable – the kind of plain, old-fashioned literary fun you rarely see nowadays.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
(It's free!)

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.