Book two in the Molly and Corry series. Satellite Sleuths is a very good follow on from the first book in the series, “Boot Up’.
The relationship between the young girl, Molly and her computer friend, Corry is very nicely developed. The two of them are working together now as a team. This relationship is such a good idea for a story. Corry, of course, has access to a huge amount of information in the cyber world. As long as the information stays benign, this unusual friendship will thrive.
The two of them tracking down a bad guy in the local community provides for a good plot with the added element of animal welfare and the help of adults who have no idea that Holly and Corry are secretly connected. It is well-paced and the characterisation is strong and believable.
Chris Hart helpfully recaps the first book briefly before launching into this tale. The two friends are more symbiotic now with the addition of technical aids: a camera and a hidden earpiece. And it doesn’t really
seem too far from what might soon be possible in the real world! I like the way the author makes reference to how complex we are as humans including the nuances of our language and our sophistication. The chapters are short, the writing is clear, and it does not get bogged down in too much detailed exposition. The author manages to evoke our emotions and the descriptive passages are good, particularly when Holly visits an old man in his very interesting and unusual residence.
The ‘whodunit’ element of the book gives an edge to the story and works well. The character of Corry (the computer) is further developed in this second volume. The relationship between the two
characters becoming more strongly defined.
As in the first book, Chris Hart provides a glossary of terms at the end of the story. This is helpful and will be of interest to many young readers especially those with an interest in computer technology.
I award this book a well-deserved 5 stars.
