The Big Splash - Hardcover

Ferraiolo, Jack D.

3.98

444 ratings by Goodreads

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0810970678 ISBN 13: 9780810970670

Publisher: Harry N. Abrams, 2008

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Snappy, pulp-inspired noir set in the mean hallways of middle school, from an exciting debut author.

The treacherous, hormone-soaked hallways of Franklin Middle School are the setting for this sharp, funny noir novel about tough guys and even tougher girls. “The Frank” is in the clutches of a crime syndicate run by seventh-grader Vinny “Mr. Biggs” Biggio, who deals in forged hall passes and black-market candy. Double-cross him and your number is punched by one of his deadly water-gun-toting assassins. One hit in the pants and you are in “the Outs” forever. Matt Stevens is a proud loner with his own code of justice. He’s avoided being pulled into Vinny’s organization until now: Mr. Biggs has offered him a job he can’t resist, one that leads to the surprising downfall of Vinny’s top assassin, the beautiful and deadly Nikki “Fingers” Finnegan, at the hands of an unknown assailant. Matt thinks he was used, and he becomes determined to find the trigger-guy or -girl, even if it means bringing down one of his oldest friends.

New talent Jack D. Ferraiolo revitalizes the noir novel while delivering a terrific, addictive mystery that crackles with wit and excitement. “Jack Ferraiolo shines a light on middle school and reveals what we’ve always suspected: it’s a sinister place ruled by crime bosses and thugs. ‘The Big Splash’ will make you laugh out loud.”—Jeff Kinney, #1 New York Times bestselling author of DIARY OF A WIMPY KID

“Move over Bogart; now there's hard-boiled private detective Matt Stevens on the job at Franklin Middle School ... You could call this genre kid noir.”—Judy Freeman, on the "Sure Shot Books for Boys" list on readkiddoread.com

“Entertaining and thrilling.”--The New York Times Sunday Book Review (full page review)

“A first novel with an ingenious premise: junior high noir ... Twists and curve balls keep readers guessing; extended jokes will keep them laughing. With crisp prose and surprisingly poignant moments, Ferraiolo’s debut entertains on many levels.” --Publishers Weekly, starred review

“Ferraiolo weaves a tale that is thought-provoking and rib-tickling all at the same time. Highly recommended.”--Library Media Connection starred review

“Matt Stevens may turn out to be a bankable franchise: His first-person present-tense narration carries in it echoes of Marlowe, and the simple plot makes some crafty twists and turns as it goes along.”--Kirkus

“Ferraiolo cleverly interweaves Mafia undertones with Middle School social dynamics in this comical yet page turning novel. Young adult mystery enthusiasts will love the unmasking of this new sleuth in literature.”--ALAN

“Ferraiolo has taken us down, in a manner of speaking. Good fun, and the comic-book style cover will attract readers.”—KLIATT reviews

“This fabulous mystery will have teens racing to get to the last page...A great whodunit mystery lovers are sure to consume.”—VOYA

“This debut novel delivers plenty of laughs ... Fans of private-eye spoofs will enjoy this entertaining read.”—Booklist

“Well paced, funny, and suspenseful, with some real commentary on bullying and mob mentality, this book will have fans eagerly awaiting the next installment in this faux noir detective series.”—School Library Journal

“Ferraiolo shines in this debut novel, working the noir tropes for all they’re worth ... The mystery itself is cagily constructed to keep readers guessing pretty much til’ the last bell.”—Bulletin for the Center of Children’s Books

“If middle school has an “underworld,” this book is The Godfather and The Maltese Falcon all rolled into one. Better still, it’s funny, and not just a little.”—Gordon Korman, author of SCHOOL OF ROCK
F&P level: W

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About the Author:

Jack D. Ferraiolo grew up in southern Connecticut and still considers middle school to be the toughest time of his life. He currently lives in northern Massachusetts with his wife, Teryse, and daughter, Emily. He has been writing and editing for television animation for close to ten years. He recently developed, and currently writes for WordGirl on PBS, for which he won an Emmy. The Big Splash is his first novel.

An excerpt from the big splash

Vincent Biggs’s table was in the back right corner of the caf, strategically chosen for its view of the entire room. He was using his meaty hands to delicately eat a salad too green and fresh to have been gotten from the cafeteria. Sitting to his left was his right-hand man, Kevin Carling, eating potato chips one at a time, wiping the salt from his fingers after each one.

I crossed my arms and waited for Vinny to acknowledge my arrival, but he kept right on eating his salad. I checked my watch. My lunch period was slipping away. I cleared my throat too loud and too long to be authentic. That’s doing wonders for your figure,” I said, nodding toward Vinny’s salad.

Vinny smiled in spite of himself. He looked at me. A fat joke? Matthew, I expected better of you.”

I guess getting manhandled makes me cranky.”

He shrugged, then dabbed the corners of his mouth with a napkin.

Did you call me here just to watch you eat?” I asked. Not that it isn’t fascinating.”

Not quite,” he said. Are you still for hire, or did things change over the summer?”

I’m still a private detective, if that’s what you mean.”

Excellent. I have a job for you.”

I stood up in a hurry. Thanks, but no thanks. Not being one of your lackeys helps me sleep at night.”

Matthew, why the hostility? I thought we got along.”

We used to get along. Now we coexist.”

Well, then let me put it to you this way . . . you were one of the few people who stood up for me before I attained my current position. I always felt like I should do you a favor somehow, so ”

Whoa,” I said, the people you do favors for either land in detention or end up getting popped. How about just a thank you and a hearty handshake?”

How about a thank you, a hearty handshake, and twenty dollars?”

My mouth snapped shut. Twenty bucks was a lot of money. I mean, there’s stuff I wouldn’t do for twenty bucks, but the list was pretty short.

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