Daisy and the Missing Mona Lisa ( Book 3 of 3: Daisy Tannenbaum) by J. T. Allen

 “Daisy is steadfast and intelligent…her casual first-person narration quickly establishes a rapport with readers who should enjoy watching Daisy’s quick thinking in action in her paradise adventure.” —BookLife Reviews

Eleven-year-old Daisy Tannenbaum, tomboy extraordinaire, doesn’t want to go back to school. So, when she ends up on an isolated island in the Indian Ocean after her family is accidentally kidnapped by Malay pirates, she’s totally psyched. For her, this is paradise. Her family, however, is utterly unprepared to cope with the primitive conditions on the island. Her parents are barely on speaking terms, her sister wants to crush Daisy’s skull with a rock, and a grad student Daisy’s dad may or may not have had a thing with ends up washed ashore with them. Nothing ruins paradise like having your stupid family around. But that doesn’t stop Daisy from having the time of her life finding buried treasure, fighting off sharks, pirates, and scorpion attacks, and rescuing her family despite herself.

Move over Swiss Family Robinson, Daisy Tannenbaum has swung into action in this first in a series of adventure stories that will be enjoyed by readers young and old.

Artisan Book Reviews:

Daisy and the Missing Mona Lisa by award-winning writer J. T. Allen is a wonderful and absorbing mystery set in France and filled with many delightful aspects of French culture. The intrigue of a clever mystery, mixed with unique and fun characters, along with many surprising twists and turns, will have readers young and old absorbed in and fascinated with author J.T. Allen’s brilliant imagination and storytelling ability. 

Daisy is resourceful, plucky, and charming.  She’s the almost 13-year-old narrator in this spunky mystery set in the heart of French culture, fashion, and arrondissements (neighborhoods).  She reminded me of Eloise at the Plaza, Nancy Drew, or if Dan Brown wrote a middle grade novel; but actually, she’s more relatable and fun.

When Daisy stands up to a class bully to protect her friend and sends him to the hospital, she’s expelled and sent to live with her Aunt Mill in Paris.  Her aunt was a spy although Daisy isn’t sure that her aunt is actually done with spying. 

Daisy gets sent to help Felix, an old friend of Aunt Mill’s, and a former spy himself, catalog his art collection.  In return for her help, Felix gives her one of the two perfect forgeries of the Mona Lisa that were made in WWII.  After she returns home, however, strange things begin to happen. Felix dies suddenly, and his family accuses Daisy of stealing the painting. Daisy must navigate scheming adults who will stop at nothing to get what they want, not to mention scary ghosts, diva supermodels, and giant pigs, all to save her beloved painting.  

J. T. Allen is no stranger to great writing.  He sweeps his readers into the story from the first page while also bringing history and the beautiful French landscape to life.  He’s aware that his reader is likely not French from the first line, and he’s thoughtful about translating for his reader whenever French is used.  He even includes a French glossary in the back. I also loved Daisy; her character is likeable, clever and peculiar.  She’s smart and savvy, yet she’s human.  I loved how loyal Daisy is to her friends and to Felix.  As soon as I finished this book, I looked J. T. Allen up to see what else he’d written.  I was so excited to learn that this is book 3 in the series.  J. T’s writing is so all-encompassing, imaginative and clever; this story is going to entertain readers of all ages.

Daisy and the Missing Mona Lisa is a delightful, captivating mystery for middle grade, teen, and adult readers alike.  Readers will feel they are traipsing the French streets along with Daisy as she uses her quick thinking to get herself out of trouble and to save the day!  If you like Nancy Drew, Dan Brown or ghostly mysteries, this book (and the entire series) is for you!  Book proudly reviewed by Rachel McMahon for Artisan Book Reviews. Daisy and the Missing Mona Lisa by J. T. Allen comes highly recommended by Artisan Book Reviews. Book read and reviewed by Edith for Artisan Book Reviews.

Buy Daisy and the Missing Mona Lisa by J. T. Allen today and don’t let your child miss out on an incredible adventurous and exciting read!!
Daisy and the Missing Mona Lisa ( Book 3 of 3: Daisy Tannenbaum)
by J. T. Allen
takes first place in the
ABR Book Excellence Award contest
for best
middle grade fiction, mystery and spy novel and categories.

Visit author J. T. Allen’s website and learn more about his brilliant “Miss Daisy Tannenbaum” novels

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