It changed the course of WWII. In 1945, it was stolen. Now a ten-year-old boy has found it, and the government will kill him to get it.
When ten-year-old Hollis Whittaker picks up a strange medallion he stumbled upon at the edge of a stream, he suddenly begins exhibiting signs of brilliance, even discovering the solar system’s Planet X and astounding the astronomical community. The awkward, overweight fifth grader with heart problems is an instant media sensation, but all is not well. The genius-making medallion bonds to only one person for life, and the U.S. government has been searching for it since World War II, which means they’re prepared to kill Hollis to acquire it so they can exploit the medallion’s immense power.
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After a thwarted hit job by two military agents, Hollis treks cross-country with the aid of his best friend Kirby and a Navajo woman, Cha’Risa, whose family possessed the medallion—the NĂĹ‚ch’i—more than seventy years ago. They are hoping Cha’Risa’s aged grandfather will be able to help them. Unfortunately, the whole country believes she has kidnapped the boys, and the agents who are trying to kill Hollis have the system on their side.
“Shanahan’s prose is on target throughout… The voices of the young characters are especially convincing… Heightened storytelling and characterization…”
—Kirkus Reviews
“Hollis Whittaker is one of my favorite books of the year.… a five-star fun book.”
—John O’Brien, Ohio Irish American News
“…it would make a heckuva movie or mini-series! My highest recommendation!”
—Seamus Kennedy, co-author of Clean Cabbage in the Bucket
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Rating
Almost could see the beautiful green of Ireland a very good mystery Inter gained in several ways had do many things going on at once plus the feeling of knowing everyone at the B and B. Would love to stay at Shepherds myself.
I enjoyed this story of Jordan and her uncle and their adventures in Ireland. Having a “tour” of some of the famous local attractions added so much to the story.
This time architect Jordan Mayfair’s travels have taken her to Ireland with her travel-writer uncle (last time around, the locale was Provence). A thoroughly entertaining and well-written cozy mystery. Can’t wait for the next one in this series.
I loved this book! I had read the first Jordan Mayfair mystery, "Pursuit in Provence," and as soon as I finished it, I wanted to read more! I read a lot of books in this genre, and with many of these books, it’s easy to spot "who done it" early on, which takes all the fun out of a mystery. With "Secrets and Shamrocks," the story was so well-written that I kept changing my opinion of "who done it" throughout the book. I also enjoyed learning about Irish history. Ms. Gobbell struck just the right balance between history and story, only including historical elements that advanced the plot or added to the background of Ireland. In other words, I did not find it necessary to skip large sections of boring history to get to the good parts; it was all good! I am very much looking forward to the next installment in Jordan’s travel adventures.
I loved this book! I read some of the other reviews and although I agreed with what most said, I think a couple gave away too much. Most of the fun in reading a mystery like this one is not knowing what happens next. I look forward to the next book in the series.
Author and professor Phyllis Gobbell has already exhibited the fine art of writing mysteries–both fictional and real life mysteries. Â As an English professor and experienced writer, she creatively demonstrates the craft of mystery writing, bringing her characters to life with engaging dialogue and elegant, picturesque imagery. Secrets and Shamrocks demonstrates not only Gobbell’s skillful storytelling, but also her understanding of Irish life and culture, including religious doctrine and practice as well as the tumultuous Irish political history. Â This story was a joy to read! Â –Perry C. Cotham, Ph. D.
A novel set in Tipperary Ireland. Take a trip to Ireland in this delightful novel, where drama unfolds, scenes transport you and a mystery unfolds. Based on an actual trip to Ireland and replicated beautifully, this novel will delight and capture your heart. Its a long way to Tipperary but not a long way to buying this book ….
