Official Review: The School by Robert Davis

[Aniza Butt]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The School" by Robert Davis.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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A high school student named Shawn Kennedy is killed in San Francisco. It is revealed that she was actually an undercover news reporter who was writing articles about the failure of public schools. Detective Mark Collins and Detective Nicole Chan are handling this case. The first suspect is Daniel Helix. He is a teacher who shared a romantic relation with Shawn before her murder. He is a solid suspect because he doesn't have a clean background. Fred Sparrow, the main drug dealer at the school, is the second suspect. He might have killed Shawn for the fear of being exposed. Something is fishy about the publisher named Arthur Harrington. He is hiding something from the detectives. Do the detectives need to look at this case from a different angle?

The School by Robert Davis is a mystery novel set in 1989. It is written from the perspective of multiple characters which gives necessary depth to the story. The major characters are well developed. Helix is a relatable character, while it is a bit difficult to relate to Shawn's character because she seems unsure of herself most of the time.

The author brought forth the issues the people of San Francisco were facing back in 1989. The thing I liked most about this book was that in a short novel of 156 pages, he shed light on a variety of issues, including the lack of facilities in public schools, the prejudice of educational boards, and the use of sensational methods in journalism. He talked about the misuse of funds by the school authorities. The funds were spent on the gym floors, and the needs of the students were neglected. The decisions of the educational boards were biased. The author also criticized the use of flamboyant methods of yellow journalism. The publishers wanted only 'hit pieces' for their newspapers. They didn't care about the good things happening around. They only knew how to distort the image of someone they didn't like. The honest reporters like Shawn were bashed for their balanced opinion.

I also like the way the author describes the city of San Francisco. He draws the image of the city so perfectly that a reader can feel everything happening around him/her. The author's knowledge of sailing is commendable that shines through the whole book.

The thing I don't like about this book is that a part of the story seems incomplete. The story of Detective Chan goes nowhere. The author should have given her story a direction. There are some unnecessary details that add nothing to the story. There are also some repetitive lines that cause annoyance. The author could omit such details to explore Chan's character.

I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. I reduce one star for the incomplete story of Detective Chan that makes this book less attractive for a potential reader. I am not giving it 2 stars because the book is professionally edited. There is only one notable error in the whole text. This book would appeal to high school students and mystery lovers. People who like sailing might also like it.

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The School
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[Manang Muyang]

A murder that happens in a school is horrifying. Then, there's a teacher of ill repute. And drug-dealing, too. I hope these atrocities are not happening in today's public schools in America or elsewhere.

Thanks for this intriguing review.

[spluficvictory]

Wow. I love the way you reviewed this book. I think I like it already

[Sangeetha+Narayan]

I was intrigued by the cover of the book. It looks so ominous. Every school comes with the not-so-good along with the good, I guess. Definitely a book I would like to check out as I love a mystery. It would be better if there were no incomplete strands left in the story, though. Thanks for a lovely review.

[rajyadav]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading The School by Robert Davis. I found that I wanted to get back home to pick up the book where I'd left off. The setting in San Francisco was interesting as I am familiar with the city, it's neighborhoods and landmarks. The author spoke about the deficiencies in the city's high school system of which I was unaware. Also, part of the story was about sailing in the San Francisco Bay. This was in addition to the story's plot which kept me in suspense until the end. I highly recommend this book!

[Aniza Butt]

I was intrigued by the cover of the book. It looks so ominous. Every school comes with the not-so-good along with the good, I guess. Definitely a book I would like to check out as I love a mystery. It would be better if there were no incomplete strands left in the story, though. Thanks for a lovely review.

I am there are some incomplete strands. Otherwise the book was good.
Thanks for commenting sursangeet

[Kathleen Wolfe]

Oooh this one has got me curious. I like that it's got links to real world issues, the problems with schools misusing funds and the filtered media are somethings I could relate to. Such a shame that Chan's background wasn't proper. Thanks for the review!

[Gabriel Merêncio]

I'm always interested in mystery stories that dabble in social commentary, especially when it looks like the author's done their research. Thanks for the review!

[kdstrack]

The status of the public schools is disturbing. They are turning out graduates who cannot read or do basic math! When a high school graduate cannot multiply 33 X 2 (personal experience) this is discouraging! This seems like an interesting story that shines a light on a growing public concern. Thanks for your fascinating review!

[Aniza Butt]

Wow. I love the way you reviewed this book. I think I like it already

Thanks for appreciating ☺

[Aniza Butt]

A murder that happens in a school is horrifying. Then, there's a teacher of ill repute. And drug-dealing, too. I hope these atrocities are not happening in today's public schools in America or elsewhere.

Thanks for this intriguing review.

I also wish so but sadly the drug dealing thing is still there and perhaps the situation is more serious in schools.
Thanks for stopping by and commenting

[Ekta Swarnkar]

It is like a door to mystery leading to a number of other doors. It sounds like a maze to the readers. I am really excited to read this book. Loved the review!

[kandscreeley]

Sheesh! Don't make it sound like 1989 was so long ago! It sounds like a very interesting plot, and I enjoyed your review. I'll look into it more. Thanks.

[Y0landa]

I love a good mystery novel, and if it brings attention to topics which are of great concern in today's society, then all the better! Let's solve those mysteries, and at the same time, let's put an end to those discouraging and upsetting problems in our schools. Great review, by the way. You've got everyone thinking, as well as wanting to read the book. Congratulations!

[Stephanie Elizabeth]

Wow sounds like an intense mystery! Thanks for the wonderful review!