A Few Reviews...
REVIEW TALES (5/1/25):
Eber crafts a dynamic narrative that expertly blends heart, humor, and suspense. The three main characters — Jeffrey, the bookworm from Iowa; Margaret, the rebellious cousin; and Diana, the rich and bored girl — form an unlikely yet endearing team. As they race to uncover the source of the texts, the trio's chemistry adds an engaging layer to the story.
The novel is set against vibrant L.A. backdrops, from Malibu's caves to the iconic Hollywood streets, making it as much about the setting as the mystery. The mix of danger, humor, and brain-teasers will keep readers hooked, while the characters' growth and the unexpected twists will keep them guessing until the end.
A perfect blend of adventure and mystery for readers of all ages, Smart Phone is a thrilling ride with plenty of surprises along the way.
Full review
KIRKUS REVIEWS (12/17/24):
A thoroughly enjoyable coming-of-age mystery yarn!
In Eber's mystery adventure, a trio of young teens become friends and pursue a mystery in Los Angeles — offering a pleasing balance between exciting thrills and scenes of kids just having fun together.
With references to The Wizard of Oz and Nancy Drew, [Smart Phone] brings old-school children's adventure and detective tales into the 21st century with a fresh and modern appeal. The use of the smart phone — still a novelty in the 2009 setting — drives the fast-paced plot forward and keeps the three main characters on their toes.
Jeffrey, M, and Diana are distinctive characters with their own complex personalities who lend a grounded feeling to the speculative plot device. The code-breaking adds a fun dynamic to the story, adding another layer to the already satisfying adventure narrative.
Our verdict: ✓ GET IT!
Full Review
Amazon Reviews:
Customers find the descriptions vivid, well-written, and great. They also appreciate the humor, suspenseful story, and thrilling adventure. Readers describe the book as a fresh, clever take on the mystery genre.
Top reviews from the United States
B. Kell
Josh Eber’s debut novel, *Smart Phone: A Mystery Adventure*, is a fresh, clever take on the mystery genre that absolutely nails the spirit of Los Angeles in 2009. Eber clearly knows the city inside and out, and his vivid descriptions of iconic landmarks and hidden corners make the setting as much a character as Jeffrey, Margaret, and Diana themselves.
The story is equal parts heart-pounding mystery and heartfelt coming-of-age tale. Eber masterfully weaves humor, suspense, and emotion, creating a journey that’s as thought-provoking as it is entertaining. Jeffrey’s enthusiasm, Margaret’s edge, and Diana’s charisma make for a dynamic trio whose personalities bounce off each other in ways that feel authentic and endearing. Their detective work is messy, funny, and at times downright nerve-wracking, but it’s impossible not to root for them as they navigate the twists and turns of the cryptic messages.
What sets this book apart is its deeper exploration of technology’s role in our lives. Set during a time when smartphones were just starting to change the world, the story raises intriguing questions about connectivity, privacy, and responsibility — all without ever feeling preachy. Eber skillfully balances the excitement of solving the mystery with a subtle commentary on how technology shapes relationships, decisions, and the way we see the world.
With its engaging plot, rich character development, and timely themes, *Smart Phone: A Mystery Adventure* is a must-read for young adults and adults alike. Whether you’re here for the thrill of solving puzzles, the charm of the characters, or the vivid trip through Los Angeles, this book delivers on every level. Josh Eber’s debut is a triumph, and I can’t wait to see what he writes next!
The story is equal parts heart-pounding mystery and heartfelt coming-of-age tale. Eber masterfully weaves humor, suspense, and emotion, creating a journey that’s as thought-provoking as it is entertaining. Jeffrey’s enthusiasm, Margaret’s edge, and Diana’s charisma make for a dynamic trio whose personalities bounce off each other in ways that feel authentic and endearing. Their detective work is messy, funny, and at times downright nerve-wracking, but it’s impossible not to root for them as they navigate the twists and turns of the cryptic messages.
What sets this book apart is its deeper exploration of technology’s role in our lives. Set during a time when smartphones were just starting to change the world, the story raises intriguing questions about connectivity, privacy, and responsibility — all without ever feeling preachy. Eber skillfully balances the excitement of solving the mystery with a subtle commentary on how technology shapes relationships, decisions, and the way we see the world.
With its engaging plot, rich character development, and timely themes, *Smart Phone: A Mystery Adventure* is a must-read for young adults and adults alike. Whether you’re here for the thrill of solving puzzles, the charm of the characters, or the vivid trip through Los Angeles, this book delivers on every level. Josh Eber’s debut is a triumph, and I can’t wait to see what he writes next!
Oneida
This is a page turner. I was captivated from the first page. The three main characters are totally engaging and likable. You really care about this adventure they are on and want to know where it is going to end. Humor, suspense, and great story telling all wrapped up in one novel. Keeps you guessing until the end when all is revealed. The location descriptions are so well written you can totally visualize where the characters are. Highly recommended for a good read.
Betty Jane
I liked this a lot. A suspenseful story about 3 young teens trying to solve a bizarre mystery involving a new cell phone that seems to predict when and where scary things are going to happen. It was hard to put down. It takes place mostly in L.A. so I got to learn a lot about the area. Nice twists, great scenery, funny too.
Nancy R.
As a former school principal I know young adults and young readers, and I loved this book! It's clever, entertaining, the characters are thoroughly engaging, the Los Angeles setting is exciting and educational, and the suspense builds nicely. It also ties in well into today’s tech-driven world. Definite recommended reading for both young adults and young-at-hearts!
P S
This is an honest review of an ARC edition. This qualifies as a "page-turner" because I read it in one sitting! I've met variations of all three young characters in real life so they were very authentic and relatable. Loved their interactions, the different directions the story took me, and how it kept me guessing to the last page -- with a worthy final message which I won't ruin with a spoiler. Definitely worth reading with characters that deserve a sequel!
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