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Official publication date: 30 August 2022

Trex is a walking scientific experiment with a unique brain transplant that has an odd side effect: sometimes electricity shoots out of his fingers. Mellie is the school outcast with far too much free time to spy on her neighbors, learn all of their secrets, and hone her Sherkockian deduction skills. The two are forced into a friendship of convenience in order to uncover the mysterious figure prowling around their neighborhood. Could it be a spy sent from The Company, the scientists who saved Trex with their technology but now see him as their rightful property? Or is someone else spying on the children of Hopewell?

In this middle grade read, Christyne Morrell blends fun science fiction elements with an intriguing mystery plot. I thoroughly enjoyed the twists and turns that occur as the characters dig deeper into The Case of the Hopewell Hill Prowler. The rising action in the latter half of the book following a major reveal had me on the edge of my seat. This book was able to surprise me, get me laughing aloud, and it warmed my heart.

The growing friendship between Mellie and Trex was brilliant. Each character was in desperate need of a friend, and I am oddly happy the existence of a neighborhood prowler brought them together. Their dialogue was believable and funny. I loved that the reader is given access into each of their perspectives as well. Multiple POVs 100% suited the narrative structure, and it gave insight into the insecurities that both children were experiencing alone before they met each other. 

This is a lovely middle grade full of advanced technology, shady characters, and found friendship.

Thank you so much to Random House Children’s/Delacorte Press and #Netgalley for gifting me an ARC of Trex by Christyne Morrell in exchange for this honest review!