Review
The Detective Boys of Masangkay (DBM) aren’t just your small time group, they are now a group of recognized junior detective with their previous success in solving the case of the missing Shino kid in Masangkay.
By its very nature and target demographic, the book is highly effective. It’s simple and fairly quick to read. The message of the story is brilliant—presenting us with a conflict within the friend group that deepens their relationship. It doesn’t only show that adversities are inevitable but it also illuminates the positive effect of it. Certain situations may cause discord between friends, and despite that, resolutions will help strengthen their bond.
The success of the story lies within the message that it want readers to digest and the satisfying simplicity of its writing style. Other than that, it was not as effective as ‘Ang Mangkukulam’ (the first book in the series). The characters felt too overbearing and pompous in their desire to become detectives that they failed to understand the gravity of the situation they forced themselves into. With full awareness that this book is marketed for children, my brain still failed to process how these kids cannot seem to grasp their limitations; considering they are a smart lot.
‘Ang Closed-Door Mystery’ was amusing with its leveled up tensing situations but fell weak in trying too hard with its crime aspect. The message in and of itself is wonderful; however, the plot that was presented made it too pretentious. With a lighter and relatively similar case, I feel like it could have been better.
About the Author
Si Bernalyn Hapin Sastrillo ay isang manunulat, mandudula, at minsa’y nakagawa na rin siya ng maiikling pelikula. Naging writing fellow siya sa IYAS National Writer’s Workshop (2015), Virgin Labfest Writing Fellowship (2014), at Kabanata Young Adult Writers’ Workshop (2014).
Ang Detective Boys of Masangkay: Ang Mangkukulam ay ang una niyang nobela. Ito’y nabuo mula sa pira-pirasong alaala niya bilang batang ’90s, na hinubog upang maging ganap na akda sa tulong ng Kabanata Workshop.
