lively, genuinely funny stories ... entertaining throughout ... the character of Evie herself is the outstanding feature of these stories ... excellent opportunities for class discussion and written work
-- School Librarian Magazine
a perceptive view of young adolescence
-- Irish Times
Sheila Agnew has again made Evie a likeable narrator, prone to making mistakes, yet genuinely caring about people even as she attempts to diffuse difficult situations with humor ... there are also casual hints of diversity in many of the background characters - a welcome inclusion in an age category that hasn't seen a lot of it yet
-- Inis Magazine
a charming, entertaining and well-written story ... one of the most engaging and believable female protagonists to be found in literature ... Sheila Agnew is a talented author, who adds both humour and poignancy to her story
-- The Swallows Nest
totally gripping stuff, with animal antics providing a bit of light relief ... I hope there's going to be more books in this superb series!
-- Nayu's Reading Corner
Central Park Showdown is an original and captivating story that is both heart-warming and effortlessly funny - we're already looking forward to book three (which we suspect might be called "Turmoil in Times Square!" or "Drama Downtown!")
-- Leabharlove
it is ... a testament to Agnew's characterisation of her protagonist that the voice of Evie immediately transports the returning reader back into Evie's world ... With Evie Brooks in Central Park Showdown this series demonstrates that it is perfectly attuned to the development of its protagonist. And as such is adapting and modifying for the readership that will grow and learn with Evie whether they live in Ireland, New York, or Australia as this fun series continues
-- The Looking Glass
[Sheila Agnew] gets inside the skin of her character to the point where our palms are sweating in nervous sympathy as Evie anticipates her first romantic encounter
-- Evening Echo
Evie remains a convincing and extremely appealing central character, and Sheila Agnew gets her teen voice just right. The book is a page turner alright, with never a dull moment let alone chapter, and not since My Family and Other Animals has a chorus of four-legged creatures provided such opportunities for humour or for insight into the relevant human's condition. Underneath the action there are real emotions being explored: the showdown, when it comes, is proper Big Apple style and suitably dramatic, but it's the quieter resolution - when Evie of her own accord decides to make contact with her father - that leaves the lasting impact. Evie still has more to find out about her mum, and herself, and there should be more Evie Brooks books to come. I'll be looking forward to them.
-- Books for Keeps
featuring sparkling teen dialogue, the novel also shines a sometimes unflattering light on the machinations of supposedly mature adults. Hopefully a third Evie Brooks adventure will follow
-- Irish Examiner
a warm-hearted new adventure for Evie, star of Marooned in Manhattan
-- lovereading4kids.co.uk
Evie is a super character - she's strong and feisty and the reader is really drawn into the gamut of her emotions and wants things to work out for her. Perfect for pre-teens.
-- parentsintouch.co.uk
I loved the fast pace of the storyline and teenage interactions in this book. Evie and her friends tackle teen relevant issues in a fun and easy to digest manner. A really lighthearted and uplifting story with a fabulous ending ... the tone of Evie's narrative throughout was brilliant
-- www.familiesonline.co.uk
