Coda

By Ted Staunton

When his brother Bunny vanishes from the Toronto City Hall skating rink, Spencer, a budding filmmaker, finds himself plunged into the stuff of movie thrillers: kidnapping, terrorists, intrigue, a missing document, a world-famous pop star, disguises, romance and a rogue alligator. As he races the clock to save his brother, he must sort the real from the make-believe and unravel a murder mystery involving his grandfather. The last time Spencer got tangled up in an adventure from his grandfather’s past, he didn’t believe it was for real. Now he can’t get anyone to believe him when he says that Bunny has been kidnapped and that someone is going to die.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Orca Book Publishers
• Release date: Oct 1, 2014
• ISBN: 9781459805507

Ted Staunton

Ted Staunton divides his time between writing and a busy schedule as a speaker, workshop leader, storyteller and musical performer for children and adults. Ted lives in Port Hope, Ontario.

Reviews for Coda

[elizajane_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is the fifth book I've read in this series and, while I'm highly pleased with series as a whole, at this time I can fairly say this has been my favourite title to date and may be the best in the whole series. I do still have Shane Peacock's entry to read, though, so I'll reserve final judgement till then. Hooked from the beginning, this is a classic tale of boy's adventure. The main character is 17yo film director wannabe Spencer and his quest from the Grandfather involves filming his task. Filmmaking, movies, the "pictures" is a major theme here and the book reads as if it is a movie. Pure action from start to finish, with admittedly over-the-top events accumulating on top of one another. One has to suspend belief for this tale, but it is obvious the author has written the plot like this on purpose as real life is compared and contrasted to movies frequently. Involving hidden secrets from the past, drug deals, bikers, mafia and a race against time, I found this story to be both exciting and good fun. The events of this and Ink Me are tied to one another, in that what is happening in one affects the plot of the other, but this is conveyed to the brothers through texts and it won't matter which one you read first. Though having already read Ink Me, I completely understood what was happening with that aspect of this plot. It's wonderful to read a book where you love all the characters and here I certainly did, right down to the dog, Mistah Bones. And GL, the grandma? Let me say, everybody is going to want to go out and get themselves a 90yo grandma after meeting her. Staunton is a new author for me. I've only just read his latest book "Who I'm Not" and look forward to his further ventures in Young Adult action/suspense.

[pandorasbooks · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A quick and easy read that's a lot of fun, with great characters. A little young for me, but middle graders should like it more.

[sawcat · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

"First off, this doesn't seem like a series you need to read in any particular order. Each of the seven books tell the story through one of the grandsons, and the novels overlap each other in time. You'll get more if you read several, especially if you read ones about siblings. Spencer is Bunny's brother, so he gets quick messages about Bunny's task (Ink Me).This was a very fast, middle grade read. The story is gender neutral, which is great. There are elements that will probably attract boys more, and some that will draw girls more. But it was the gangster part of the story line that really kept the story moving along. One thing I liked most was that Spencer seems to be more of an introverted character, and not the stereotypical boy who likes sports and showing off. If you are looking for a contemporary middle grade novel that is not romantic in nature, you should check this out."

[bookwyrmm_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Each of the books in the Seven series follows a grandson as he carries out his grandfather's last request. Jump Cut is Spencer O'Toole's story. Because he dreams of being a filmmaker, Grandpa D sends Spencer to visit aging B-movie star Gloria Lorraine and film her giving him a kiss on the cheek. Spencer cannot understand the reason behind the request, but that is all part of what proves to be an interesting journey as Spencer, as do all good YA protagonists, learns a lot about himself along the way. This is a wonderful, quick read perfect for more reluctant readers or anyone who enjoys a good YA aimed at boys.

[elizardkwik · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was an interesting story with a great premise and quite a cast of characters. Not entirely believable, but enough to draw interest to the other books in the series. Recommended to potential movie-makers and those who like series with books written by different people.

[bstreeper_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I got Jump Cut in the early review program. It is a great YA book, fun and easy read. Definitely a great book for male teenagers as most of the characters are male.

[innogenchi · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I received this book through Library Thing's early review program. The first thing that struck me about this book, and the series that it is a part of, was the all-male cast of seven protagonists. Under other circumstances, this would put me off a piece of media. However, YA literature is pretty much dominated by female-driven stories , so I appreciate the effort to market reading for fun to adolescent boys.The main problem I had was with the main character. Spencer is unintelligent and annoying with few redeeming qualities. Flawed characters are good, and he does improve as a human being by the end, but there was not enough to save this character. It's important for YA authors, in particular, to respect the intelligence of their audience. Choosing to make the protagonist so dense and immature speaks poorly to the author's opinion of young men Spencer's age reading the book.However, there were many things the book did right. The side characters were flawed and surprisingly complex for such a small chapter book. The humor managed to be sharp and mature while still walking the line of age-appropriateness. The action was mostly fast paced. Most promisingly, another story in the series, running concurrent to the events of JUMP CUT, was alluded to in a successfully intriguing manner. If I see another of the series in stores, I'll probably pick it up.

[hkarmo · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I got this as an early reviewer and I have to say I was surprised at the quality of writing and story telling. I found myself wanting to read it outside of my normal reading time (on the bus to/from work). This book follows Spencer (one of the seven cousins left with a task in their late grandfather's will) as he finds and meets Gloria Lorraine, an old time movie star. What starts out as a simple task evolves to a wonderful story with unexpected twists and turns. It made me want to read the other six books to see what happens to the other grandchildren. Great for pre-teen and young teen boys and girls!

[karen813 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Jump Cut chronicles the adventures of an ordinary 18 year old boy, an elderly actress, her wayward granddaughter and a mob connected baker. Spencer, an aspiring filmmaker who would prefer to watch the action, not actually be involved in it, finds himself the caught up in his very own personal action movie. He is fulfilling the wishes of his dead grandfather, claim a kiss from an aging movie star and film the story of it. Spencer thinks it will be an easy, if unexciting, task. He is a bit envious of his cousins whose tasks seem much more exciting than his. When he meets Gloria Lorraine he is taken by surprise when she insists that he help her "run a few errands". Along the way they pick up her granddaughter and a mobster and Spencer gets more excitement than anyone could have expected. I really liked this book and I loved the idea of a grandfather sending his grandkids on missions to fulfill his last requests. Gloria Lorraine's story was one worth telling and I loved that Spencer was chosen to tell this tale. I think the journey helped Spencer understand his grandfather and himself in a much better way. I am looking forward to reading the other six stories in this series.

[eata-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I received Jump Cut as part of the Early Reviewers program. This was a quick, fun and exciting read! The story hooked me - I loved Spencer's grandpa and how Spencer grew throughout the journey. I am such a loser for this type of plot - I was completely engrossed until the very end. I thoroughly enjoying reading Jump Cut!

[sunni_loves_to_read · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I received this book from the early reviewers club on librarything, and I was very surprised at how fast I read this book! I loved the story it is appropriate for all ages and super funny! I can't help saying that GL the old lady/ actress in the book reminds me of the madea movies:) I thought the book was great, it's about a boy named spencer who is asked in his grandfathers will to go to buffalo and tape GL kissing him on the cheek, but little did he know GL would hijack a car at the retirement home and make him and her grand daughter go on a journey with her and there is a little something in the trunk they discover when they hear thumping coming from the back end of the car! I don't want to sit and spoil this entire book I will just say YES and two thumbs up for Ted Stauntton. I really liked the book and all the characters were so real and funny and I would recommend this book to anyone who likes some adventure and a good laugh. Thanks Mr. Staunton for such a wonderful book and am so appreciative for my copy of it.(less)

[emily1s · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Jump Cut was one of those books that can be enjoyed time and time again. It was a quick, easy read, and I will be sharing it with family and friends, young and old.The story itself was so engrossing; I never wanted it to end. Spencer’s grandpa seemed like a nice old man, and when GL told her story I choked up a few times. I feel that during Spencer’s journey, he grew closer to his grandfather, even after death.Every character in this book, right down to the little Chihuahua, are developed with heart. They have feelings for miles, and I felt connected to every single one of them.I’m excited to read the rest of this series. I’m sure Grandpa David sent each of his grandsons on some really cool adventures. Although, I’m not sure any will be as interesting as Spencer’s story was. Also, I loved how Bunny’s story tied into Spencer’s at some parts! Really cool.