The Cardinal Crime

The Mysteries of Just Another John Smith Book 2

Young Adult - Mystery
Kindle Edition
Reviewed on 01/08/2026
Buy on Amazon

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.

Author Biography

Simon Drayton is the author of the book, "Gone with the Sun", which was awarded with the 5 Star Review Seal on Readers' Favorite and the 5 Star Award on Readers' Choice Book Awards. Simon was born in New York and raised in South Carolina. Ever since he graduated from High School, he has enjoyed the art of writing. He especially enjoyed reading and writing stories based in the 19th century and ones about mystery. Simon also enjoys photography and some of his book covers showcase his work. His favorite authors include Charles Dickens, George Eliot, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and Jules Verne. Simon currently lives in Arkansas with his family and their cat, Skittles.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Nino Lobiladze for Readers' Favorite

The Cardinal Crime by Simon Drayton will appeal to young adult fans of mysteries, crime fiction, and detective novels. Eighteen-year-old John Smith is a detective for Noble Detective Agency, or NDA. John and his older colleague, Rebecca Young, start an investigation in the small town of Onyxville, Arkansas. Tourists love this town for a specific reason. One of its attractions is a five-star restaurant called The Cardinal. Its owner, Timothy Rossi, needs NDA's help in solving puzzling incidents that threaten to damage his business and reputation. Someone is stealing wallets, phones, and other personal items from Mr. Rossi's customers. Is the thief somehow connected to The Cardinal? When John narrows down the list of possible suspects, the case takes an unexpected turn.

Simon Drayton's The Cardinal Crime has a flavor that seasoned crime fiction readers like me will appreciate. Yet, the author also makes this story interesting for a younger audience, crafting an exceptional main character. John is bright, honest, and resourceful. He is a man of principle, setting a good example for young adult readers. The author describes John as "a firm believer that all necessary work is equal." John is a true professional despite his young age. I like Simon's concise and straight-to-the-point writing style. The intrigue around The Cardinal grows with every chapter, and the events unfold quickly. While the author gives us some clues, the outcome of the story remains unpredictable. I hope to read more about John's fascinating investigations.