Nowhere to Turn by Nora McClintock-ADVISABLE

McClintock, Nora, Nowhere to Turn. Darbycreek, 2009. Pgs. 231. Language: G, Violence: PG, Sexual Content: G

When Nick returns to town, Robyn swears she is done with him. Then, Nick is arrested again for the theft of Mr. Schuster’s coin collection. Robyn’s curiosity gets the best of her when the facts don’t add up. A mysterious stranger starts hurting people. With a large insurance payout on the line, can Robyn uncover the truth and convince the cops?

This is a great mystery for readers who are looking to step up from skinny hi-lo books to something slightly more substantial. The story is gripping and enjoyable. The characters are easy to sympathize with. Readers who like mysteries will enjoy reading this book. MS, HS. ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High.

Bones Never Lie by Elizabeth Macleod –ESSENTIAL

Macleod, Elizabeth Bones Never Lie: How Forensics Helps Solve Histories Mysteries 156 pgs. Annick Press, 2013. $17.96.  Content: Language: PG (0 swears); Mature Content: G ;  Violence: PG.

This is an in depth look at some incredibly interesting forensic CSI. Each case details the historical background behind the mystery and includes simple-language explanations about the crime solving techniques used. It gives definitive answers about some mysteries –like how King Tut and Napoleon died. Other mysteries just become more mysterious or speculative like what happened to King Rama of Thailand.

I loved this book! I think its a perfect for Middle school students who have some of that foundational history knowledge and want an introduction to forensic anthropology/crime solving! I didn't even realize when I was getting to the end of the book- so when I read the last page, I was almost dumbfounded –I couldn't believe that more pages simply weren't there. An immersive and engaging read that I read from start to finish in one sitting! Students are going to love this one!

MS- ESSENTIAL Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.

The Case of the Fatal Phantom by Emma Kennedy-ADVISABLE

Kennedy, Emma, The Case of the Fatal Phantom. Dial Books, 2012. Pgs. 351. Language: G, Violence: G, Sexual Content: G

When Wilma Tenderfoot and her dog, Pickles find a “pickled” body preserved at an archaeological dig, it’s time for a new case.  What the young apprentice detective and her dog don’t know is that her archnemesis, Barbu Danvers is back and plans to uncover the secret before she does. The clues include the mummy’s journal, a gold key, and stories of Gold, but will Wilma figure out what the clues mean before Barbu?

This mystery is suspenseful and keeps the reader’s attention through many twists and turns. This eccentric, slightly “off” detective will keep girls reading and laughing out the whole way through.  El (4-6), MS. ADVISABLE. Jessica Moody, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High.

The Liar Society by Lisa and Laura Roecker-OPTIONAL

Roecker, Lisa & Laura, The Liar Society. Sourcebooks, 2011. Pgs. 361. Language: PG, Violence: PG, Sexual Content: PG

Kate Lowry’s best friend, Grace, died a year ago. So when Kate gets an email from her asking for Kate’s help, she’s a little confused. Kate begins to suspect that Grace’s death wasn’t an accident and that the answers reside within the walls of the prestigious Pemberly Brown Acadamy that Kate attends. With the help of two boys at her school, Liam and Seth, she continues to investigate and clues continue to come through emails, as well as an apparition of Grace. As the clues unfold so do secrets so big that certaub people will do anything to protect. Can Grace and her two friends solve Grace’s murder before they too are dead?

Although the parents seem a little too clueless, the main characters are likable and endearing. The plot is fast-paced, chilling and suspenseful. Readers who like mysteries, ghost stories, and horror will enjoy reading this book MS, HS. OPTIONAL. Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Services Librarian, WHI Public Library.

The Secret Cellar (The Red Blazer Girls) by Michael D. Beil –ADVISABLE

Beil, Michael D. The Secret Cellar (The Red Blazer Girls) 288 pgs. Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2012. $12.23  (Rating: PG)

Sophie is determined to find the right Christmas gift for her father. When she bids on a pen at an auction, it comes with more than just ink. This starts the Red Blazer Girls on a new mystery. What secrets does the former owner have to hide? The girls must contend with a formidable foe, a cranky bookstore owner. The girls must also deal with the closure of their favorite coffee shop, the place where their band plays each week.   

This series is close to Essential in the content department, but the covers are so heinous and unappealing –that I worry they won’t be checked out at all. It would take some serious showcasing to get my students to show interest in these. That being said, the stories are fantastic. They are multifaceted, intelligent, genuine, fun, and interesting. Students will love this mystery series, if you can get them past the covers.

ELEMENTARY–ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie MLS graduate & Author.

The Mark by M.R. Bunderson-ADVISABLE

Bunderson, M.R., The Mark. Cedar Fort, 2010. Pgs. 280. Language: G, Violence: PG  Sexual Content: G

She’s had it forever. A tiny mark on her hand. One day, however, while looking at the freckle underneath her microscope she discovers a tattoo. Soon she meets Eric and others who have the same mark. What does the tattoo mean? How are they all connected?

A fun, intriguing story with a little bit of romance for mystery fans. Although the action doesn’t happen until towards the end of the book and the print’s hard to read, the clues and character relationships are entertaining and hold the reader’s interest. With a cliffhanger that leaves several questions unanswered, readers will surely want to read the inevitable sequel. MS, HS. ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Jessica M, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High.

The Puzzlers' Mansion by Eric Berlin-ADVISABLE

Berlin, Eric, The Puzzlers’ Mansion. G.P Putnam’s Sons, 2012. Pgs 247. Language; G, Violence: PG, Sexual Content: G

 A famous musician is throwing a party and Winston Breen has snagged an invitation. Not only will he get to meet the musician, but get to solve cool puzzles and games. When a thief starts stealing the musician’s prized possessions, however, it’s up to Winston to solve the mystery. Will he succeed?

 The characters are likable and well-developed. The plot is entertaining and engaging. With fun puzzles to solve and an adventure to read, readers will enjoy this interactive mystery. Recommended for any library collection. EL (4-6). ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Service Librarian, WHI Public Library.

Sammy Keyes and the Power of Justicce Jack by Wendelin Van Draanen-ESSENTIAL

Van Draanen, Wendelin, Sammy Keyes and the Power of Justice Jack. Alfred A. Knopf, 2012.pgs. 294. Language: PG  (1 swear, no "f"s). Violence: PG, Sexual Content: G

 When Sammy Keyes meets Santa Martina, Justice Jack, she’s a little skeptical of his crime-fighting superhero abilities. To make matters worse, all the elderly people are fond of the man and want to hire him to track down Sammy’s neighbor, Mrs. Wedgewood. Despite the superhero’s best efforts, Sammy is steal better at caching criminals than he is. When a mystery pops up with relation to a city statue and the superhero’s true intentions, Sammy can’t resist her newest caper. Can Sammy discover who this kooky superhero really is? Will she solve the mystery and find her neighbor?

 Sammy is a multidimensional character with a flare for mysteries. With multiple sub-plots, Wendelin Van Draanen humors her readers once again. Her lovable, colorful, oddball characters are a delight. This entertaining spoof will keep the reader turning pages. EL (4-6), MS. ESSENTIAL. Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Services Librarian, WHI Public Library.

The Tanglewood Terror by Kurtis Scaletta-ESSENTIAL

Scaletta, Kurtis, The Tanglewood Terror. Random House Books, 2011. Pgs. 264. Language: G, Violence: PG, Sexual Content: G

13-year-old, Eric Parrish is your average defensive lineman football player. Things soon change, however, when one night he accidentally breaks his friend’s leg over a misunderstanding with a pig. When he runs away from the scene, he discovers an unusual patch of mushrooms that glow. Not long after, a girl named Amanda, from the school where his mother’s the headmistress, runs away. She crosses Eric’s path and starts trying to convince him that those very mushrooms are dangerous. Digging into his town’s history, Eric discovers that Amanda might be right. Many years ago, everyone who lived in Tanglewood disappeared. The only building to survive was the old Keatson Meetinghouse. Artifacts and research Eric and Amanda dig up suggest that a strange species of mushrooms might have been the cause. Soon the strange mushrooms Eric saw start spreading throughout the town and infesting everything. Could this mushroom epidemic be history repeating itself? Can Eric and Amanda stop the infestation before it’s too late?

This suspense-filled mystery is funny and entertaining. The characters are well-developed and likable. The plot moves quickly and does a great job of holding the reader’s interest. Avid and reluctant readers who like mystery, book with historical elements to them, and mysteries will enjoy reading this book. EL (4-6), MS. ESSENTIAL. Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Services Librarian, WHI Public Library.