Logan has just moved into an old house next to the house where Arthur and his grandmother live. Arthur informs the family that Myrtle Donaldson, the previous owner, had been murdered. Even though Logan's mother disapproves of Arthur's actions and vocabulary, the two thirteen year old boys become friends. They discover that The Magic Forest amusement park is closed for the season and want to 'scope out' the park. During their mission to solve the murder of Mrs. Donaldson, they discover that many of the old attractions at the park are still intact but covered with kudzu vine. Other members of the small town become involved in devious ways. As the boys continue their mission, there are many twists and turns that are unexpected. Do they solve the mystery? Other books by Mary Downing Hahn : Promises to the Dead; The Doll in the Garden; and The Old Willis Place.

Reviewed by: cj

Date read: 11/16/2009

ISBN-10: 054708451X

ISBN-13: 9780547084510

Check the library catalog

Mr. Merlin, the new third grade teacher, used to be a spy. When Amber Lee reveals she received an anonymous letter, Mr. Merlin challenges the class to solve the mystery. Will Noelle and Todd solve the mystery before Amber Lee solves it herself? This first entry in the Third-Grade Detectives series is great for readers new to chapter books who like to solve puzzles.

Similar books: A to Z Mysteries by Ron Roy; Jigsaw Jones Mystery Series by James Preller; Encyclopedia Brown Books by Donald Sobol

Reviewed by: emc

Date read: 9/29/2010

ISBN-10: 068986471X

ISBN-13: 9780689821943

Check the library catalog

This is a fast paced, action packed adventure story set in Australia. Fifteen year old Callum Ormand is thrust into life on the run after his father's mysterious death. Hunted by both the ruthless killers and the police Cal must try to survive, solve the mystery of his family's secret and discover the truth behind his father's death. This book will appeal to middle school aged readers and older but has a 4th - 5th grade reading level. The series comprises twelve books, one for each month of the year. They are written in a diary format with short un-intimidating chapters, large font and a reverse countdown of page numbers. With non-stop action and a great accompanying website it should draw in even the most reluctant of tween/ teenage boy readers.

Reviewed by: jc

Date read: 12/13/2012

ISBN-13: 9781935279495

Check the library catalog

Tom Marlow lives in London in 1775. He, as well as the rest of London, is enthralled in a murder mystery. Someone is killing people with a bow and arrow from the rooftops, and the victims are always found with a 'Death and Arrow Card.' When a good friend of Tom's is murdered, and found with a 'Death and Arrow Card' in his pocket, Tom decides to find out who killed his friend. Tom enlists the help of a family friend, a retired adventurer, to discover who killed his friend. Tom, and his friend, are caught in a dangerous web of murder, greed, and deception. With any luck they will find out who is responsible for the murders, before the murderer kills them. A Tom Marlowe Adventure book.

Similar books: In Darkness, Death by Dorothy Hoobler; The True Prince by J.B. Cheaney

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 4/13/2009

ISBN-10: 0440238110

ISBN-13: 9780440238119

Check the library catalog

Instead of scooping a classmate who works on the school newspaper, Bennet, and his friend, Pete, end up working with Elizabeth, to find out who is responsible for putting a pumpkin on top of the town hall flagpole.

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 4/13/2009

ISBN-10: 0142302058

ISBN-13: 9780142302057

Check the library catalog