M E R I D I A N     M A G A Z I N E

Great Mystery Books for Young and Old
By Holly E. Newton

Editor's note: Two weeks ago today, Holly Newton suffered a bicycle accident that came close to killing her. Last week, Meridian announced the accident and invited readers to send up prayers on her behalf. Holly writes: I just wanted to let you all know how much I appreciate all of your prayers. Those prayers have helped heal me and expedite the healing process. The doctors have called this short of a miracle. My family knows that it's an answer to all of those wonderful heartfelt prayers! So with that in mind — and by using my mind by reading and writing the reviews — it really helps with this whole process.

“Book Clubbers” take heed! Here is one of those books that is so wonderfully written that it cuts across all age categories. The Mailbox, by Audrey Shafer, is so well written and full of mystery and suspense that everyone age 9 through adult should read it.

Twelve-year-old Gabe has recently come to live with his estranged uncle. Since both his parents had died long ago, Gabe had been in the foster care system for longer than he cared to remember. But his life had taken a dramatic turn for the better when a social worker found his crusty old uncle.

The first of the book takes you through Gabe’s experiences and his great love for his uncle. But when he comes home from school one day and finds that his uncle has died from a sudden heart attack, Gabe is worried. Will he have to go back to those foster families? He consequently decides not to tell anyone about his uncle’s death, but he’s having second thoughts about this decision. School recently started and needs signed parental signatures from Gabe’s uncle. He comes home to figure how he will tell the authorities when he finds that his uncle’s body is missing. He discovers a note in his mailbox that states: “I have a secret. Do not be afraid.”

Someone who seems to have a great affection for his uncle is taking care of his body and will not tell anyone of his death. Who is this person and why is he doing this? Gabe has much to discover about himself, and his relationships with classmates, as well as his uncle. This story is rich in substance and written like a prize. Here is a book you’ll not soon forget!

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The Mysterious Benedict Society, by Trenton Lee Stewart, is a very long, but very involved story about how children are used to send messages of worldwide discord. Four children of innate abilities have been chosen to go undercover to discover how these messages are being sent. The story is intriguing, the characters are interesting and the situations that each child finds himself in are invaluable. Each chapter begins with a wonderful illustration by Carson Ellis. Here is one book you won’t want to put down until you’re done!

If you haven’t figured out the theme for this week’s books, it’s great mystery books. Gilda Joyce and the Ladies of the Lake, by Jennifer Allison, is a mystery written like the old throwback days of Nancy Drew or the Dana Sisters. Gilda Joyce, however, is definitely an up-to-date sleuth with the powers of deduction needed to solve an age-old mystery. When Gilda hears about a drowning of a freshman girl four years earlier she becomes engaged and committed to solving the mystery that surrounds this peculiar death. The story is full of mystery ? and humor. Allison manages to write a very complex story that is rich with characters and a joy to read. The mysterious death doesn’t get resolved until near the end, making this intriguing story a “don’t stop until the end” read! It’s just unfortunate that the author decided to place a few mild swear words throughout. Nevertheless, this is a great book for ages 11 and older.

The Traitor King, by Todd Mitchell, is an intriguing and mysterious fantasy! When 11-year-old Darren and his older sister, Jackie, try to locate their Uncle Will, it becomes obvious to them that he’s disappeared! All of Uncle Will’s family has converged on his house for their annual family reunion, but this year there is no Will. Will’s siblings can’t imagine where he could be, but it’s Darren and Jackie who really try to discover what’s happened to him. Soon they find themselves in a magical world that feels so real you’ll have to pinch yourself. This amazing mystery is Mitchell’s first novel. I’m betting no one can quite wait for his next book!

Reality Leak, by Joni Sensel, and illustrated by Christian Slade, is a mystery about a crate that falls out of a truck and a man jumps out of it. Eleven-year-old Brian witnesses this unusual occurrence as Mr. Keen tells him that he is about to see the beginnings of the great ACME company. What Brian soon discovers is that his small town is acting very strange and why is he the only one to notice?

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The Big House, by Carolyn Coman, and illustrated by Robb Shepperson, is a brightly funny mystery written for the younger sleuth. When Ivy and Ray’s parents have been convicted to 25 years in prison, they are sent to live with the accusers in their very large mansion. The story is great fun to read for ages 9 and older.

The last two books are perfect for the younger reader. Cam Jansen and the Summer Camp Mysteries, by David A. Adler, actually has three stories that are all related to summer camp. As with all of the Cam Jansen mysteries, the stories are well suited for the younger reader and the illustrations, by Joy Allen, are perfect additions to the storyline.

Detective Small and the Amazing Banana Caper, by Wong Herbert Yee, is a clever picture book that takes in all of the steps that the detective must follow in order to catch the thief. So, as you are reading these mysteries and think you have an idea of “who did the dastardly deed”, think again as you may be in for a surprise. 

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