Who doesn't like a good mystery? It has all of the elements for
an enticing and exciting read — adventure, intrigue, deception.
I've compiled a list of outstanding mysteries that are sure to lead
you in some wrong directions before you finally discover whodunit.
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The
first two books are better suited for ages 11 through
adult. They are complex and sophisticated in their plots, with captivating
twists and turns throughout. The Wright 3, by
Blue Balliett, is a very smart art mystery that involves three kids
as they attempt to help their class put a stop to the destruction
of a Frank Lloyd Wright house, the Robie House, which was built
back in 1910 in Chicago.
Three good school friends (the same three that were featured
in Balliett's first successful novel — Chasing Vemeer )
are back at solving mysterious goings-on at the famous house as
their school class attempts to keep the house from being demolished.
Balliett has woven intelligent mathematics, art concepts and projected
red herrings to keep the reader turning the pages all the way to
the end.
The story is so well devised that the angles, positions and layout
of all that the kids explore will become fascinating as the reader
learns more than just how to save this house. The brilliant way in
which this story is written is reminiscent of one of the best authors
in children's writings — E.L. Konisburg!
The illustrations, by Brett Helquist, are amazing! He depicts the
kids and their locations with deft abilities, but it's his hidden
pictures within each picture that will make the reader turn back
again and again. What a perfect match for this most perfect book!
Get ready to set sail off the coast of Asia for an adventurous
mystery. Operation Typhoon Shore, by Joshua
Mowll, is another exciting story that continues the outstanding
story from the first book, Operation Red Jericho .
This story begins with tremendous excitement as siblings, Doug
and Becca, are on their uncle's ship. They are in the middle of
a typhoon and it's all they can do to hold on to a stable part
of the deck without being swept overboard. Unfortunately, Doug loses
his hold and falls into the turbulent water. Fortunately, he is
rescued by his shipmate as “his last reserves of energy, clawing
and kicking the water” are about to run out.
The violence of the storm and the actions to save lives and vessels
are conveyed with wind and water whipping starboard. And all of
this takes place in the first few pages.
This is just the beginning of an adventure that will take you to
places you've never heard of before. Also, the packaging of this
astounding book is unique and will add to the intrigue waiting inside.
Mowll has maps, illustrations, foldouts, diagrams, photographs and
artifact information that is spread throughout the entire book.
There's even an elastic bookmark attached that resembles a journal.
The text is thrilling as Doug and Becca are trying to locate their
missing parents. But during this investigation they are thrown off
course time and time again, with their lives constantly in danger.
Will they finally find their parents? Will their lives ever get
back to normal? Here's one adventurous mystery you won't want to
end!
Are you familiar with Wendelin Van Draanen, the smart and intelligent
author of the “ Sammy Keyes ” series? If you've
not read any of her fun mysteries, you're in for a real treat. Sammy
Keyes and the Wild Things is her latest edition, and
it's another winner.
Sammy Keyes is a young teenager who sets out to solve mysteries,
and she is so humorous and inventive along the way that you can't
help but fall in love with her. This latest book has Sammy joining
a Girl Scout Club on their hiking expedition. But problems ensue,
because Sammy has never been on an overnight hike and knows nothing
about survival skills. This particular club is active in protecting
the condor, and they soon discover that the observation tower has
been trashed. Now Sammy must figure out who's responsible. The author
has mastered the writing skills necessary to keep 9- to 12-year-olds
captivated, laughing and enthralled to the very end of her stories —
and this one will not disappoint!
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Here's
another book for ages 9 to 12. Cliff Hanger, by
Pamela Carrington Reid, takes place in the author's home country,
New Zealand. Four teens are about to head straight into a mystery
as they help out an injured uncle with fishing lines off one
of the Great Barrier Islands.
But is Uncle Ammon as he really seems? Something seems fishy. And
why are dolphins swimming close by? And who is the stranger who
said he didn't know Uncle Ammon, but late at night, talks to him?
And what about the body that washed up onshore? So many questions
to be answered. Here is a peek into life by the sea in a country
far away.
The last four books are perfect for the budding detective.
Sly the Sleuth and the Food Mysteries, by
Donna Jo Napoli and her son, Robert Furrow, is another of a series
of great but simple mysteries that will have the reader guessing
until the end. This book has three great mysteries relating to food,
divided into chapters to solve.
Clive Cussler, the best-selling adult author, has just written
a book for kids. The Adventures of Vin Fiz is
magical in its setting, with two siblings given a special box
that can make any small toy, big and authentic. So Casey places
his model airplane in the box and before long he and his sister
are flying high in the air. Problems begin to appear and they are
about to solve whatever is in their way.
The Nancy Drew Sleuth Book: Clues to Good Sleuthing ,
by Carolyn Keene, is a quick and easy look into 10 short mysteries
and how to solve them. And while we're on the subject of a classic
mystery solver, Nancy Drew, The Lost Files of Nancy Drew
is an oversized keepsake book that will shower you with
crime solving insight. So happy detective solving! 
