Dial "M" for Morna

Gr 5–8—October Schwartz and her five dead companions are back after solving the mystery behind the death of the 13-year-old's beloved French teacher in The Dead Kid Detective Agency (ECW Press, 2011). October promised her friends that she would solve the mysteries behind their deaths as well. She starts with four-year-old Morna MacIsaac, whose family immigrated to Canada in 1910. In the midst of solving the mystery of Morna's untimely demise, her friend Yumi becomes the target of anti-Asian harassment at school and October must balance helping both the living and the dead. Appendix A has a cast of characters, as there are many throughout. As this witty book is chock-full of references from a variety of decades, Appendix B explains names, places, movie titles, bands, and TV shows. Black-and-white illustrations add to the enigmatic tone. Fans of the first book and new readers alike will appreciate this fun read.—Karen Alexander, Lake Fenton High School, Linden, MI