Disappearance at Hangman's Bluff: A Felony Bay Mystery

Gr 4–6—Despite being grounded, Force Detective Agency is taking on its next case when a crime spree hits their otherwise quiet, close-knit community. This companion to The Girl from Felony Bay (HarperCollins, 2013) finds best friends, Abbey and Bee Force, on the trail of dognappers who have stolen their neighbor's beloved boykin spaniel, only to discover a dead body, illegal digging, and the desecration of a slave cemetery. Meanwhile, a school history assignment opens old wounds and threatens to draw a wedge between the two friends. Making matters worse, Abbey's arch rival has returned, rekindling the standing feud between their families. The girls must outsmart the seasoned criminals responsible when the Force and LaBelle families are held hostage in the midst of a raging hurricane. Set on a South Carolina island, this is a present-day mystery influenced by historical events and heavily flavored with Southern flair. Elements of the rescue attempt seem far-fetched at times, but readers won't mind; they'll be too busy rooting for the protagonists, whose sheer determination and keen wits ultimately save the day. Not your average children's mystery, this one has depth, the kind one can sink one's teeth into. Add to that some likable characters, steady plot pacing, and just some good writing, and you've got a unique story that questions the ethics of the past and present while offering a good adventure to boot.—Rebecca Gueorguiev, New York Public Library