Mabel Opal Pear and the Rules for Spying

Gr 4–6—Mabel Opal Pear, aka Moppet, is learning the art of spying from her parents. They run the only museum in town, which features spoons from all over the country and world. When her parents are suddenly sent on a mission far from home, a long-lost uncle shows up with his greedy wife and Mabel's only cousin. Mabel is usually cared for by her aunt Gertie, the town's beloved baker, but not this time. Aunt Gertie is arrested, rooms are ransacked, an inspector is snooping around, and everyone is looking for a mysterious red suitcase containing valuables that Mabel's uncle claims are his. The girl's spy sense kicks into high gear, and things begin to go downhill fast. Mabel tries to follow her "Rules for a Successful Life as an Undercover Secret Agent" to expose the plot that threatens her family. Her good friend Stanley helps her discover clues. It is Mabel's turn to save her family's small-town museum, rescue her captive aunt, find out family secrets, and figure out if her cousin is a friend or foe.