Mystery & Mayhem: Twelve Deliciously Intriguing Mysteries

Gr 4–6—In the tradition of Sherlock Holmes, detectives use deduction to solve 12 crimes ranging from murder to dognapping. Here, however, the detectives are children, tweens, or teens who manage to solve crimes that confound and sometimes even endanger their elders. Also in the Holmes tradition, these entries are ever so British, although one does take place in Southern California. Whether the mystery involves poisoning, a locked room, purloined jewels, or the hound of the Baskervilles, these kids find the answer. The short story format leaves little time to explore characters in any depth or to develop a plot of real complexity. This results in some interesting leaps in logic and a few abrupt endings. However, several tales point readers in the direction of a series that they may enjoy, and this volume can also serve as an introduction to the mystery genre for those reluctant to commit to a novel.