The Milo & Jazz Mysteries #1: The Case of the Stinky Socks

Gr 2–4—Milo, a private eye in training, is a devotee of Whodunit magazine and has ordered super sleuth, Dash Marlowe's Detective Kit for pointers. Milo's parents are always telling him to "slow down and think things through," so Marlowe's advice to observe, think logically, and draw conclusions sounds familiar. Little does Milo know that his neighbor, Jazz, is also a budding sleuth and Whodunit fan. She convinces Milo that, "Every detective needs a partner," and even provides their first case involving her brother's missing "lucky socks." "Thrillin' Dylan" is a talented pitcher for the high school baseball team, but he can't seem to get the ball over the plate without his smelly, unwashed good luck charm. As Milo and Jazz reluctantly team up to solve the mystery, hilarity ensues as they attempt to get their man in time for the championship game. Groovy music introduces the CD and Vinnie Penna (Milo) and Chantale Hosein (Jazz) provide realistic narration. The use of two narrators perfectly emphasizes the contrast and conflict between the two friends in Lewis B. Montgomery's story (Kane Press, 2009) and makes it more accessible to listeners. In a crowded field of early chapter-book mystery series, such as "Nate the Great" and "Cam Jansen," this first title in a new series is humorous and has a more updated feel than the older books. Children will enjoy guessing the outcome, and there are fun "brain stretchers" to use as class critical thinking activities.–Lonna Pierce, MacArthur Elementary School, Binghamton, NY