More Than Mysteries

You don’t have to be a super sleuth to discover these recently published mysteries written by diverse authors. Readers will be intrigued trying to puzzle out whodunit in these page-turning stories. Yes, they will encounter clues, red herrings and action packed scenes, but, most importantly, they will be thrilled to meet relatable young detectives who will inspire them to care about the questions they are seeking to answer. What stands out about these titles is that they are layered with bigger questions – such as injustices in Black History, or the unresolved lives of supernatural spirits, class prejudices in resort towns, the difficulties of true friendship, or ethics in celebrity TV shows. Without a doubt, readers will be entertained.

Their Just Desserts by Tracy Badua

Laila is thrilled to be on the TV set of a kid’s bake show, while her best friend Lucy, inspiring journalist, would rather be investigating a news story. Both best friends are determined to solve the mystery of the stolen jewels to help their friend, whose father has been accused of this crime. The girls strong personalities, and friendship difficulties, matched with the delicious baking scenes and excitement of the investigation are captivating.

Billions to Burn by Taylor Banks

Clever puzzles, high jinx, and treasure maps, fuel Zeus’s cross country quest to find his grandfather. Along the way he and his three friends are chased by scary henchmen but also are presented with opportunities to learn about the Harlem Renaissance and other aspects of the injustices to Blacks in American History. The inclusion of these thought provoking themes are layered in a natural and fascinating way. The action escalates, and ends with a cliff hanger. Keep your eyes open for a sequel.

A Study in Secrets by Debbi Michiko Florence

Megumi ‘Meg’ Mizuno is an unwilling student at Leland Chase aka The Last Chance Academy. After her mother’s death two years ago, she has spiraled academically, and longs to spend more time with her busy and distracted father. When a silver envelope is slipped under her door she sees the chance to solve a scavenger hunt and win the luxury vacation prize that would bring her closer to her father. Meg, who has had difficulties making friends in the past, finds she needs to begin trusting her classmates, or else lose any chance of winning the hunt. The private school, shrouded in secrets, is the perfect backdrop for this series opener – as is the unexpected ending.

Blood in the Water by Tiffany D. Jackson

Kaylani is trying to make the best of her summer visiting her family’s hoity-toity friends. It shouldn’t be too hard, after all Martha’s Vineyard is full of beaches, kids her age and interesting Black History. When a young boy dies a shocking death, Kaylani is thrown into the role of detective. As Kaylani uncovers clues she’s confronted with secrets about her own life. Plot twists and emotional turns will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Last Resort by Erin Entrada Kelly

Lila has never met her Grandpa Clem, and is not to thrilled when her parents uproot her to spend time at his Inn to sort things out after his death. On arrival, she begins to see and communicate with ghosts, who tell her that her grandfather was murdered. With the help of a boy next door, Lila sets out to find the truth so she can release the spirits and allow them to pass to the other world. This spine chilling spooky mystery includes interactive elements. Using a QR code, readers can connect with the ghosts and conduct investigations of their own.

Opal Watson: Private Eye by Brittany J.Thurman

Opal’s a confident detective who has solved many a case for her friends and family. Now that she’s moved to the Crescent, the new apartment building that her dad is managing in Chicago, she’s confronted with a super challenging mystery. When her best friend and neighbor, Madison hears a strange noise in her bathroom, Opal investigates and finds a much bigger mystery – one that may threaten the existence of the entire building. She and a reluctant partner are assigned a video project about The Great Migration, and discover more surprising secrets about their building.

Jen Kraar

Jen Kraar grew up chasing lizards in India, making up stories about the residents of the spirit houses in Thailand, and riding retired racehorses in Singapore. On occasion she would visit the Met in NYC, and, like Claudia and Jamie, dream of splashing among the muse statues in the cafeteria's fountain. Jen explores themes of finding home in the middle grade novels and picture books she writes. Now, as a Manager at Pittsburgh's beloved City of Asylum Bookstore, she builds a diverse collection of books, talks about kid lit with customers young and old, and reads every middle grade ARC (advanced reading copy) she can get her hands on. When Jen is not reading or writing she is baking scones, knitting while viewing French detective shows with her partner, or visiting her daughters in Brooklyn and Durham.