Scoop Snoops

Grade 3-5-- The Emerson Bugle staff of fourth graders need an exciting front-page article. But little do they know that when they knock on Mrs. Calico's door on Halloween night, they're in for the biggest story ever. With only a description of the elderly lady's stolen diamond ring and a drawing of the thief's grotesque face mask, Paul, Nicole, Michelle, Hank, and Ben decide to solve the crime for their friend. But things are not so easy for these daring reporters/detectives and people are not always as they may appear. Hiser carries these determined detectives swiftly throughout 12 brief chapters to a surprising conclusion. The intrigue and use of standard sleuthing techniques, enhanced by the strong story line, overcome the lack of character development. Budding investigators will be snooping around the library shelves looking for other mysteries as good as this one. --Jana R. Fine, Clearwater Public Library System, FL
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.