Author: Shauna M. Holyoak
Genre: mystery
Similar books: Charlie & Frog by Karen Kane
The Ambrose Deception by Emily Ecton
Rating:
 |
| a touch disappointing |
Summary(provided by publisher): When a string of dognappings grips her Denver neighborhood, Kazu Jones vows to track down the culprits. She can't stand to see more dogs go missing-especially once her neighbors' beloved pet is taken because of her gigantic mistake.
With the help of her gang-including her best friend and expert hacker, March; and her ginormous, socially anxious pup, Genki-Kazu uncovers evidence that suggests the dognapping ring is bigger than she ever imagined. But the more she digs, the more dangerous her investigation becomes. The dognappers are getting bolder, and Genki could be next...
My opinion: Mysteries for middle grade readers are tricky territory. These are kids old enough to handle a mystery about actual crime, elements of real danger. At the same time it has to be handled carefully. You don't want to glamorize risky behavior. You want the reader to question the kid's involvement when real crime is involved. Holyoak tries to do that. Kazu gets in trouble every time she investigates. When she puts herself and her friends in real danger they get in trouble with parents and police. That's commendable but Kazu is undeterred. She ends the book still running investigations, implying that she could get involved in another crime in future. The actual mystery is thinly evidenced and without enough reasonable suspects.
More information: Kazu Jones and the Denver Dognappers releases April 23.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley.
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