Title: A Robin, a Ribbon, and a Lawn Mower
Author: Mark David Smith
Genre: mystery/humor
Similar books: Wallace and Grace Take the Case by Heather Alexander
The Ghost and Max Monroe series by L. M. Falcone
Rating:
Summary (provided by publisher): It’s summer, and the Weird Sisters are convinced that the residents of Covenly aren’t coming to their pet emporium—and newly opened detective agency—because the sisters are too strange. So they decide to let nine-year-old Jessica Nibley teach them how to play on the swing to fit in.
They soon discover the town’s beloved tire swing lying on the ground with its rope severed. Who would do such a thing? And why? Jessica and the sisters are determined to solve the mystery. As they search for clues, they stumble onto a second mystery: the robin that nests at Chelsea Oh’s house has gone missing. So they plan to find both the robin and the swing vandal.
My opinion: This is the second book in a series, a fact I didn't realize when I started reading it though that quickly became apparent. There are many references to previous events and established relationships and identities are not rehashed. Even so, that was only a minor barrier to understanding. Since this is a beginner chapter book, the plot and writing are pretty straightforward and easy to follow. There is a fair amount of humor, largely based on the multiple meanings for words and the confusion based in homophones. So not only is this a mystery, it could be used to reinforce lessons on grammar. It's a mystery but largely light hearted. There is no danger or serious crime. It's cute and one I would easily recommend to young readers.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley
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