The Absent Author (A to Z Mysteries)

Early Reader (fiction) This is a fast-paced mystery involving three friends. It actually kept my attention. They have to solve the mystery of a missing famous author only to find out they've been played. Not particularly great literature but a fun read.

This series came to me recommended by others in the Grow-a-Reader Bookbox. I agree. Good first mystery series.

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Review: The author did a good job of staying true to the genre of realistic fiction by creating a story about three children who follow clues left by an adult that will lead to them finding their favorite mystery writer.
Media: Pencil

I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. I expected it to be mildly entertaining, suited for readers transitioning into chapter books. A simple plot, slightly developed characters, sentences that are starting to be more complex but are still straightforward, and a restrained vocabulary

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list. Many beginning chapter books operate within these constraints, and I expected that the mystery would be less appealing to an adult given that the format is more structured. However, I liked the mystery. Yes, it is definitely aimed for a young audience, meaning that I figured it out rather quickly, well before the big reveal. Nonetheless, the story line was original and the mystery was quirky and fun.

The story is about Dink, a boy who is excited because his favorite author is coming to town. He invited Wallis Wallace, mystery writer, to visit his home, and the author accepted. When he is supposed to appear at the book signing, though, the famous author is absent. Dink is not just sad, he's frightened - his letter from Mr. Wallace said he would only stay away if he is kidnapped, and Dink is certain that is exactly what happened. He convinces his friends, Josh and Ruth Rose, to help him find the abducted man. They think about how the characters in a Wallace mystery would act, and begin to gather clues and solve the mystery. Accompanying them is a quiet woman named Mavis Green, who was also present at the Book Nook to meet Mr. Wallace, and is concerned for his safety.

The cute story is accompanied by detailed black-and-white drawings, and a map of the small town at the front of the book. The clues in the book are clearly laid out, and readers can use deductive reasoning along with Dink to figure out the next step, and solve the mystery. Also, the characters are sufficiently distinct and appealing, and I expect (hope) they will continue to develop in subsequent books in the series. The side characters are a bit exaggerated, but silly, and keep the story moving along quickly. There is plenty of humor that young readers will relate to. This book is a strong beginning, and I am excited to see if the rest of the series continues to be fun and kid friendly.

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Dink, Josh and Ruth Rose are so excited to meet mystery author Wallis Wallace, but he never shows up! Earlier in the week he had written to Dink saying he promised to be there, though, unless he got kidnapped. When Wallis Wallace can't be found the three detectives go on the hunt. They trace

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Wallis's itinerary and find that he's held in the hotel room next to the one he checked out. Luckily it was all a ploy set up by MS Wallace and her brother to write her next mystery novel.

This was a Name That Book selection through CFISD's librarians. I thought it was great for second/third graders. The simply writing and story line is easy to read. Great medium-level chapter book for kids learning to read and comprehend longer books!

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Two ratings for early chapter books, I think. Around a three for me; and these, I think, are a definite four for what they are and who their audience is. I really did some smiling through these and I was pretty impressed with several things (read the first three and will copy this to the others).

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They seemed to me like they would be really challenging and I liked the addition of the map of the neighborhood in the front.

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I liked this book for two reasons. One reason I liked this book was for the plot. It had a very organized structure and things happened throughout the book that you wouldn't expect. I think that this made the story more interesting. The pace of the plot was also good. The events weren't happening

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too fast or too slow and they were all very realistic. Another reason I liked this book was for the characters. Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose all have very unique personalities that any child could relate to. I think that you can see yourself in any one of the three characters shoes and it helps you better understand the story. Overall, I don't really think that this book had a main message.

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This was a cute mystery series targeting younger readers. The characters were realistic and the mysteries were very kid-appropriate. I thought the stories were adorable, but I don't think this is something that would attract my students' attention on their own. I think if encouraged to pick them

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up, though, they would enjoy them.

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