The Case of the Stinky Socks (Book 1)

July 1, 2009
Gr 1-4-In the first volume in this early chapter-book mystery series, Milo reluctantly teams up with classmate Jasmyne to find her older brothers missing lucky socks. Dylans the star pitcher for his high school baseball team and just cant play without them. With the help of a detective-in-training kit that Milo sent away for, he and Jazz figure out who stole the socks. In the second volume, the private eyes receive more tips from Master Detective Dash Marlowe and figure out what is causing Jazzs new pet pig to get sick. Each volume ends with additional brain stretchers and mini-cases direct from Dash Marlowe. The stories are quick and satisfying, and challenges at the back of the books contribute to the enjoyment. Wummers pencil and ink illustrations add a humorous touch and are perfect for the stories."Bethany A. Lafferty, Henderson District Public Library, NV"

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from May 1, 2009
Grades 2-4 *Starred Review* The first book in theMilo & Jazz Mysteriesseries gets it just right: a fun, easy-to-solve mystery, readily identifiable young detectives, and some extras readers will enjoy. Milo is excited when he receives his detecting kit from Dash Marlowe, Super Sleuth. Dashs instructions (written in invisible ink) say to observe carefully, and the first thing Milo notices is his new neighbor, Jazz, reading Whodunnit magazine. Jazz wants to be a detective, too, and after some uneasy negotiations, the duo decide to partner up and find out what has happened to Jazzs brothers lucky (and stinky) socks. Without them, hes afraid he wont be able to pitcha winning game. The short chapters, written in alarge typeface, are punctuated by pen-and-ink illustrations of better quality than those often seen in series books. Even kids who arent sports-oriented will enjoy flexing their detective skillshere and inthe second installment in the series, The Case of the PoisonedPig (2009). The story cleverly ends with new materials from Dash Marlowe, offering additional opportunities for armchair sleuthing.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)