Sammy Keyes and the Curse of Moustache Mary

Tara Sands brings a lively voice and brisk pace to the story of a determined 13-year- old detective, her three girlfriends, and the slew of quirky characters who populate this mystery. In this entry into the series, Sammy tries to retrieve her stolen skateboard; befriends an interesting old woman with a pet pig; reads the personal diary of a pioneer woman whose ghost may still be around; receives surprising attention from a boy; and gets herself and her friends into serious danger while trying to catch an arsonist. All these plots are satisfyingly woven together. Van Draanen has written a solid mystery with suspense, humor, and heart; Tara Sands captures all three in an enjoyable dramatization. E.S. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine