A to Z Mysteries

July 1, 2005
Gr 1-3 -Josh, Ruth Rose, and Dink use their brains, observation powers, and a little courage to work together to solve four very different mysteries by Ron Roy. In Deadly Dungeon, the trio is visiting their favorite writer at her castle in Maine when they stumble upon mysterious green feathers and hear screams. Discovering a trap door which leads to a cave is only the beginning of unraveling the mystery. In Empty Envelope, Dink accidentally receives letters addressed to someone else and they soon realize that something is not right about the envelopes or the lady who comes looking for them. The trio must do some quick research and also set a trap with the police to catch the criminals. Josh discovers a nest of falcons, but when he brings Dink and Ruth Rose to the nest the birds are gone in Falcon's Feather . They find a falcon with clipped feathers and have to work fast to solve the mystery and save the birds. In Goose's Gold, the group is in Florida visiting Ruth Rose's grandmother when they stumble upon a scam involving sunken treasure and cheating senior citizens out of their money. The stories are clearly read by actor David Pittu with slightly different voices for each character. Background music transitions the beginning and end of each story. Young readers will enjoy this popular series with believable characters who have incredible opportunities to solve mysteries on their own with adults who help when needed but don't interfere in their adventures.-Teresa Wittmann, Westgate Elementary School, Edmonds, WA

Copyright 2005 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.