Pepper's Rules for Secret Sleuthing

August 1, 2020
A giant mansion is perfect for an amateur sleuth's investigations, especially when its owner has recently died under possibly suspicious circumstances. Fresh out of sixth grade, Pepper Blouse travels with her dad to deceased Great-Aunt Florence's mansion to stay while they wait to learn the official cause of death and contents of the will. Pepper immediately becomes suspicious of her paternal Aunt Wendy, who is also at the mansion. With a mysterious landscaper, a sneaky tutor, and an owl-obsessed neighbor added to the mix, Pepper is sure something foul is afoot. Luckily, she has her mom's Detective Rulebook to guide her as well as help from her new friend, Jacob Buckley, a trans boy who lives nearby. While the mystery of a possible murder is the driving force of the story, themes of dealing with loss and living one's truth are strongly woven throughout. Pepper's mom, a cop, died over five years ago, and sleuthing is how Pepper maintains their connection. Meanwhile, she's dealing with the personal mystery of what it means that she had a crush on a girl at school. Jacob worries that when his little sister is born, he'll be replaced by the daughter his parents always wanted. Though some elements pertaining to the mystery occur too conveniently, the overall story is exciting and fast-paced. Main characters are assumed White. A fun debut that is notable for its thematic depth and queer characters. (Mystery. 9-12)

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August 28, 2020

Gr 4-6-Pepper Blouse's rule number one is "your loyalty is always to the case," and she takes this very seriously. Pepper wants to be a celebrated detective like her late mother, and is convinced that sleuthing runs in her blood. She always tries to expose the truth in all situations. From the moment Pepper and her father arrive at her Great Aunt Florence's home after her sudden death, Pepper begins noticing weird things. Their cell phone service is suddenly nonexistent, but Aunt Wendy keeps making mysterious phone calls and meeting with the creepy landscaper. Pepper is unable to resist investigating Aunt Wendy and when she uncovers evidence that almost assuredly points to Florence's murder, she enlists the help of the boy next door, Jacob, and her cousin Andrew along the way. On her quest for the truth, Pepper learns secrets about her family that she could never have imagined. Each chapter begins with one of Pepper's rules for sleuthing, which are actually her mother's rules that Pepper inherited after her death five years ago. In addition to dealing with losing a parent, many other family and friendship issues are successfully covered within the story. Pepper's father may want to start dating soon, Pepper is struggling with new feelings for her classmate Ashley, and her new friend Jacob, a trans boy, is dealing with welcoming a new sister who he feels is his replacement. VERDICT A great modern read-a-like for "Harriet the Spy" and other mystery classics like "Nancy Drew" and the "Hardy Boys." Hopefully, there will be more adventures from Pepper and her friends in the future.-Sara Brunkhorst, Glenview P.L., IL

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