The Absent Author (A to Z Mysteries)

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

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 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! ( )

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 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. ( )

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 ( )

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