Elspeth Campbell Murphy

I've had this book since I was young and read it many times back then. Reading it now, I can see that it might have contributed to my love of puzzles. It's more like a scavenger hunt than an escape room, but would still provide some intrigue for the children the book is meant for (maybe around 8-10 year olds). I like the idea of each book in the series being themed after one of the beatitudes, and that it's not so obvious that you feel hit over the head with preaching. Sarah-Jane's kindness show more for the elderly man who left her the box is carried on as he gives the Three Cousins Detective Club a mystery to solve and does a good deed in the end. This is another series of books that are old enough to be difficult to get your hands on them. I've never read any of the other books in the series or the related series with the same three cousins, though I do have a couple on my shelf, but I do recommend this book if you can find it. show less

This is a children's book--reading it as an adult, I can see where the plot was simplified at times (some plot spurs aren't fully developed as the author focuses on the main storyline).

Despite this being about the first commandment of the ten, it didn't seem to be stressed as much as I thought it would be--though other commandments are also discussed and it is refreshing to see characters who are trying to put the lessons they're learning in Sunday School into practice in their daily lives.

This book was shown to me by my mentor classroom partner. In a secular sense, It is a really good book to teach students about having an optimistic outlook on life. In a spiritual sense, it is a good book on faith in God and trusting in Him. It can be used in the classroom to teach just that, having faith and courage and not relying on your own strength all the time.

The plot of this short novel is very readable and pulls the reader in with the mystery. The reader is engaged in the mystery of the missing art pieces. The beginning of the story is introducing the characters, the conflict is introduced about half way through the story. The resolution comes in the last chapter of the book. The readers stay interested in the plot because they are waiting to figure out what happened to the missing art. This book is an excellent example of realistic fiction show more because it is set in present day and the characters are very realistic. The three cousins usually do good things but they wonder what it would be like to do something bad and become frustrated when they are picked out to pass out the fliers. They are very believable and the readers can relate to them quite easily.
Art media: pencil sketches
Appropriate Age: Intermediate show less