How Can a Brilliant Detective Shine in the Dark? Book

In this Stevie Diamond Mystery, Stevie discovers that she’s missed a gigantic mystery right there in her own family — until now!

School Library Journal

Gr 4-6-Although mysteries hinge on plot, it's often their characters that determine whether a series is worth coming back to-Stevie Diamond's is. This 13-year-old has an ironic viewpoint and determination that leads to just-scary-enough situations. Her more cautious, bird-loving, vegetarian, boy-next-door partner, Jesse, makes a perfect foil. In this sixth outing, Stevie attends a family reunion and stumbles on a mystery. Uncle Archie has returned after 45 years but nobody wants to talk about what made him leave and join the circus so long ago. Stevie and Jesse eventually learn what happened, but instead of solving this mystery themselves, they end up hearing each family member's story. The book's humor and fast pace make it an enjoyable, old-fashioned whodunit that stands on its own. Libraries may want to consider getting some of Stevie's earlier books in paper especially for kids who've already devoured Betsy Byars's "Herculeah Jones" mysteries (Puffin).-Tina Zubak, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, PA Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.