A sprightly urban caper that mixes high-stakes mystery with warmth, humor, and the magic of discovery.
DiBianca’s latest Reen and Joanie Detective Agency tale kicks off with a cryptic note and a string of jewel heists. Reen Penterson, ten, and her nine-year-old cousin, Joanie Finelson, arrive in Manhattan ready for adventure. When they stumble upon clues linking a jewel thief in Central Park to a mysterious message discovered on their flight, the girls know they have to get to the bottom of the case. But carrying out this risky mission is not that easy.
DiBianca has a knack for blending whimsy with suspense. Hamsters, wordplay, and hidden rooms lighten the tone, even when the jewel thief plot raises the stakes. Reen’s headlong impulsiveness constantly butts up against Joanie’s measured caution. Around them, an eccentric supporting cast—Aunt Miriam with her odd mix of warmth and grandeur, the formidable Mrs. Toussaint, and the precocious Miles—adds texture and wit to the story. Short, cliffhanger chapters and smartly placed clues propel the story forward. Young readers will be drawn in by the playful twists, while parents and educators will appreciate the heart beneath the action. This is a treat.
Pub date September 1, 2025
Wordstar Publishing LLC
ASIN B0FPDTJ4RC
Price $1.99 (USD) Kindle edition