Clever, wholesome, and fun…
DiBianca’s latest novel is a cleverly structured middle-grade mystery that brings together classic adventure tropes with the emotional honesty of a coming-of-age summer tale. Spunky ten-year-old Reen Penterson ditches her summer novel-writing when a campus-wide treasure hunt sends her on a new mission: uncover the loot and skip school forever. With her shy cousin Joanie in tow, the two form the R&J Detective Agency and dive into cryptic clues from the mysterious “Mr. Shadow.” But just when they crack the final clue, their answer is stolen by Reen’s nemesis, Alicia. Reen and Joanie must trust their instincts—and each other—for one last shot at victory.
The structure of the hunt—a three-day arc—keeps the pacing tight while allowing room for tension, setbacks, and small victories. Reen is portrayed with authenticity. Her initial frustrations and impulsive tendencies are in sharp contrast to the quiet, thoughtful, and steady Joanie. Each of the adults—the kind but pragmatic Nate, the warm and grounding housekeeper Mrs. Toussaint, and the librarian Ellie—is presented with nuance. The climax adds a sharp twist of emotional depth, and the final reveal of the treasure is a fitting payoff.
The story excels at honoring the emotional realities of childhood without veering into sentimentality. It’s a smart, well-constructed mystery that values relationships over rivalry, process over prizes, and growth over glory. Fans of From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler and The Westing Game will find familiar pleasures here, wrapped in fresh clues and grounded by a heroine who learns to trust her instincts—and the people around her.
Coming soon
