I’ve noticed a variety of new books aimed at young readers with girl detectives as the lead. Yes, please! Here are a few that came out this year. All descriptions come from Amazon.
Nooks and Crannies — Jessica Lawson *, **
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory meets Clue when six children navigate a mansion full of secrets—and maybe money—in this humorous mystery with heart.
Sweet, shy Tabitha Crum, the neglected only child of two parents straight out of a Roald Dahl book, doesn’t have a friend in the world—except for her pet mouse, Pemberley, whom she loves dearly. But on the day she receives one of six invitations to the country estate of wealthy Countess Camilla DeMoss, her life changes forever.
Upon the children’s arrival at the sprawling, possibly haunted mansion, it turns out the countess has a very big secret—one that will change their lives forever.
Then the children beginning disappearing, one by one. So Tabitha takes a cue from her favorite detective novels and, with Pemberley by her side, attempts to solve the case and rescue the other children…who just might be her first real friends.
The Detective’s Assistant — Kate Hannigan ***
Based on the extraordinary true story of America’s first-ever female detective, this fast-paced adventure recounts feats of daring and danger…including saving the life of Abraham Lincoln!
For twelve-year-old Emily, the best thing about moving to San Francisco is that it’s the home city of her literary idol: Garrison Griswold, book publisher and creator of the online sensation Book Scavenger (a game where books are hidden in cities all over the country and clues to find them are revealed through puzzles). Upon her arrival, however, Emily learns that Griswold has been attacked and is now in a coma, and no one knows anything about the epic new game he had been poised to launch. Then Emily and her new friend James discover an odd book, which they come to believe is from Griswold himself, and might contain the only copy of his mysterious new game.
Racing against time, Emily and James rush from clue to clue, desperate to figure out the secret at the heart of Griswold’s new game–before those who attacked Griswold come after them too.
Looks like this one fits the bill, too! http://www.amazon.com/Under-Egg-Laura-Marx-Fitzgerald/dp/0142427659
Great list! My 9yr-old daughter puzzle, mystery books. She is currently reading Book Scavenger and loving it. I keeping this list handy for when she needs a new book to read.
I forgot another mystery book she read and enjoyed is The Curiosity House: The Shrunken Head. It’s a new MG mystery series by Lauren Oliver.
Thanks for this! I know I would have enjoyed The Book Scavenger as a girl.