Gr 2-5-After the mysterious exit of everyone's favorite librarian, Mrs. Hillard, Cleo and Evan discover an antique book that may lead them to her. Upon opening the book, a secret door appears, leading them to a massive underground library. From there, the students find a letter from the beloved Mrs. Hillard imploring them to aid her by entering books and helping finish the stories. If they succeed, Cleo and Evan will find Mrs. Hillard and restore her to her rightful place at school. If they fail, they will meet the same fate as she-locked inside the books forever. The pair soon find themselves in 19th-century England, where they become assistants to Detective Artie Baker and go on a hunt for a priceless stolen gem. The detectives enter into a pursuit to find the culprit and end the story. Though this title is a bit slow to start, once the adventure begins in earnest, it is exciting, with just enough mysteries and clues to please readers. Luper's delectable humor is appropriate for the intended age group, and the plot will keep readers' attention to the end. Comparable to "Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew" and "A to Z Mysteries," this is a satisfying read for beginning independent readers. VERDICT A great selection for chapter book readers who've exhausted series like "A to Z Mysteries" and are looking for something new.-Brittney Kosev, Terra Vista Middle School, Wolforth, TX © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

In this series opener, Cleo and Evan find themselves transported back in time to Victorian England to solve the crime of a stolen diamond. In investigating the odd behavior of their new school librarian, Ms. Crowley, schoolmates Cleo and Evan discover a secret underground library. Lying on the table is an ornate book called The Case of the Mysterious Moonstone, with a key sticking out of its open, diarylike lock. They also find a note from their previous librarian, the beloved Ms. Hilliard, telling them, "If you have found this note, I am trapped somewhere between the covers of these enchanted books." Opening the book, they suddenly find themselves in 19th-century London, where they realize they must help the bumbling young detective Artie Baker solve the case of a stolen diamond. Although the text has no physical descriptions of the young friends, the illustrations show Evan as black and Cleo as white. The mystery is set up much like a classic Agatha Christie (or a game of Clue): the suspects are all at the home of Col. Musgrave, and they must be questioned quickly. One of the suspects is Kumar, the bearded, turbaned butler; he speaks perfect English, but the illustration smacks of 19th-century exoticism. With the emphasis on mystery and action rather than history, la Magic Tree House, this new chapter-book series will appeal to junior detectives. (Mystery. 7-10) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

After discovering a secret library at their elementary school, friends Evan and Cleo are transported into a mystery novel, where they come to the aid of the detective trying to solve the case. Beyond being an entertaining time-travel adventure (the caper is a Holmesian affair set in 19th-century England), Luper's story is an enlightening introduction to the tricks and tropes of the mystery genre, from red herrings and falling chandeliers to butlers who may or may not have done it. Art not seen by PW. Available simultaneously: The Spy's Secret. Ages 7-10. Author's agent: Linda Pratt, Wernick & Pratt Agency. Illustrator's agent: Justin Rucker, Shannon Associates. (Apr.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.