When a sudden ice storm traps four tweens, a spunky grandmother, and a
handful of bookstore patrons inside the bookstore and adjoining themed inn,
a quirky scene unfolds: a man is discovered face down and unresponsive in a
birthday cake! Unconvinced by the local authorities’ quick dismissal, the
resourceful tweens use their school sleuth society memberships and Agatha
Christie knowledge to solve the mystery themselves.
This story shines with a relatable cast of characters that tweens will
instantly adore. Merrick is a science enthusiast collecting periodic
elements; Archer is the basketball captain who relies on a rubber duck as a
lucky charm; Sunny is a tech and video game prodigy; and Miko is a strategic
Mahjong mastermind. Alongside Merrick’s deceptively sharp, mystery-loving
Grandma Ida, this team shows young readers the power of friendship, critical
thinking, and teamwork.
More than just an immersive whodunit, the book offers a wonderful opportunity for parents and guardians to bond with their tweens. As you turn the pages together, you'll find plenty of fun discussion topics—from guessing clues and picking your favorite of the inn’s literary-themed rooms to navigating real-life middle school struggles like moving schools, family finances, and relationships with aging grandparents. It even inspires fun new interests in science, logic games, and classic mystery literature.
More than just an immersive whodunit, the book offers a wonderful opportunity for parents and guardians to bond with their tweens. As you turn the pages together, you'll find plenty of fun discussion topics—from guessing clues and picking your favorite of the inn’s literary-themed rooms to navigating real-life middle school struggles like moving schools, family finances, and relationships with aging grandparents. It even inspires fun new interests in science, logic games, and classic mystery literature.
Natalie Page
Youth Services Specialist
Cumming Library
