SKYLAR ROBBINS: THE MYSTERY OF THE HIDDEN JEWELS by Carrie Cross
Fiction, YA Cozy Mystery
Blurb: A deserted mansion perches on a steep hillside, overlooking a rocky canyon. Tattered curtains hang behind broken windows, and a turret stretches toward the sky. Three years ago the wealthy owner disappeared suddenly, leaving behind a house full of secrets: A mysterious note, tantalizing clues, a hidden floor, one piece of a treasure map, and a missing fortune in diamonds. Thirteen-year-old sleuth Skylar Robbins moves into the mansion with her parents and embarks on a new and dangerous mission. Armed with her detective kit, and with the support of her BFF Alexa and a team of secret agents, Skylar sets out to decipher the clues and find the diamonds. Can she outwit a gang of aggressive bikers and find the hidden jewels before they do? Or will the perils of middle school–like battling ruthless bully Emelyn Peters for the attention of class hottie Dustin Coles–get in her way?
Thoughts: This was a fun read that I really enjoyed. Any young teen who enjoys a good mystery will love this one. Skylar is a 13-year-old girl who loves solving mysteries (thanks to her detective grandfather). Her parents buy a ramshackle mansion that once belonged to an heiress whose last words were that anyone who is brave enough to follow the clues will find her jewels – so that is what Skylar sets out to do, even when faced with a gang of thugs who are out to beat her to the jewels.
I loved that her best friend is challenged (dyslexia) and how Sky helps her out (and she helps Sky). In addition to the mystery, there’s the usual teen angst with bullies, hunky guys, and a big dance coming up.
I’m really looking forward to more from this author.
Definitely recommended.
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