
Reach for this book when your middle schooler is feeling the weight of high expectations or struggling to balance a busy schedule with a heavy secret. Ingrid Levin-Hill is a relatable thirteen-year-old athlete and actress who finds herself accidentally involved in a murder investigation. As she tries to solve the mystery like her hero Sherlock Holmes, she must navigate the complexities of adult secrets, small-town politics, and the mounting pressure of her own everyday life. This suspenseful mystery is perfect for ages 10 to 14, offering a grounded look at a young girl asserting her independence while dealing with fear and guilt. It is an excellent choice for parents who want to help their child explore themes of bravery and the importance of speaking up, even when it feels safer to stay quiet. The story provides a safe space to discuss the reality of adult fallibility and the courage it takes to trust one's own instincts.
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Sign in to write a reviewA woman is murdered early in the book, serving as the catalyst for the mystery.
Ingrid takes significant risks to investigate, often putting herself in physical danger.
Ingrid lies to her parents and the police to protect herself and solve the case.
Brief mentions of adult drinking and references to drugs in the context of the investigation.
The book deals with murder and the dark secrets of a suburban town. The approach is direct but age-appropriate for the mystery genre. It also touches on mental health (the victim is seen as the town crazy) and infidelity. The resolution is realistic and hopeful, though it exposes the flaws of several adult characters.
A 12-year-old girl who is a high achiever in sports and arts but feels like she is drowning in the pressure of perfection. It is for the kid who loves logic puzzles and wants to see a peer take charge in a world that usually ignores children.
Parents should be aware of a scene involving a potential predator and the discovery of a body. The book can be read cold by most 11-plus readers, but younger ones might need to discuss the concept of why adults keep secrets. A parent might see their child becoming unusually secretive, lying about their whereabouts, or showing signs of extreme stress regarding a mistake they are afraid to admit.
Younger readers will focus on the 'whodunit' and the excitement of the investigation. Older readers will resonate more with the social pressures, the strained family dynamics, and the ethical dilemma of withholding information from the police.
Unlike many MG mysteries, this successfully blends high-stakes crime with very mundane middle-school problems, making the suspense feel uniquely personal and grounded.
Ingrid Levin-Hill is a soccer player and star of the local theater production of Alice in Wonderland. After an unplanned stop at a local eccentric's house, she realizes she left her shoes behind just as the woman is found murdered. Fearful of being a suspect, Ingrid uses Sherlock Holmes style deduction to find the killer while balancing school, sports, and stage life.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.