For kids who love to solve puzzles and uncover secrets, this thrilling adventure explores courage, justice, and friendship when faced with a tricky situation.
A parent might reach for this book when their child is ready for a mystery that grapples with complex questions of right, wrong, and redemption. The story follows Arthur, who is convinced his neighbor, a retired cat burglar, has been framed for a recent diamond heist. Arthur and his friends must race to decipher clues and find the real culprits before an innocent man is locked away. This fast-paced adventure explores themes of loyalty, courage when facing intimidating adults, and the true meaning of justice. It's an excellent choice for middle-grade readers who enjoy puzzles and a story that trusts them with nuanced moral questions, encouraging critical thinking about fairness and judging others.
The central moral question revolves around crime and redemption. The protagonist's ally is a former criminal, forcing a direct, secular examination of whether people can change and if they deserve a second chance. The resolution is hopeful, affirming that a person's present actions matter more than their past, and that standing up for justice is paramount.
Ideal Reader
This book is perfect for a 9 to 11-year-old who enjoys logic puzzles and has outgrown simpler mystery series like A to Z Mysteries. They are ready for a story with higher stakes, more complex characters, and a plot that requires them to question adult authority. It will resonate with a child who has a strong sense of fairness and enjoys seeing clever kids succeed.
Parent Prep
The book can be read cold. No specific preparation is needed, but a parent could be ready to discuss the themes of redemption, the fallibility of authority figures (like the police), and what it means to be a loyal friend to someone the rest of the world has written off. The parent has noticed their child expressing frustration over an unfair situation, perhaps at school or in a story. The child might be asking questions about second chances or why people are judged for past mistakes, showing they are ready to think about more complex ethical scenarios.
Age Experience
A younger reader (8-9) will primarily enjoy the thrill of the chase, the friendship, and the fun of solving the puzzles alongside the characters. An older reader (10-12) will better appreciate the moral complexities, such as the social commentary on the justice system and the nuanced character of the reformed thief, Mr. Dash.
What Makes It Special
While many middle-grade mysteries exist, this one stands out by centering its plot on a morally gray ally. Instead of a straightforward case of good vs. evil, the story's core dilemma is about trusting and defending a former criminal. This adds a compelling layer of ethical depth and character study often missing in plot-driven whodunnits for this age group.
Read plot summary
Twelve-year-old Arthur Penhaligon lives next door to a famous, and supposedly retired, jewel thief named Mr. Dash. When the priceless Amsterdam Diamond is stolen and Mr. Dash is immediately framed, Arthur is the only one who believes in his innocence. Teaming up with his friends Pez and Myra, Arthur uses his wits to follow a trail of cryptic clues, outsmart the bumbling police, and unmask the true thieves in a classic whodunnit adventure.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Arthur’s neighbor, Mr. Dash, used to be a criminal. Why do you think Arthur decided to trust and help him anyway? Would you have made the same choice?
2
The police were quick to blame Mr. Dash because of his past. Was this fair? What does the story suggest about judging people based on their past mistakes?
3
Arthur, Pez, and Myra all have different skills they use to solve the mystery. What was each person's most important contribution? Do you think they could have solved it alone?
4
What do you think was the bravest thing one of the characters did in the book, and why?
