A parent should reach for this book when their adventure-loving child is feeling restless or complaining of boredom. It channels the desire for excitement into a thrilling, age-appropriate mystery. The story follows Trey, who is stuck on his grandfather's quiet Kansas ranch for the summer. His boredom vanishes when he discovers a notorious gangster is living nearby. Trey's curiosity pulls him into a world of secrets, mobsters, and hidden treasure. The book masterfully blends themes of bravery, curiosity, and justice, making it a perfect read for kids who enjoy fast-paced plots where a young hero outsmarts the adults. It's an engaging standalone adventure that’s exciting without being overly frightening.
The protagonist engages in trespassing and spying to uncover the mystery, justifying his actions.
Sensitive Topics
The book's central theme revolves around organized crime, including threats of violence and intimidation. This is handled in a direct, adventure-story context rather than a grim, realistic one. The violence is implied and suspense-driven (chases, threats, peril) rather than graphic. The approach is secular, and the resolution is hopeful, with the protagonist succeeding and justice being served in a satisfying, clear-cut way.
Ideal Reader
The ideal reader is a 10-12 year old who has a taste for action and mystery, perhaps having enjoyed series like The 39 Clues or books by Gordon Korman. They are drawn to stories where ordinary kids find themselves in extraordinary circumstances and have to rely on their own cleverness to succeed. This reader enjoys puzzles and a clear good-versus-bad narrative.
Parent Prep
No specific preparation is needed; the book can be read cold. The gangster theme is more reminiscent of old movies than modern crime dramas. A parent might want to be ready for questions about mobsters, but the context within the book is self-contained and easy for a young reader to understand as a fictional adventure. A parent hears their child say, "I'm so bored, nothing exciting ever happens!" or sees them looking for a new, fast-paced book after finishing a favorite adventure or mystery series.
Age Experience
A younger reader (9-10) will be swept up in the action: the spying, the close calls, and the excitement of a kid taking on dangerous adults. An older reader (11-13) will appreciate more of the plot's intricacies, the historical flavor of the old-time gangster, and the themes of courage and resourcefulness in the face of fear.
What Makes It Special
What makes this book unique is its mashup of genres and settings. The juxtaposition of a classic, almost noir-ish gangster plot against the quiet, sun-baked backdrop of a Kansas ranch creates a distinctive atmosphere. Unlike many modern kid-spy thrillers, it relies less on high-tech gadgets and more on old-fashioned observation, nerve, and wit.
Read plot summary
Trey MacIntyre is recovering from a previous adventure and is profoundly bored while staying at his grandfather's ranch in Topeka, Kansas. His summer takes a dramatic turn when he discovers that Tino “The Lip” Corezzi, a famous old-school gangster, is his neighbor. Driven by curiosity, Trey begins to investigate, uncovering a dangerous plot involving hidden loot and rival mobsters. Trey must use his wits to navigate the treacherous situation, figure out who to trust, and solve a mystery that puts him in very real danger.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Trey's investigation starts because he's bored. At what point do you think his snooping crossed the line from curious to dangerous? Should he have told his Gramps sooner?
2
The author sets a gangster story on a quiet Kansas ranch instead of a big city like Chicago or New York. How did this unusual setting make the story more suspenseful?
3
Tino 'The Lip' Corezzi is a famous criminal. In what ways was he a typical villain, and in what ways did he surprise you?
4
Trey has to figure out who he can trust. Was there a character who you initially trusted but later seemed suspicious, or vice-versa? What clues helped you decide?
