By Renee Hand

Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 128 pages
Publisher: North Star Press of St. Cloud, Inc. (October 1, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0878393048
ISBN-13: 978-0878393046

Description: Book #1(Back of Book)
The Team: In this story siblings Max and Mia Holmes, along with their good friend Morris and their flamboyant Granny Holmes, are known as The Crypto-Capers. They are a group of detectives who unravel crimes by solving cryptograms that criminals leave behind. Mia is an expert puzzle solver. Max is great at deduction and reasoning. Morris is a computer genius, and Granny . . . well, Granny is the muscle of the group. Don t let her size or age fool you she is quite handy. The Stolen Items: An antique sock (just one) and Prada sunglasses. The Assignment: The Case of the Missing Sock leads the Crypto-Capers to Florida, where they are hired by a Mr. Delacomb. The mystery leads the team to different locations. Clues flourish throughout the mystery. Suspects by the handful seem to pop up at every turn, but who committed the crime? Help the detectives solve the case by solving the cryptograms and puzzles. Good luck!

Review
This is a great new children's detective series that has the reader solving cryptogram puzzles along the way. This book is sure to keep the attention of young readers as they work along with the characters in the book to solve the clues. I think the one of the best parts of this book is that the kids solve the mysteries by using their reasoning skills. The characters are likable and believable, and your kids will be wanting to read more of these mysteries. Many times books in this genre aren't the most believable stories but this isn't the case with this book. I think parents and kids will both enjoy the story.

Description Book #2 (Back of Book)

THE TEAM:

Max, Mia and Nellie (aka Granny) Holmes, along with their good friend, Morris, are known as the Crypto-Capers. They travel all around the world solving cases. Each member of the group has specific talents. Morris is the computer genius. Mia is the puzzle solver. Max is thick with logic and reasoning—a very detailed fellow, while Nellie is fluent in various languages. With each book you will see each member’s talents unfold.

THE STOLEN ITEM: A missing Orchid Ruby Necklace

THE ASSIGNMENT:

The Case of Red Rock Canyon leads the team to Las Vegas, Nevada, where they are thrown into the dramatic world of theater to solve their next mystery. A week before the opening night of one of the most talked about plays on the Strip. It’s main attraction—a one-of-a-kind Orchid Ruby Necklace—goes missing. The detectives soon become ensnared in a plot that could destroy them all. They must sift through the clues to figure out what is truth, and what are lies. One of their lives will be in the balance. Can they be saved? Only you can control the answer to that question. Join the Crypto-Capers on their adventure of self discovery and courage. Help them by solving the cryptograms and participating in the various activities. They are not for the faint of heart, but for the bravest and most confident of souls. Can you do it? We are counting on you. Good luck!

Review
Book #2 in the series The Case Of Red Rock Canyon is just as excellent as the first book. Solving the cryptograms makes the book very interactive and can be worked on by parent and child. If you get stuck the answers can be found in the back of the book.

This series for kids rates an easy 5/5 and should be on the shelves of every library.

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