The Case of the Missing Moose

May 1, 2011
Grades 2-4 Intrepid detectives Milo and Jazz return in this sixth entry in the Milo and Jazz Mysteries series. Milo, away at a summer camp for boys, is at the center of this mystery. When his teams mascot goes missing, the teams chance for victory is compromised. Jazz, away at a nearby girls camp, makes a brief appearance at the end of the book, arriving in the nick of time to help Milo solve the case. The short, easy chapters are accompanied by fun pen-and-ink illustrations that enhance the story. This early chapter book mystery is engaging, providing a case to solve that is age appropriate. Numerous clues are provided, a red herring is present, and the mystery has a surprising twist at the end. Though part of a series, this title can be read independently. Like the Doyle & Fossey Science Detectives series, by Michele Torrey, and the Jigsaw Jones Mystery series, by James Preller, this series provides super sleuthing strategies at the end of the book so that readers can hone their own detective skills.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2011, American Library Association.)

July 1, 2011
Milo enjoys his week at camp across the lake from the girls' camp and his sleuthing partner, Jazz. When his bunk's moose mascot goes missing, he must solve the case on his own with only Jazz's letters for help. Accompanied by ink and wash illustrations, the story isn't deep but it is lively. An epilogue includes puzzles and brainteasers.

(Copyright 2011 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)