Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Can You Crack the Case?

Do you collect clues and try to figure out what is behind them? If so, then work with Viola, Sylvester, Rosie, and Woodrow as they take notice of the world around them to solve mysteries of all sizes. These four neighbors create a club called The Four Corners whose purpose is to try to figure out “the unknown” in six clues or less. A strange noise is coming from the basement of Viola’s new house, which keeps the group guessing throughout the book. Many small mysteries are interwoven that allow the reader to test their problem solving skills. Is Viola’s house haunted? Will The Four Corners be able to find out what is causing the noises in the basement?

The Mysterious Four: Hauntings and Heists by Dan Poblocki is a unique book that allows the reader to join the characters in solving mysteries. In each chapter clues are given and then the reader is asked how the character got their answer. I loved paying attention to see if I could solve the mysteries, and I have to say I did a really good job. I had never heard of this book until I got it for Christmas and was able to read it in one sitting (I am sick- so I had a lot of time today). The characters are smart and easy to connect with and I recommend this book for kids in third through seventh grade. Of course, being a mystery lover- these are kids that I would be friends with in a heartbeat. Anyone who wants to challenge themselves to see if they have what it takes to be a detective will enjoy the many mysteries revealed in the first book of a new series.
Has anyone else read The Mysterious Four: Hauntings and Heists? Or another book by Dan Poblocki?

Happy Reading!~L

10 comments:

  1. This book sounds fun and interesting. I like that I can solve the mysteries with the characters. That reminds me of Encylcopedia Brown books- which I like to read.

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  2. sounds so cool! :) can't wait to read this one!

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  3. I haven't read any of his books. But that sounds so great to be involved in the story like that ;)

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  4. I haven't read this book, but it sounds like fun. I love a good mystery, and love figuring it out from the clues...

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  5. So sorry you're not feeling well. Hope you feel better soon.

    I am not familiar with the series--sorry I can't help answer the question.

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  6. Oh, this sounds great! I also found a book, Wilma Tenderfoot, and wanted to read it. I love mystery books with children as main characters. They have refreshing ways of looking at clues!

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  7. I think children will love this book. Playing detectives is a favourite game and only 6 clues will make it challenging enough. 'Challenging' IS good. (Just a sidenote: I like the name 'Woodrow.' :) )

    Claudine
    http://www.carryusoffbooks.com/blog.html

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  8. I like to solve mysteries- I might like this one.

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  9. @Trey- You are right! It is a lot like Encyclopedia Brown!

    @Toni, Elisa, Melissa, Flex- If you read this book. You will like it- lots of mysteries to solve.

    @ruthill- Thanks! I am still not feeling my best!

    @Nancy- I haven't read Wilma Tenderfoot. It sounds great!

    @Claudine- I agree- limiting the number of clues does make it a challenge!

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  10. This sounds like a lot of fun and reminds me of a series of books from the 1980s. I can’t remember the name of the series, but the books had several different endings. Solving clues along the way determined the ending you got to read.

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