First Clues Review: Skullduggery by Pete Hautman and Mary Logue

First Clues: Mysteries for Kids is delighted to introduce a new feature for our website, book reviews written by students. These students offer their unique perspective on the book in their review and provide a valuable resource to parents looking for new mystery adventures for their kids to read.

Skullduggery by Pete Hautman and Mary Logue
The Bloodwater Mysteries Series

Putnam Young Adult (Hardcover)
ISBN-10: 0-399-24378-X (039924378X)
ISBN-13: 978-0-399-24378-3 (9780399243783)
Publication Date: May 2007
List Price: $16.99

Review written by Shruti, Age 11, Grade 6. Date of review: October 2008.

Review: This well-put-together mystery, Skullduggery, was written by Pete Hautman and Mary Logue, two very ingenious, and creative authors that amaze their readers every time with a new mystery filled with suspense and action. The team has put together a great and mind-blowing story that includes Roni Delicata, Brian Bain, Dr. Andrew Dart, and Professor Bloom as the main characters. All of the characters have their own personality, which enhances their own personal style. This gripping and spellbinding book is just like the two other books these authors have written. This truly unique book is the 2nd in the series.

As Roni Delicata and Brian Bain tackle a new mystery, your head will spin with suspense. As Roni and Brian are sitting on the bus, excited about the field trip they’re going on, they have no idea what lies ahead of them. The two have no clue that soon, they would find a local archeologist named Andrew Dart, who was knocked unconscious on top of a pile of bones deep inside a cave. As Roni and Brian are finishing their scavenger hunt, they hear a scream for help. They look around in a cave where they believe the scream originated and meet a madman. Is this man hurt? Or are Roni and Brian’s lives in danger? Could he possibly be Andrew Dart? And if so, what are his intentions? And who hurt him?

As you read this amazingly mysterious book, your mind will swim in a pool of questions, and all of your questions will be answered in this exceptional and superbly written book. This book is ideal for all young children that are at least 8 yrs. old and mystery-crazy book lovers.

Both authors are tremendously wonderful at writing and I have read two of their books within just one week. I am not the only person with this opinion. The team has also won many awards. One of Pete Hautman’s awards was the 2004 National Book Award. He also has many awards for ALA Best Books for Young Adults citations. Mary Logue has also won the ALA Best Book for Young Adults, and also a Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers and A New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age. This book was a very energetic book that was finished in just two days. I truly enjoyed this book and could, basically, not find anything wrong with it. If I were you, I would run to the library, check out the book and start reading the book right away! So … what are you waiting for?

If you are interested in purchasing Skullduggery from Amazon.com, please click the button to the right.

First Clue Mysteries is pleased to provide information on nearly 100 mystery series for children and young adults. Each series is conveniently listed under three different age categories (New Sleuth, ages 4 to 7; Future Sleuth, aged 7 to 10; and Sleuth in Training, ages 10 and older). If you have a favorite mystery series you'd like to see added to our site, please contact us.

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