First Clues: Mysteries for Kids, your source for information on over 100 mystery series for children and young adults where each series is conveniently listed under four different age categories (New Sleuths, ages 4 to 6; Future Sleuths, ages 7 to 9; Sleuths in Training, ages 10 to 12; and Apprentice Sleuths, ages 13 and older), is pleased to announce a selection of new mystery books (including series books) scheduled for publication during April 2010.
Because there are so many this month, we're splitting this list into two. Today we're featuring Sleuths in Training (ages 10 to 12) and Apprentice Sleuths (ages 13 and older). Yesterday we featured mystery, suspense, and thriller novels for younger kids.
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Secret of the Bradford House by Albert A. Bell
A Steve and Kendra Mystery
The spooky old Bradford House at the top of the hill has loomed over Steve Patterson and Kendra Jordan's neighborhood for years. But not until a new neighbor, 11-year-old Rachel Mendoza, notices an eerie light in an attic window does the question arise: Is there a ghost in the house?
While they try to answer that question, Steve and Kendra have to deal with the tension caused by the presence of a "new kid" in the neighborhood, one who seems to have a more than casual interest in Steve. Steve is also reconnecting with his divorced father and learning how difficult that process can be.
The 2nd mystery in this series.
This Steve and Kendra Mystery is recommended for readers aged 10 to 12.
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Disney in Shadows by Ridley Pearson
A Kingdom Keepers Thriller
When Disney Imagineers installed hologram guides for the Magic Kingdom, using teenage models they had no idea the technology might backfire. But backfire it did: some nights when the kids go to sleep, they wake up in one of the Disney parks as a hologram.
The five teens, Finn, Philby, Willa, Charlene, and Maybeck search to find Wayne, their mentor and head Imagineer who has mysteriously gone missing. Concerned Wayne has been abducted by the Overtakers -- Disney villains, who along with other Disney characters, take over the parks when the turnstiles stop spinning, and want desperately to steer the parks to a far darker place -- the five kids pick up a major clue from a close friend, Jez, whose dreams (nightmares, really) often accurately predict the future.
The very few clues from Jez’s dream lead the kids into Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot -- through imaginary worlds that become real, by imaginary kids who are real. Each clue seems tied to the last, and with the stakes growing ever higher, what starts out as a puzzle ends up as a fight for their lives. Through a transparent paper box, a quest for a sword, rides on Soarin' and Maelstrom, life-and-death encounters with giant snakes, and a devious Maleficent, the Kingdom Keepers not only begin to decipher deeper meanings to the clues, but discover new truths about themselves and their ever-growing friendships.
The 3rd book in this series.
The Kingdom Keepers thrillers are recommended for readers aged 10 to 12.
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The Light by D. J. MacHale
A Morpheus Road Thriller
16-year-old Marshall Seaver discovers that something beyond our world is after him. The eerie clues pile up quickly, and when people start dying, it’s clear whatever this is, it’s huge.
Marshall has no idea what’s happening to him, but he’s soon convinced that it has something to do with his best friend Cooper, who’s been missing for over a week. Together with Coop’s sister, Marsh searches for the truth about what happened to his friend, ultimately uncovering something bigger than he could ever have imagined.
The 1st book in this trilogy of thrillers.
This first Morpheus Road book is recommended for readers aged 10 to 12.
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We the Children by Andrew Clements
A Benjamin Pratt "Keepers of the School" Mystery
Sixth-grader Ben Pratt is thrust into a mystery-adventure when his school's janitor shoves a gold coin in his hand, passing on the responsibility to save Oakes School from developers. Captain Oakes gave the school to the community back in 1783; its original building overlooks the Massachusetts town's harbor. But the land has been sold, and buildings will be razed to make way for a theme park. With his parents recently separated and new living arrangements—one week at home with mom, the next on dad's sailboat—Ben has had enough change. He and Jill Acton, a friend with brainpower and potential, embark on a campaign to stop the attack.
The 1st mystery in this series.
This Benjamin Pratt "Keepers of the School" mystery is recommended for readers aged 10 to 12.
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The Case That Time Forgot by Tracy Barrett
The Sherlock Files
Xander’s classmate gives a report at school about a famous amulet of the Egyptian god of time, Thoth. It was thought to be so powerful that it could turn back time one day every hundred years. And that day will come in a week!
The amulet disappeared from a museum in London years ago. Xena and Xander’s celebrated ancestor, Sherlock Holmes, tried to find it, but with no luck. The twins are on the case—but so are some mysterious foes who are trying to thwart and perhaps even harm them! Can Xander and Xena track down what Sherlock Holmes could not?
The 3rd mystery in this series.
The Sherlock Files are recommended for readers aged 10 to 12.
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Theodosia and the Eyes of Horus by R. L. LaFevers
A Theodosia Throckmorton Mystery
Being able to detect black magic isn’t all tea and crumpets—and for Theodosia Throckmorton, it can be a decidedly tricky business! When Sticky Will drags Theo to a magic show featuring the Great Awi Bubu, she quickly senses there is more to the magician than he lets on, setting in motion a chain of events she never could have bargained for.
Meanwhile, back at the Museum of Legends and Antiquities, Henry is home for the spring holidays and makes an accidental discovery of an artifact that alchemists have been hunting for centuries. Soon, every black-cloaked occultist in London is trying to get their hands on it ...
The 3rd mystery in this series.
The Theodosia Throckmorton mysteries are recommended for readers aged 10 to 12.
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The Emperor's Code by Gordan Korman
The 39 Clues
As the race to find the 39 Clues builds to its explosive finish, Amy and Dan must explore an ancient culture and steal a Clue guarded by thousands of the world's best-trained soldiers. It's the most dangerous Clue search yet. As their enemies crowd in, Amy and Dan find themselves separated for the first time ever. The choice lies before them – find the next Clue, or find their way back to each other.
Be the first to find out where the next Clue is! There are three messages hidden on the cover of Book 8: The Emperor’s Code. Go to The39Clues.com/theemperorscode for a blow up of the cover, enter the secret messages you find, and unlock a page from The Emperor’s Code that reveals the whereabouts of the next Clue.
The 8th book in this seris of adventures.
The 39 Clues suspense novels are recommended for readers aged 10 to 12.
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Seeing Green by Carolyn Keene
A Nancy Drew, Girl Detective Mystery
What was supposed to be a blissed-out vacation at a pristine eco-resort has turned into one of the biggest cases of my life. And just as we were getting into it, Bess, George, and I had to return to River Heights. But, it looks like the case has followed us home. Now that I'm back on my home turf, I can investigate Cristobal's mysterious American girlfriend further -- I'm sure she has more to do with the sabotaging of the Casa Verde resort than her boyfriend and resort owner, Cristobal, would let on.
But as I've so often come to find out, this case goes much deeper the more I scratch the surface. Who are these mysterious people Cristobal and his girlfriend are involved with? And what is their plan? I'm on the case and determined to find out!
The third and final book in the Eco-Mystery trilogy.
The Nancy Drew, Girl Detective mysteries are recommended for readers aged 10 and older.
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Conspiracy 365: April by Gabrielle Lord
A Conspiracy 365 Thriller
Don't blink. Don't forget to breathe. On New Year's Eve Cal is chased down the street by a staggering, sick man with a deadly warning ... They killed your father. They'll kill you. You must survive the next 365 days!
Hurled into a life on the run, the 15-year-old fugitive is isolated and alone. Hunted by the law and ruthless criminals, Cal must somehow uncover the truth about his father's mysterious death and a history-changing secret. Who can he turn to, who can he trust, when the whole world seems to want him dead? The clock is ticking. Any second could be his last.
The 4th book in this series.
The Conspiracy 365 thrillers are recommended for readers aged 13 and older.
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Me, the Missing, and the Dead by Jenny Valentine
Non-series
Me: Lucas Swain—I'm nearly sixteen years old and live in London. I was fairly normal until the night I found Violet. Then everything changed.
The missing: Dad. He disappeared five years ago. Nobody knows what happened to him, and nobody cares except me. It's enough to drive you crazy.
The dead: That's Violet ... in the urn. Speaking of crazy—I know she's trying to tell me something, and I think it's about my father ...
I may have met Violet after she died. But it didn't stop me from getting to know her ...
This novel is recommended for readers aged 13 and older.
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Kiss in the Dark by Lauren Henderson
A Scarlett Wakefield Mystery
With Dan McAndrews's murder finally behind her, Scarlett has high hopes for a fresh start at Wakefield Hall Collegiate, the elite English boarding school her grandmother runs. Unfortunately, those hopes are dashed when her nemesis, the infamous Plum Saybourne, is transferred to the school. Plum wastes no time turning Scarlett’s impressionable classmates against her.
Scarlett has dealt with Plum’s nasty schemes before, and she can handle her archenemy very nicely, thank you—until Plum sets her sights on Scarlett’s best friend, Taylor, and new boyfriend, Jase. Then Scarlett is more than willing to fight for what’s rightfully hers.
Things only get worse after Scarlett becomes entangled in a mysterious death on campus. Scarlett is compelled to investigate because she wants to protect someone close to her. She never imagines that she’ll uncover secrets related to her parents’ fatal accident so many years ago.
The 3rd mystery in this series.
The Scarlett Wakefield mysteries are recommended for readers aged 13 and older.
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The Knife That Killed Me by Anthony McGowan
Non-series
Paul Vanderman could be at any normal high school where bullies, girls, and annoying teachers are just part of life. But “normal” doesn’t apply when it comes to the school’s biggest bully, Roth—a twisted and threatening thug with an evil agenda.
When Paul ends up delivering a message from Roth to the leader of a gang at a nearby school, it fuels a rivalry with immediate consequences. Paul attempts to distance himself from the feud, but somehow Roth keeps finding reasons for him to stick around. Then one day Roth hands him a knife. And even though Paul is scared, he has never felt so powerful.
This novel is recommended for readers aged 13 and older.
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Possessing Jessie by Nancy Springer
Non-series
Quiet, cautious Jessie had always lived in the shadow of her dynamic younger brother -- her mother's clear favorite. His recent death leaves Jessie and her mother numb with grief. That is, until the morning Jessie cuts her hair and dresses in Jason's clothes, swaggering out of the house in an uncanny imitation of her brother. Her mother is visibly cheered, and for once Jessie is the center of attention at school. But each day Jason takes over Jessie more and more. Can she escape his power?
This thriller is recommended for readers aged 13 and older.
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