MURDLE JR.

A middle schooler races to uncover the mystery of a missing third grade teacher at Sacred Kidney, her Catholic school, in this series opener that’s linked to the Murdle Jr. series of puzzle activity books.

Jake, a junior detective appointed by “the grand master of logic,” Deductive Logico, is defending her nerdy sidekick, Sterling, against school bully Brick when a scream interrupts them. Peering into the library, the trio witness Miss Saffron scuffling with an unknown individual. When she’s absent the next day, Jake, Sterling, and Brick become an unlikely team in pursuit of answers and suspects. Sterling and Brick evolve beyond their archetypes, and Jake remains steadfast in her commitment to truth and justice. As is common in middle-grade mysteries, the adults are easily fooled by the junior sleuths. The team’s investigation, far from amateur, utilizes a secret command center equipped with pricey gadgets that titillate the imagination. Jake’s narration evokes the golden age of whodunit detective stories (“Let’s keep friendship outta this, okay, pal?”). Grids and instructions allow readers to join in solving the mystery. Alongside the investigation, a storm—both literal and symbolic—brews, only clearing once order and justice are restored. Black-and-white full-page and spot-art illustrations add a humorous touch. Characters largely present white.

Readers will become inquisitive sleuths as they navigate this whimsical, playful mystery.