Mystery
Beyond Suspicion
Catherine Winn
Her mom’s remarriage has been hard on fifteen year old Shelby. Roger is strict and treats her like a child. At least they’re letting her go to her first boy-girl party. That is until she gets home from school and finds that Roger has changed his mind―he wants Shelby to babysit her year-old brother Josh. It’s so unfair! Fuming, Shelby takes Josh in his stroller to the park. After all, it’s not his fault. Someone sets off fireworks, distracting Shelby. When she turns around―Josh is gone.Shelby tells the police she’s seen a white van cruising the neighborhood lately, and she thinks she saw it at the park as well. But to her horror, the police are not interested: Pointing to angry texts to her girlfriends about getting back at Roger, they accuse her of causing Josh’s disappearance! The police focus on the woods around the park, driving Shelby wild with fear and anger that the kidnappers will get away. With TV reporters all over the front yard, Shelby sneaks out the back to find her brother, any way she can.So begins Shelby’s race against time―and against a world that has turned on her. And yet she finds help along the way. There’s mysterious Matt, who says he wants to help, but doesn’t seem to want anyone to know it. And there’s Jess, who watches out for Shelby as, against the odds, she tracks down the kidnappers down just as they are leaving town.
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Pyramid Deception
Austin S. Camacho
Private Eye Hannibal Jones takes on the most important client of his life: Cindy Santiago, the woman he loves. Cindy has been betrayed by a close friend and taken in a scam that has left her almost penniless. The swindler has not only taken her money, he has stolen her confidence and robbed her of her will to live. Hannibal's only lead is Irene, the woman who got Cindy's friend involved and wants to run away with him. She may hold the key to Cindy's problem . . . until she is gunned down right in front of Hannibal in a drive by shooting. When Irene's body disappears Hannibal is the top suspect in a plot to help her and her boyfriend escape. Now he needs to clear his name and recover Cindy's money. As more murders follow, Hannibal must unravel the complex scheme before he and Cindy become the next victims.
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Gang of Sleuths
Fourteen-year-old millionaire Tony Pandy solves mysteries from the seat of his wheelchair. Not because he wants to, but because he has to. Losing his home if he doesn't. This time Tony has to find out why the Hindenburg disaster happened. "Because it was a big ole bomb-bag," Tony said. "See, solved. Now I don't have to miss lunch." "Like you'd eat it," his health aide replied. "Besides, maybe it's not that simple." And it's not. Tony will have to face a fear he didn't know that he had-and find out more about the mysterious trust that controls his fortune. Then there's the problem of having squatters on the estate, one of whom just might be the love of Tony's life. On top of that? She brought her boyfriend. As if the mystery wasn't trouble enough. Book 2 of The Tony Pandy Mysteries.
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Ink and Ashes
Valynne E. Maetani
Claire Takata has never known much about her father, who passed away ten years ago. But on the anniversary of his death, she finds a letter from her deceased father to her stepfather. Before now, Claire never had a reason to believe they even knew each other. Struggling to understand why her parents kept this surprising history hidden, Claire combs through anything that might give her information about her father . . . until she discovers that he was a member of the yakuza, a Japanese organized crime syndicate. The discovery opens a door that should have been left closed. The race to outrun her father's legacy reveals secrets of his past that cast ominous shadows, threatening Claire, her friends and family, her newfound love, and ultimately her life. Winner of Tu Books New Visions Award, Ink and Ashes is a fascinating debut novel packed with romance, intrigue, and heart-stopping action.
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The Hunted
Matt de la Peña
Newbery Medal-winning author Matt de la Peña’s The Hunted is a high-energy, action-packed survival story and the sequel to The Living.“De la Peña has created a rare thing: a plot-driven YA with characters worthy of a John Green novel.”-Entertainment Weekly review of The Living, A- When the Big One hit, Shy was at sea in style. The Paradise Cruise luxury liner he worked on was a hulking specimen of the best money could buy. And now it's at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean, along with almost all of its passengers. Shy wasn't the only one to survive, though. Addie, the rich blond daughter of a mysterious businessman, was on the dinghy he pulled himself into. But as soon as they found the rest of the survivors, she disappeared. The only thing that filled the strange void of losing her was finding Carmen, his hot coworker, and discovering a way to get back home. But Shy's luck hasn't turned. Not yet. Back on the dinghy, Addie told him a secret. It's a secret that people would kill for--have killed for--and she has the piece that could turn everything on its ear. The problem? Shy has no idea where Addie is. Back home in California seems logical, but there are more ways to die back home then Shy could ever have guessed. And thanks to what Shy now knows, he's a moving target.Praise for The Hunted:“Readers will be drawn to the raw and gritty setting, fast-moving plot, and diverse characters worth rooting for.“—School and Library Journal"Between [the] fast-paced plot and meaningful, diverse character development, this is a great crossover for fans of both thrillers and more character-driven novels."-BooklistAn International Latino Book Award Best Young Adult Fiction Honorable Mention BookPraise for The Living:“De la Peña has created a rare thing: a plot-driven YA with characters worthy of a John Green novel.”-Entertainment Weekly, A- “Action is first and foremost. . . . De la Peña can uncork delicate but vivid scenes.” —The New York Times “[The Living] is special because of its extraordinary protagonist, Shy, who I haven’t been able to shake from my mind in the weeks since I read the book.”-John Green, author of The Fault in Our Stars[STAR] "An addictive page-turner and character-driven literary novel with broad appeal for fans of both."-Kirkus Reviews, Starred[STAR] "An excellent, enthralling ride...a great read for those looking for adventure and survival stories."-VOYA, StarredA Pura Belpré Author Honor Award WinnerAn ALSC 2014 Notable Children's Book Pick
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THE POWER OF A VILLAIN. THE HEART OF A HERO.When happy-go-lucky Phidias Isaac Newman opens a detective agency in the sleepy Highland Falls ward of the Mégapolis he isn't sure what to expect.The Case of the Vanishing Bones? Sounds like a promising start.Then, seemingly from nowhere, disaster strikes! Together with his partner, Agent Bubble Gum, the Boy Genius is plunged into the recovery of a mysterious (and deadly) stolen artifact--the Afterthought Resonator.Then something beyond their wildest dreams happens. Something wonderful.Or is it?Bubble Gum has always known the Boy Genius is ill mannered, uncouth and never listens to others. (Not that she keeps a list or anything.) But now she learns Phidias is harboring a dark secret.Of forbidden knowledge that unlocks a terrible power... no one even suspected existed.The Boy Genius Detective Agency is an explosive sci-fi/superhero tale that will blast you onto a marvelous ride through a world of excitement. If you like edge-of-your-seat suspense, extreme danger and endless blood-curdling action then you will love this fascinating and imaginative novel.Buy your copy of The Boy Genius Detective Agency and let this thrilling tale of heroic adventure begin!
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Mind Over Bullies - A MOB Forms
"In this intricate YA tale, a group of teenagers with special skills unite to confront bullying, though they end up fighting crime, murder, and terrorism. Eventually, MOB evolves into a true crime-fighting band of superheroes. Reminiscent of the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew, the teens outshine adults. They operate in their own world more or less autonomously, sometimes cooperating with grownups, other times circumventing them. Filled with numerous side plots involving family history, a mysterious corporation, a rare disease, terrorist plots, and more, Smith's tale ties it all together seamlessly while continually sounding the bullying theme, which intensifies from everyday school harrying to a device for recruiting criminals. The conclusion sets up the next MOB exploit." - Kirkus Reviews
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Oranit || Crossed Lines
An Arab collaborator's body is found by a collapsed wall in the new Israeli settlement of Oranit. His death is hushed up and the body burned by the Palestinian villagers who hated him. Most people claim he died in his own village, although this is apparently untrue. Two years later his death is all but forgotten until a bullet is found by a wall, and everything changes. Old speculations of foul play are confirmed, and the collaborator’s death becomes a murder case. Formerly a member of Israeli military field security, Oranit resident Jeannie now works for the Shin Bet Security Service. She's given the dubious task of "putting the case to rest again." Delving into the circumstances surrounding the Arab's death, Jeannie discovers a hidden world of smuggling, forgery and other doubtful activities tied to minor politicians and founding members of the Oranit settlement. Everyone, including Jeannie's own father, seems to be a suspect. Author and retired Israeli army psychiatrist Michael I. Benjamin weaves an entertaining and occasionally humorous murder mystery through the tangled politics and racial tension of the Green Line, the Yom Kippur War, and the Holocaust. As Jeannie uncovers the truth, she'll never see Oranit in quite the same way.
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Spinner
Fifteen-year-old Alex is a “spinner.” His friends are “dummies.” Two clandestine groups of humans want his power. And an ancient evil is stalking him. If people weren’t being murdered, Alex might laugh at how his life turned into a horror movie overnight. In a wheelchair since birth, his freakish ability has gotten him kicked out of ten foster homes since the age of four. Now saddled with a sadistic housemother who uses his spinning to “fix” the kids she injures, Alex and his misfit group of learning disabled classmates are the only ones who can solve the mystery of his birth before more people meet a gruesome end.They want to know who murdered their beloved teacher, and why the hot young substitute acts like she’s flirting with them. Then there’s the mysterious medallion that seems to have unleashed something evil, and an ancient prophecy suggesting Alex has the power to destroy the world.The boys break into homes, dig up graves, fight for their lives against feral cats, and ultimately confront a malevolence as old as humanity. Friendships are tested, secrets uncovered, love spoken, and destiny revealed. The kid who’s always been a loner will finally learn the value of friends, family, and loyalty. If he survives…AwardsFinalist in the 2016 USA Best Book AwardsBronze Medal in the 2015 Readers’ Favorite AwardsFinalist in the 2015 Wishing Shelf Book AwardsRunner-Up in the 2015 Southern California Book FestivalLiterary Classics Seal of Approval 2015Winner in the 2015 Hollywood Book FestivalHonorable Mention in the 2015 Halloween Book FestivalHonorable Mention in the 2015 San Francisco Book FestivalHonorable Mention in the 2015 Royal Dragonfly Book Awards
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Nooks & Crannies
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory meets Clue when six children navigate a mansion full of secrets—and maybe money—in this humorous mystery with heart.Sweet, shy Tabitha Crum, the neglected only child of two parents straight out of a Roald Dahl book, doesn’t have a friend in the world—except for her pet mouse, Pemberley, whom she loves dearly. But on the day she receives one of six invitations to the country estate of wealthy Countess Camilla DeMoss, her life changes forever. Upon the children’s arrival at the sprawling, possibly haunted mansion, it turns out the countess has a very big secret—one that will change their lives forever. Then the children beginning disappearing, one by one. So Tabitha takes a cue from her favorite detective novels and, with Pemberley by her side, attempts to solve the case and rescue the other children…who just might be her first real friends.
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