Goldie Vance: The Hotel Whodunit

Gr 3-7–Sixteen-year-old Marigold “Goldie” Vance is a valet at the Cross Palms Resort in St. Pascal, FL, where her dad has worked for years as manager. Really, she would prefer to be assistant to the hotel’s house detective, Walt Tooey, as she dreams of being a detective. Goldie pays close attention to details, always has a notepad with her, practices active listening, and is a self-proclaimed sneak. The Resort has a big job on their hands when movie conglomerate, Baldwin Studios, books their biggest star Delphine Lucerne as a special guest while filming their latest blockbuster. Goldie is on high alert when the menacing and power-crazed Mr. Cecil Davenport of Baldwin Studios asks Walt to keep an eye on a special delivery requiring the utmost privacy and security. While Walt tries to shoo Goldie away, she knows he really needs her. Originally a researcher, his clumsy tendencies would be much more suited to working in a quiet bookstore. Will Goldie be able to keep the special delivery safe? Based on the comic book series, Rivera’s task of bringing Goldie to a prose novel is nicely done. Readers will love Goldie, an ambitious female lead who challenges gender roles, is gay, and is not to be underestimated. The book features two eight-page comic spreads.