Gr 4–6—Mystery and adventure abound in Philbrick's latest middle grade novel. Arthur "Bash Man" Bash and Darius Drake are an unlikely pair who team up to solve the mystery of a missing diamond necklace. The mystery takes the boys through secrets in Darius's past that intertwine with old town folklore. The duo is soon joined by Arthur's stepsister Dierdre. Reminiscent of Philbrick's outstanding middle grade novel Freak the Mighty, the odd friendship of the two main characters builds throughout the novel. The feeling of being an outsider, or of just being different, will resonate with students. The mystery elements are well plotted, and readers will enjoy trying to piece together various clues.
VERDICT Fans of mystery or adventure titles such as Tracy Barrett's "Sherlock Files" and Trenton Lee Stewart's "The Mysterious Benedict Society" will appreciate this novel.
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