Library Journal
Gr 4-6-Life imitates art in this hilarious second book in the series. Dinah, 11, has just beat out Angela Bridey for the lead in the musical play of Wilkie Collins's classic mystery, The Moonstone, and Angela's Aunt Violet-"Beak-nose" to Dinah-is not too happy about this fact. Neither is a mysterious "Uncle Leo," who suddenly appears in Dinah's chaotic life. In addition to rehearsals, meddling in her mother's love life, and her math homework, Dinah tries to uncover the mystery of Leo's identity, why he and "Beak-nose" want to steal the Moonstone ring, and how they are going to do it. The characters do not have a lot of depth, but they do have distinct voices. The subplot of the romance between the mother and the musical director adds dimension, but makes Dinah seem a little slow in her observations. The dialogue is funny, and children will enjoy the unbelievable situations that the young sleuth gets herself into. The book also includes themes of self-confidence and self-fulfillment as Dinah improves her singing, math, and detective skills.-Shilo Halfen, Chicago Public Library Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.