School Library Journal
Gr 4-6-Brian, 13, and Sean, 9, are used to helping their private-investigator father with cases, but they have never tried to solve one on their own before. When their dad is approached by a museum curator and asked to help find valuable sketches that are missing, the boys eavesdrop on the conversation and decide to take action. While their father begins his search, the boys check out the museum and a list of suspects. They find the adults unwilling to be interrogated by children, however, so they must rely on their observations and deductions. Another problem facing the sleuths is Sean's fear of the statue of the Egyptian god, Anubis, which supposedly has supernatural powers. Brian is convinced that the statue is the key to the investigation. Although the story reads a lot like a TV sitcom-and there is never any doubt that the youngsters will solve the mystery-it has an interesting plot with a lot of suspense. The print is large and there is plenty of white space to encourage reluctant readers. The text is broken up by full-page, black-and-white illustrations. Although this first entry in the series is not great literature, it is a cut above the norm for the genre and is a fast-paced, fun read.-Nancy P. Reeder, Heathwood Hall Episcopal School, Columbia, SC