THE SECRET OF SANCTUARY ISLAND

Todd witnesses what appears to be a burglary, but no one believes him: his parents are initially willing to give him the benefit of the doubt, but the police are frankly skeptical and the owner of the house rudely denies that anything is missing. Eager to vindicate himself, especially since he wrecked his father's expensive new canoe while making a getaway, Todd pokes around and uncovers evidence of not only the burglary but also a slick travel-club scam—and hears the burglars plan a murder. A fast-paced, easy-to-read adventure with believable detective work and a breathless climax: a fine debut. (Fiction. 10-12)