ADVENTURE AT SIMBA HILL
From the Kari and Lucas Mysteries series, volume 3
by Susan Runholt
Kari and Lucas, two teens who’ve combined their expertise to solve mysteries in previous adventures (Rescuing Seneca Crane, 2009, etc.), are headed this time to Simba Hill in Kenya with Uncle Geoff, an archaeologist. The girls have completely different talents: Lucas is blessed with a photographic memory, and Kari is strong on intuition and people skills. Even before arriving at their luxurious bush accommodations, they hear of artifacts remarkably like the discoveries at Simba Hill having been smuggled into England. Neither seeing exotic animals in their natural habitat nor exposure to Kenyan locals, notably the Maasai and Kikuyu peoples, distracts these two, who are determined to once again find the clues that elude others. Danger from the human malefactors is augmented by threats from lions, hippos, spiders and snakes. Lighthearted and yet mostly based on logic, this outing allows readers to get a taste of Africa’s pleasures—albeit Hollywood-flavored, similar to those experienced by the average wealthy tourist. The cast of suspects and rapidly made friends keeps the mood frothy and the sinister actions nicely removed. (Mystery. 8-12)