AVA & CAROL DETECTIVE AGENCY

Two 12-year-old detectives take on malefactors both at home and abroad in Lockhaven’s collection of middle-grade mysteries.

Ava Clarke and Carol Miller are the best of friends, whip-smart girls who, after uncovering the culprits stealing all the clocks at Nobel Park Middle School, have also discovered a taste for solving mysteries. This collection includes the lovingly antagonistic duo’s first three cases. The book starts with “The Mystery of the Pharaoh’s Diamonds,” in which the museum in their hometown of Livingston, Massachusetts, is robbed of the precious gemstones on display in its Ramesses exhibit. Their second case, “The Mystery of Solomon’s Ring,” is even grander: While on vacation in Italy, the girls come into possession of half of the biblical King Solomon’s demon-controlling ring. This puts them in the dangerous sights of the New Prophets, ex-gangsters who are willing to kidnap Ava’s mom to get the artifact. Finally, in “The Haunted Mansion,” Ava and Carol are back in Livingston for the Christmas season as a curious string of robberies occurs, just as the two have also caught the attention of a seemingly headless, furry-costumed stalker. The preteen protagonists are a joy to follow as they go about their well-meaning meddling. Ava’s bombastic humor and Carol’s supportive exasperation make for a terrific balance; their greatest weapons are their friendship and their wits—and, occasionally, a Thor 2000 ultra-bright flashlight. Even as the stakes rise and the adventures become more dangerous, funny chapter names, a penchant for puns, and the pair’s friendly teasing of each other keep things light while not undercutting the drama or the characters’ bravery. Without ever being heavy-handed, each story emphasizes the importance of enjoying being a little weird and of having unique interests and skills (even if solving mysteries isn’t one’s raison d’être).

Three mysteries brimming with amusing adventures and preteen camaraderie.