An Irresistible Southern Mystery ✩✩✩✩

Here in Connecticut, ten middle-grade books are nominated every year to compete for the Nutmeg Award. This year, the list includes The Ghosts of Tupelo Landing by Sheila Turnage. I was pretty certain that The One and Only Ivan (also on the list) would have the win all wrapped up. However, this charming adventure really took me by surprise! Mo LeBeau, "one half of the probably world-famous detective agency the Desperado Detectives", and her sidekick Dale, are back in this sequel to Three Times Lucky. Mo is plucky and clever, and her way of looking at the world is laugh-out-loud funny! For example, in Chapter 30, "The Horror Unfolds", Mo is desperately trying to avoid giving her oral report on Fishbowl Friday, so she exclaims: "Excuse me, Miss Retzyl, but the entire town's trembling from financial stress. Oral reports could tip us over the edge, which could mean not only personal heartbreak, but a class action lawsuit. I'd hate to see you embroiled." The entire book is just as witty...I had to read passages to my husband as he wondered what I was laughing about. This is a terrific book you could recommend to any fifth grader who loves a good tale.