Title:
Super Sleuth:
Five Alison Leigh
Powers Mysteries
Author:
Gay Toltl Kinman
Publisher:
Amber Quill
Press
ISBN:
1-59279-867-5
Copyright Date:
2003
Format:
Electronic
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Super Sleuth: Five Alison Leigh Powers Mysteries follows the pre-teen heroine Super Sleuth Alison Leigh Powers, through adventures that affect her and her friends, both animal and human.
The Mystery of the Missing Arabian - Alison discovers a tethered, frightened mare in a falling down shack. Taking the abused animal back to Mr. Dawson's stables, where she has a summer job, she washes the wounds, discovering a gorgeous Arabian mare. Melissa Chan, a girl close to Alison's age, had been afraid she would never find her priceless mare that had been stolen by horsenappers. Alison may have bitten off more than she expected when her new friend asks for help. Is she putting the other horses in danger?
The Mystery Of The Missing Miniature Books - Alison's mom, the local librarian and book conservator, is preparing Mr. Smith's miniature book collection for sale - the proceeds of which will be donated to St. Mary's, Alison's school. To earn extra money, Alison persuades her mother to hire her to catalogue the books at the Smith mansion. But as the miniatures begin to disappear, putting her mother's job in jeopardy, Alison's detecting antenna begins to buzz. Her list of suspects grows. Could the thief be more than one person? Could it be one of Alison's teachers?
The Mystery Of The Octagon House - While her best friend is in Germany Alison finds a confident in the strange, eight-sided house she has named "Ms. Octagon". Alison tells Ms. Octagon all her problems, discussing people who make her miserable. And Lobita Smythe is the worst. A family friend, learning of Alison's fascination with the unusual house, sends her the history of the house and copies of the floor plans. How can Alison convince Ms. Octagon's agoraphobic, reclusive owner to allow her inside? And WHY is that dreadful Lobita Smythe visiting Ms. Octagon?
The Secret Of The Equestrian Park - Strange occurrences have been happening around Mr. Dawson's stables. Alison, who loves working for Mr. Dawson, is determined to uncover who is behind the accidents before someone is seriously hurt. As Alison and her friend, Melissa, follow the clues they find all kinds of secrets hidden in the equestrian park? But what do they have to do with Mr. Dawson's small stable?
The Secret Of The Strange Staircase - Mitty, Alison best friend, brought a book that tells of secret rooms for the hiding Priests from her trip to Germany. Looking through the pages they see a staircase resembling one in the Smith Mansion. Visiting Alison's mother, who is still working at the Smith Mansion, they find information that corroborates their suspicions about a concealed space within the house. Will they find the hidden entrance? What secrets might be hiding in the mansion? And should they be uncovered?
Gay Toltl Kinman's writing skills make these stories worth reading as Alison overcomes danger and solves whodunits. I found this book to be entertaining, as we are drawn effortlessly into the complicated life of the pre-teen Alison, with all the foibles of youth. We are shown that bravery does not have any age requirements, nor does fortitude and curiosity.
These stories were previously only available electronically and now five mysteries have been combined into ONE paperback! Each story stands by itself but brought together in this one volume make for an enjoyable read. This book flows quickly from one story to the next, holding your attention and having you waiting breathless for the next adventure. I can see readers of all ages enjoying this book of mystery. - I know I did! Nancy Drew/Hardy Boys mysteries are in for some stiff competition!
Reviewed by: Gayle
