CAM JANSEN AND THE BIRTHDAY MYSTERY

[Editor's Note: The following is a combined review with CAM JANSEN AND THE SCARY SNAKE.]--Cam Jansen, the main character in this popular adventure series for kids, is a plucky girl with a photographic memory--a gift she uses to solve mysteries. In these two stories, Cam attempts to find solutions to different puzzles confronting her family. Who stole her mother's video camera (and why?), and who robbed her grandparents in the airport parking lot? Christina Moore does a good job creating a spunky, kid-like Cam whom she backs with a believable cast of supporting characters. Moore also paces these stories well--building a sense of drama without overdoing it--and fully engaging young listeners. Two more satisfying mysteries for the younger detective set. J.C.G. (c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/ JUL 04]