THE CASE OF THE ABSENT ANSWERS Mickie McKinney: Boy Detective, Book 1

Hannah Edelson robustly introduces seventh-grade detective Mickie McKinney and his lively classmates. Listeners meet Midkie as he is sitting in his office (the classroom), awaiting business--for which he's paid in candy. He uses a science whiz to determine the contents of the cafeteria meatloaf. Edelson shines as kindhearted Midkie; bigmouth bully Tommy; and tough new girl Sam, who has reduced Tommy to a stuttering mess. When Sam is accused of stealing test answers, Mickie leaps into action. Listeners will be impressed by Midkie's clever ruse to uncover the real culprit, including his hilarious stint hiding in a trash can on taco day. Relatable characters young and old, evocative Sherlock Holmes quotes, and a moving conclusion make this a rewarding listen. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2023]