A to Z Mysteries: The Absent Author

By Ron Roy and John Steven Gurney

Help Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose solve mysteries from A to Z!
 
Kids love collecting the entire alphabet and super editions! With over 8 million copies in print, the A to Z Mysteries® have been hooking chapter book readers on mysteries and reading for years. Now this classic kid favorite is back with a bright new look!
 
A is for Author . . . A famous writer is coming to Green Lawn! Dink rushes to the bookstore to meet his favorite author, Wallis Wallace, and get all his books signed. But the author never shows up! Where is Wallis Wallace? It’s up to Dink and his friends Josh and Ruth Rose to track him down.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Random House Children's Books
• Release date: Jul 1, 2009
• ISBN: 9780307510129

Book preview

Chapter 1

Please, Josh, Dink said. "If you come with me today, I’ll owe you one. Just name it. Anything!"

Dink’s full name was Donald David Duncan. But no one in Green Lawn ever called him that. Except his mother, when she meant business.

Josh Pinto grinned at his best friend. Anything? He raised his mischievous green eyes toward the ceiling of Dink’s bedroom. Let’s see, what do you have that I want? He scratched his head. I know, I’ll take Loretta!

Dink tossed a pillow at Josh. "When I said anything, I meant anything but my guinea pig! Are you coming with me or not? I have to be at the Book Nook in fifteen minutes!"

Dink rushed into the bathroom, tucking his shirt into his jeans at the same time. Josh followed him.

Standing in front of the mirror, Dink yanked a brush through his thick blond hair. Well? he asked. Are you coming with me?

What’s so important about this writer guy? Josh asked, sitting on the edge of the bathtub.

Dink turned around and pointed his hairbrush. Wallis Wallace isn’t just some writer guy, Josh. He’s the most famous mystery writer in the world! All the kids read his books. Except for you.

If he’s so famous, why’s he coming to dinky little Green Lawn?

Dink charged back into his bedroom. "I told you! He’s coming because I invited him. I’m scared to death to meet someone so famous. I don’t even know what you’re supposed to say to an author!"

Dink dived under his bed and backed out again with his sneakers. Please come with me?

Josh leaned in the bedroom doorway. Sure I’ll come, you dope. I’m just trying to make you sweat. Usually you’re so calm!

Dink stared at his friend. You will? Thanks! I can’t believe Wallis Wallace is really coming. When I wrote and asked him, I never thought he’d say yes.

Dink yanked his backpack out of his closet. Pack my books, okay? I’m getting Wallis Wallace to sign them all!

Josh began pulling Wallis Wallace books off Dink’s bookshelf. Geez, how many do you have?

Every one he’s written. Dink sat on the floor to tie his sneakers. Twenty-three so far. You should read some of them, Josh.

Josh picked out The Poisoned Pond and read the back cover. Hey, cool! It says here that Wallis Wallace lives in a castle in Maine! Wouldn’t that be neat?

Dink grinned. When I’m a famous writer you can live in my castle, Josh.

"No way. When I’m a famous artist, you can live in my castle. Down in the basement!"

Josh picked up The Riddle in the River. What’s this guy look like? he asked. And how come his picture isn’t on any of these books?

I wondered about that, too, Dink said. "I sent

Reviews for A to Z Mysteries

[akwon3 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I liked this book for two reasons. One reason I liked this book was for the plot. It had a very organized structure and things happened throughout the book that you wouldn't expect. I think that this made the story more interesting. The pace of the plot was also good. The events weren't happening too fast or too slow and they were all very realistic. Another reason I liked this book was for the characters. Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose all have very unique personalities that any child could relate to. I think that you can see yourself in any one of the three characters shoes and it helps you better understand the story. Overall, I don't really think that this book had a main message.

[yona-414000 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Two ratings for early chapter books, I think. Around a three for me; and these, I think, are a definite four for what they are and who their audience is. I really did some smiling through these and I was pretty impressed with several things (read the first three and will copy this to the others). They seemed to me like they would be really challenging and I liked the addition of the map of the neighborhood in the front.

[missbrandysue · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Dink, Josh and Ruth Rose are so excited to meet mystery author Wallis Wallace, but he never shows up! Earlier in the week he had written to Dink saying he promised to be there, though, unless he got kidnapped. When Wallis Wallace can't be found the three detectives go on the hunt. They trace Wallis's itinerary and find that he's held in the hotel room next to the one he checked out. Luckily it was all a ploy set up by MS Wallace and her brother to write her next mystery novel.

This was a Name That Book selection through CFISD's librarians. I thought it was great for second/third graders. The simply writing and story line is easy to read. Great medium-level chapter book for kids learning to read and comprehend longer books!

[nmhale_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. I expected it to be mildly entertaining, suited for readers transitioning into chapter books. A simple plot, slightly developed characters, sentences that are starting to be more complex but are still straightforward, and a restrained vocabulary list. Many beginning chapter books operate within these constraints, and I expected that the mystery would be less appealing to an adult given that the format is more structured. However, I liked the mystery. Yes, it is definitely aimed for a young audience, meaning that I figured it out rather quickly, well before the big reveal. Nonetheless, the story line was original and the mystery was quirky and fun.

The story is about Dink, a boy who is excited because his favorite author is coming to town. He invited Wallis Wallace, mystery writer, to visit his home, and the author accepted. When he is supposed to appear at the book signing, though, the famous author is absent. Dink is not just sad, he's frightened - his letter from Mr. Wallace said he would only stay away if he is kidnapped, and Dink is certain that is exactly what happened. He convinces his friends, Josh and Ruth Rose, to help him find the abducted man. They think about how the characters in a Wallace mystery would act, and begin to gather clues and solve the mystery. Accompanying them is a quiet woman named Mavis Green, who was also present at the Book Nook to meet Mr. Wallace, and is concerned for his safety.

The cute story is accompanied by detailed black-and-white drawings, and a map of the small town at the front of the book. The clues in the book are clearly laid out, and readers can use deductive reasoning along with Dink to figure out the next step, and solve the mystery. Also, the characters are sufficiently distinct and appealing, and I expect (hope) they will continue to develop in subsequent books in the series. The side characters are a bit exaggerated, but silly, and keep the story moving along quickly. There is plenty of humor that young readers will relate to. This book is a strong beginning, and I am excited to see if the rest of the series continues to be fun and kid friendly.

[adaniel11 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Review: The author did a good job of staying true to the genre of realistic fiction by creating a story about three children who follow clues left by an adult that will lead to them finding their favorite mystery writer.
Media: Pencil

[debnance_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This series came to me recommended by others in the Grow-a-Reader Bookbox. I agree. Good first mystery series.

[skeeterbo · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

It was bad because it wasn't entertaining (like a Magic Treehouse book). I wish it was more about animals.