Girl's Best Friend (Maggie Brooklyn Mystery)
Gr 5-7–Twelve-year-old Maggie Brooklyn is a dog-walker and a wannabe Nancy Drew. She gets her first chance to sleuth when neighborhood dogs begin disappearing. The dognappings are mysteriously introduced in the prologue, but more crimes slowly appear as readers meet and get to know the protagonist. The pacing keeps kids looking for additional clues and gives Maggie a chance to prove what they suspect. Not only does she expose the thief, but she also solves a second mystery–her landlady's missing fortune. That mystery weaves quietly in and out of the chapters as Maggie deals with the missing pets, her crush on Milo, her friend-enemy Ivy, and her busy schedule of dog-walking (plus, keeping it a secret from her parents). Characters are well-developed, typical preteens. Readers will easily identify with these seventh graders, and they will love the eccentric landlady who adds a bit of humor. Mystery fans will enjoy this lighthearted whodunit.–Carolyn Janssen, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, OH. (c) Copyright 2010.  Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc.  No redistribution permitted.