Secrets in the Hills: A Josefina Mystery (American Girl Mysteries (Quality))
Grade 4-6-Two more winning entries in a popular series. InSecrets, Josefina lives on her family's New Mexico homestead in the 1820s. She is fascinated when a mysterious man with an injured leg is brought to her house and she and her family must care for him. While laundering his clothes, Josefina accidentally discovers a treasure map in a pocket. Could it lead to buried treasure somewhere in the hills around her house? InPeril, Felicity lives on her family's Virginia plantation where she dotes on her prized horse, Penny. As things begin to heat up between the Loyalists and Patriots, the girl is intrigued by a local visitor, Mr. Haskall, who admires Penny and studies local plant life. However, Felicity begins to suspect he is not who he pretends to be when she discovers detailed maps of her family's plantation in his notebooks. Each story begins slowly, but methodically weaves in clues as it builds on the mystery. Background information is carefully integrated, especially in Josefina's story, which is rich with tales of buried treasure and local traditions, foods, and crafts. Both books include a historical note with color photographs and illustrations.-Kristen Oravec, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Strongsville, OHCopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.