Jaime and Matt engage in all sorts of surreptitious activities to get into the attic and solve the mystery. At every step, they run into teachers and family members who wish they'd just behave. And they're not helped by their own inept sleuthing - they leave their dishes in the school attic, they're always late for class, etc. The mystery is solved very simply, finally, as most are. But the truth would never have been known without the kids' digging (in more ways than one).

      This is a nice chapter book with larger bold text that is suitable for advanced young readers or older readers looking for a quick read. There is lots of dialogue to make the story run by quickly, the drawback being that the characters are not well developed as a result. Each character participates actively in the plot, with the slight edge to Jaime. Because she is somewhat of a tomboy, the book has appeal for both boys and girls. The plot is straightforward, with only one string (the role of Mr. Roberts) left unresolved. Each chapter runs between five and ten pages, a length which will make children feel a sense of accomplishment as they read. The illustrations on the soft cover show contemporary kids, and there are black and white illustrations interspersed through the book. The text indicates that the setting is Canadian, without specifying where.

      This book is appropriate for a bulk reading program or a school library.

Recommended.