Max Finder Mystery Collected Casebook, Volume 1

Book excerpt: The debut volume in this award-winning graphic novel series contains ten comics and lots of puzzles to help readers hone their sleuthing skills. Storylines are intriguing, age-appropriate, and relevant; illustrations are detailed and compelling; and dialogue is snappy. Each solve-it-yourself comic stars amateur detective Max Finder and his best friend, budding journalist Alison Santos. Seventh graders at Central Meadows Junior High, these two intrepid investigators must call upon their skills to crack each case before them. Cases in this volume include "The Case of the Stereo-Smashing Spook," "The Case of the Art Attack," and "The Case of the White Pine Werewolf." Clues appear in words and images, so readers must develop their eye for detail in order to solve the mysteries. Solutions appear at the end of each comic, explaining whodunit and why, and the clues that cracked the case. Bonus content unique to this volume includes illustrated character profiles and quizzes, match-ups, and jumbles. Crammed with clues and stuffed with enough suspects and red herrings to keep readers guessing until the very last panel, Max Finder Mystery Collected Casebook Volume 1 promises to engage pre-teens with hours of whodunit fun.