The Case of the Missing Crown Jewels

Book excerpt: The special bond between Keira and Papa shines as they join together to solve their first crime -- The Case of the Missing Crown Jewels. Keira is an 8-year old with red hair, hot pink glasses, and dresses like Pippi Longstockings. She is not as confident as her fashion statement suggests. Her dreams of being a heroine are overshadowed by a cloud of fear that percolates within her extraordinary imagination. Her grandfather, Papa, is just the opposite. His dress is conservative, and before he retired he thrived on adventure. He was a spy. When Keira finds a magic hat that gives her astonishing powers, he invites her to join him in his new spy agency. That is when the Keira and Papa Detective Agency is formed. The trust, teasing and mutual affection they have for each other carries them through a stream of disappointments and challenges as they attempt to solve the mystery. For Keira, the adventure is more than just this case. For her, there are two mysteries: The Case of the Missing Crown Jewels, and the mystery of a new culture. Her dialogue with Sir Hazledine, the Secretary to the Queen, provides insight and humor to the latter. Keira has two allies. Her American Doll, Emma and her mischievous dog, Waffles. Implanted in Emma are various crime-detecting devices that Keira invented. Waffles, who constantly goes from one mishap to the next, has a good nose for crime. Each member of The Keira and Papa Detective Agency has their own unique crime-fighting skills, just the right combination to solve a case with no clues. To the surprise of Scotland Yard, the Director of Security and the Governor of the Tower of London they find the Crown Jewels, the case is solved. But is it? The theft of the Crown Jewels is tied to a kidnapping. This is unexpected. Time is running out. Did they discover this too late? The Keira and Papa Detective Agency, save the day with only minutes to spare. The Queen of England holds a reception in their honor and Keira is awarded The Royal Victorian Order, making her the youngest Dame in the history of England.