Cast a Single Shadow

Twelve-year-old twins Tracy and Doug Nelson are shocked when their mother is arrested for robbing the jewelry store in which she works. The police consider the case closed, so the twins have to find the real culprit before their mom goes to trial in two weeks' time. Tracy trails behind while Doug does all the investigating. But Doug breaks his leg, and for the first time Tracy has to be brave and work alone. In a rather too-neat ending, Tracy captures the real thief, who had been plotting in tandem with the man courting her grandmother. This seems more suitable for readers on the younger end of the specified age range, who may enjoy its easy plot and unassuming lesson about conquering fear. (8-12)