cover image Whiz Tanner and the Olympic Snow Caper (Tanner-Dent Mysteries)

Whiz Tanner and the Olympic Snow Caper (Tanner-Dent Mysteries)

Fred Rexroad. Awesome Quest Mysteries, $16.99 (212p) ISBN 978-1-946650-05-4

When the Tanner-Dent Detective Agency embarks on a winter ski vacation to Marsh River Mountain, sixth grade detectives Whiz Tanner and Joey Dent wonder if the trip—their first since starting the agency—might provide a break from their sleuthing adventures. But it soon becomes clear this is not the case when three Olympic ski medals are stolen from the lodge in which their implied-white families are staying. After the bridge to the lodge collapses during a snowstorm, Whiz and Joey try to unravel the mystery. Readers can dissect details about each suspect along with the duo, as they learn to work together with siblings Madi and Wyatt, who become allies along the way. Whiz’s overexplaining and didactic tone leads to occasionally clunky dialogue, and some plot points are predictable, but the book’s hardboiled detective–style prose will appeal. From copies of the team’s business card at the beginning of the book to the sneak peek of the next volume at the end, Rexroad effectively immerses readers in this high energy, fast-paced fourth installment, which will appeal to fans of classic early mystery series. Ages 9–12. (Self-published)