Rating: I like it BUT some families may not

Reading Level: Early Elementary

I’d put these at about the same reading level as The Boxcar Children and the same maturity as Encyclopedia Brown but a bit more modern and edgy.

Possible Concerns:

  • Presumed Kidnapping. There is some mystery in the presumed kidnapping of an author (SPOILER ALERT: but it turns out she just staged it as a part of research for her next book), so its a nominally a little bit scary.
  • Playful Insults. Josh calls his friend a dope when he doesn’t realize he’s being teased. The friend jokingly tells Josh he’s ugly.  It’s all in good fun but still might not be good for some families.

I feel this one was just fine for a young reader craving more intriguing books to read. All the characters are likeable and safe enough for children to be around. I was not as excited about book 2: The Bald Bandit, but I did like book 3: The Canary Caper.

*You may wish to also check out this book’s review on ChristianParentReviews.com: https://christianparentreviews.com/book-reviews/A-to-Z-Mysteries-The-Absent-Author