Ernie Lindsey is a USA Today Bestselling author who has
published many adult mystery and suspense novels. In his
first foray into tween fiction, THE MARSHMALLOW HAMMER
DETECTIVE AGENCY: THE CASE OF THE GOLDEN EGG, main character
Hat (Halcyone Acasia Tintersmoot) receives a mysterious
package on her twelfth birthday... from her beloved Grandpa
Gordon who died three years ago.
What is inside is the best present possible, a new case for
Hat's detective agency. Hat's Grandpa was a real life
private detective and encouraged her to follow in his
footsteps.
The trail of clues leads Hat and her new friend Frank on a
journey that will have them looking at life a bit
differently than ever before.
I particularly liked the full inclusion of the clues, giving
readers a chance to guess at the meanings before they are
revealed within the story line and also the gentle
underlying message that threaded throughout the book without
ever being obviously moralistic. Lindsey's skill at writing
suspense translates well into this lighter genre, keeping
even adult readers turning the pages.
I think the book will make a really good read for ages 8 to
13 (and even older, as my 51-year-old self also enjoyed it!)
and might provide a good talking point with parents about
people and classmates that have experienced homelessness or
have had a more challenging life than most.
The author assures us there will be more adventures coming,
thank goodness. Reading THE MARSHMALLOW HAMMER DETECTIVE
AGENCY: THE CASE OF THE GOLDEN EGG was a very pleasant
experience and I will make a point of reading others in the
series as they are released.
The sudden and unexpected arrival of a mysterious package
interrupts Hat Tintersmoot's twelfth birthday. Where did it
come from? Who left it? Once she discovers that the small
cardboard box is a gift from her Grandpa Gordon, the mystery
deepens...considering the fact that he passed away three
years ago. The handwritten note reads, "Inside this box is
an impossible mystery that only the purest of hearts can
ever hope to uncover. Solve it, and you will discover the
answer to one of the greatest secrets ever." It's another
perfect job for the owner of The Marshmallow Hammer
Detective Agency. With the help of a new best friend, and
her first official employee, Hat must uncover the truth
behind five nearly impossible clues in order to find the
answer. The Mysterious Case of the Golden Egg is a
heartwarming tale full of riddles, puzzles, and thoughtful
messages about life, love, and happiness.