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.