Closed for the Season:
A Mystery Story
by Mary Downing Hahn

    CLOSED FOR THE SEASON by Mary Downing Hahn
    Category:  Mystery/Thriller
    Age Recommendation:  Grades 6+
    Release Date:  6/15/09
    Publisher:  Clarion
    Reviewed by:  Sally Kruger, aka "Readingjunky"
    Rating:  5 Stars


    New to the neighborhood, Logan isn't exactly thrilled when Arthur, the weird kid next door, bustles over to
    welcome him.  Right away, Logan can tell that Arthur is going to be a challenge.

    The other less than thrilling thing that Logan learns about his new home is that its previous owner, Myrtle Donaldson,
    was murdered.  How come his parents didn't check out something like that before they agreed to buy the rundown
    place?

    At least it's summer vacation, so Logan has time to get to know the place before he's thrust into making friends at
    school.  He's not much of an athlete, and if his past school experiences are any indication, making friends with the
    cool kids will probably be a disaster.  

    When Arthur shows up on Logan's doorstep and offers to show him around, he guesses his friendship is better than
    nothing.  The two end up having a lot in common and finding Myrtle Donaldson's killer turns them into a sort of
    crime-fighting team.

    The murder, the possibility of the killer's involvement in embezzlement, and the bulldozing of a local, historic
    amusement park all combine for some great adventure.  Normally law-abiding Logan find himself following the lead
    of reckless Arthur as they investigate Logan's musty attic, the local library, and the overgrown grounds of Magic
    Forest.  They are clever and creative enough to discover some clues that lead them into some dangerous territory.

    Mary Downing Hahn is a master of mystery.  As the author of novels for young people, she captures the spooky
    atmosphere of the old amusement park and the excitement of the chase as she reveals the clues to the years old
    murder mystery.  

    CLOSED FOR THE SEASON is an excellent addition to any middle grade mystery collection.