The Sluggers Club: A Sports Mystery

Little League baseball and inexplicable theft form the gist of this enjoyable tale, which is certain to score with sports and mystery buffs. B.J. and his teammates are on an amazing winning streak, thanks to the prowess of Medgar Washington, B.J.'s best friend. Despite Wash's consistent dominance, the 12-year-old attributes his dexterity to the special bat he always uses. When it suddenly disappears, Wash's confidence plummets, as does the team's standing. Gradually, other equipment is reported missing, and B.J., Wash and their fellow player Tony organize the Sluggers Club to investigate the apparent sabotage. Walker ( Bigfoot and Other Legendary Creatures ) exhibits a natural fluency with both his dialogue (peppered with a few mild profanities) and his hero's first-person narrative. Despite a somewhat drawn-out plot and a lengthy, albeit heartwarming, resolution, this author drives in a winner. Ages 8-12. (Mar.)