Play Dead

Mason and Stephens, who have teamed up for several Candy Apple and Princess School titles, debut the A Dog and His Girl Mysteries with a quick-moving whodunit. The narrative unfolds in the alternating voices of 12-year-old Cassie Sullivan and Dodge, her German shepherd sleuthing partner. Retired police dog Dodge is an especially exuberant narrator, his staccato monologue conveying his zest for life, food, and detective work. (As Dodge gobbles up food Cassie drops from the dinner table and listens to her police chief mother describe a new investigation, the dog couldn’t be happier: “I had everything I wanted. Burger. Girl. Case. Woof”). The central mystery involves a miserly billionaire who disappears after swimming in treacherous waters; he apparently died intestate, and three shady individuals—his housekeeper, the mayor, and his alleged fiancée—are squabbling over his estate. Relegated to the background, these characters remain somewhat indistinct, taking the edge off the mystery. Still, Cassie and Dodge’s strong personalities, endearing rapport, and investigative skills (Cassie is quite good at playing dumb to get the info she’s after) will draw readers into the action. Ages 8–12. (Feb.)