Trouble on Wheels

Lynn Manuel writes mystery novels for young adults and is the author of
Return to Cranberry Farm.

Hunter Watson’s reputation as a 5th-grade detective is put to the test
when the flashier bikes at the school are being smashed and slashed.
Each incident of vandalism adds to the mounting tension of the
well-crafted plot. Things take an ugly turn when friendless Jeremy
Diskau falls under suspicion and a gang of boys threaten to teach him a
lesson. Hunter comes to his rescue by promising to find the real
culprit. He then sets a trap using his own bike and discovers the
identity of the real criminal.

Aveling’s strengths are in her realistic dialogue and believable
characters. Hunter is a very likable narrator with an appealing sense of
humor, and the novel has an easy, conversational tone. Recommended.