How Come the Best Clues Are Always in the Garbage?

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

Sixth grader Stephanie Olivia Diamond changes her name to Steve, and
sets out to catch the robber who stole the money from her mother’s
environmental group, the Garbage Busters. She has a list of likely
suspects including Crazy Gertie (who has a pot labelled “blood,” an
eyeball, and a gun in her apartment) and Arnie Sykes (who has 10
earrings in his left ear, greasy curls, and chicken feet in his van).

Using a Vancouver setting, Bailey has written a novel with engaging
characters and delightful humor. Although realism is strained in
sections, the story does contain all the elements of a good mystery. The
author has a wonderful ear for dialogue, and, with the fast-paced
action, this is a book that will be sure to entertain and amuse the
middle-school reader.