• Age: 9 to 12
• Grade: 4 to 7
• Reading age: 9 to 12

Dylan and his friends attract the attention of the police when a summer bonfire gets out of control.

Dylan almost loses a job opportunity at a local inn because of his antics, but he is saved by the lies of Heather, an employee of the inn. When he is caught on camera stealing towels from a summer cottage after a skinny-dipping prank, Dylan and his friends become suspects in several cottage robberies. Dylan learns everything he can about the robberies, with the hope of clearing his name, and finds himself in more than one sticky situation in the process.

This short novel is a high-interest, low-reading level book for middle-grade readers who are building reading skills, want a quick read or say they don’t like to read! The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.

Deb Loughead is the author of more than twenty-five books for children and young adults. She completed an English degree at the University of Toronto before working as a copy editor. She turned to creative writing after deciding to stay home to raise her three sons. Deb's books have been translated into seven languages, and her award-winning poetry and adult fiction have appeared in a variety of Canadian publications. In addition to having extensive experience with educational writing, Deb has conducted workshops and held readings at schools, festivals and conferences across the country. She has written and directed children’s plays and taught creative writing classes for adults in Toronto. Deb likes to spend her non-writing time reading, knitting or hanging around horses as a therapeutic riding volunteer. Deb lives with her family in Toronto, Ontario. For more information, visit www.debloughead.ca.

Deb Loughead's profile page

• Commended, Resource Links, The Year's Best Books

"A quick read, recommended for preteens and teens looking for a relatable, funny story with some important take aways."

The Deakin Review of Children's Literature

"A fabulous addition to Orca Current library...Loughhead constructs her characters carefully...Through it all, we really like Dylan, despite cringing over some of his choices, and are relieved at the end when all comes out well. It is to Loughead's credit that while narrative expectations led us to expect a satisfactory ending, Dylan's story in no way ensures one."

Resource Links

"A solid, interesting, never-too-threatening mystery."

Booklist

"Action-packed, with everything a mystery aimed for this age group needs. Intrigue, misdirection, a hint of romance, some not-so-bad bad guys, some truly bad bad guys, and an intelligent young detective...Along with a very likeable main character, Loughead’s small town and support characters come alive...An enjoyable, fast-paced read with a good cast of characters, a plausible plot, realistic dialogue and language that is appropriate for the intended readers. Highly Recommended."

CM: Canadian Review of Materials