In the second book in the Sam & Friends Mystery graphic novel series, canine sleuth Sam is bored at the prospect of spending a cottage weekend at Sagawa Lake - until she hears that the lake has a deep, dark secret. This is exactly what Sam wants to hear and sure enough, with help from Jennie and Beth, Sam finds an old diary hidden in the wall of their cabin and what they read there is chilling. Is it the key to the secret of Sagawa Lake? What about the strange face painted on the rock, near the water's edge - and the creepy cave nearby? Something lurks in the depths of the lake. All they need is proof, which Sam is determined to obtain at all costs.
As always, the mystery-solving trio of Sam, Jennie and Beth blow up events to scary proportions and young graphic novel readers will furiously turn pages to reach the climax - and a surprising solution to the mystery.
This graphic-novel adaptation of the sixth book in Labatt's "Sam, Dog Detective" series is quite successful.
Sam's attitude and fumbling detective work are made even more enjoyable through the artist's panels, which ably mix the styles of manga and Western comics.
This edition is not currently available in bookstores. Check your local library or search for used copies at Abebooks.
Sam the dog is on vacation with her best friends, Jennie and Beth. When the girls find an old diary, Sam is on the trail of a new mystery. What’s glowing underwater? Why are there webbed footprints on the beach? Who knows the secret of Sagawa Lake? This second volume in the series is based on Labatt’s The Secret of Sagawa Lake.
Source: The Canadian Children’s Book Centre. Best Books for Kids & Teens. 2010.