• Age: 12 to 18
• Grade: 8 to 12
• Reading age: 12 to 18

Charlie Hope was not expecting to spend his summer trying to solve a murder.

Helping his mother run the family hotel doesn’t usually offer much excitement. The only other people around are Penny Price, a spoiled child actor and star of the hit TV series Little Miss Murder being shot in town, and Mr. Ignato, an elderly resident at the hotel. When Mr. Ignato dies from a fall down the stairs, Charlie suspects foul play. Nobody believes him except for Penny, who jumps at the chance to solve a real murder. The two of them discover that Mr. Ignato was once a famous international jewel thief who stole a million-dollar diamond that was never recovered. Is Mr. Ignato’s criminal past related to his untimely death? And can Charlie and Penny prove that it wasn’t an accident?

This short novel is a high-interest, low-reading level book for teen 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.

John Lekich is a Vancouver-based author and freelance writer whose work has appeared in such publications as Reader's Digest, the Los Angeles Times and the Hollywood Reporter. A former West Coast arts correspondent for The Globe and Mail, he is the recipient of ten regional and national magazine awards. His favorite interview subjects include Audrey Hepburn, George Plimpton, Garrison Keillor and silent screen star Lillian Gish.
John is the author of two previous young adult novels, The Losers' Club and King of the Lost and Found. He is currently working on a new novel.

John Lekich's profile page

• Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens
• Commended, Top Grade: CanLit for the Classroom

“A comedic hi-lo cozy mystery.”

School Library Journal

“Both a captivating choice for readers who want hi-lo content and a good selection for any student looking for a fun mystery.”

Children's Literature

“John Lekich has written a fast-paced murder mystery that’s suspenseful, heartwarming and wonderfully funny. Do yourself a favor and book a reservation at the Hotel Hopeless. Once you’ve checked in, you’ll never want to leave.”

Mark Leiren-Young, author of the Leacock Award for Humour winner <i>Never Shoot a Stampede Queen</i>

“A fun adventure with all of the twists and plot turns of a larger story. Lekich does well balancing a tale about two unlikely teenage friends trying to solve a mystery in an adult world…A great read for anyone that is looking for a story that checks all the boxes and has all of the loose ends tied up. Highly Recommended.”

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

“A lightweight whodunit...Tailor-made for reluctant readers who prefer their noir on the lighter side.”

Kirkus Reviews