Clues in the Woods

Clues in the Woods (Liza, Bill & Jed Mysteries) by Peggy Parish

This is the second book in the the series that begins with Key to the Treasure.  Having solved one mystery, the children are anxious to solve another, and their Gran is ready.  She’s been leaving scraps outside for the neighbors to feed to their kittens, but those scraps are disappearing before the girls get to them.  Liza, Bill and Jed are on the case, but almost as soon as they start investigating, other things begin to go missing as well: their new puppy, Liza’s sweater.  Of course, in the end they solve the puzzle and are very surprised at how things turned out.

It’s a simple chapter book that would work for the beginning of third grade as well as some advanced readers in lower grades. The vocabulary is pretty easy and although it’s a mystery, it’s never particularly suspenseful or scary. However, it’s pretty dated, a drawback that may keep some people from recommending the book.  In particular, Native Americans are not handled well in the book (see Racism below) and Bill seems to be particularly dismissive of his sister because she’s a girl.

Additionally, this is not exactly a good example of pet ownership.  They don’t think to ask what to feed the puppy, they decide to get him on the spur of the moment, they make him sleep outside, but don’t confine or contain him and he disappears.

Racism – They find an “Indian Camp” where the Indians are “all painted up”, “just as if they’re on the warpath.” Liza comments that they look so “savage.”  White people dress up like Indians.
Sex, Nudity, Dating – None.
Profanity – “stupid,” “dumb,” both directed at Liza. “for gosh sakes,”  “oh phooey,”
Death, Violence and Gore – Gran has things for the new puppy because she saved her old dog’s things after he died. They worry their puppy might have been hit by a car; they search the road dreading what they might find. Indians shoot a bow and arrow.
Drugs, Alcohol and Smoking – None.
Frightening or Intense Things – Two children are reported missing, possibly runaways.   The children suspect they know where to find them, but won’t tell adults.