Everyone loves a good mystery book. Monika Bhatkhande has authored two interesting mystery novels (published by Reado Junior) that will appeal to older children and tweens, the 8-12 age group. The stories are reminiscent of the mystery novels that many of us may have read in childhood. However, the book is quite in sync with the times with its modern bunch of kids, living in a gated community and apartment complex in urban India. Samar aka Sam, and his troop make up the veritable bunch of kids who are also a part of the book club, but can’t help getting caught in mysteries of their own!
In the Woof of Time by Monika Bhatkhande
Samar aka Sam, Zayn, Zara and Sophia make up the veritable four who solve the first mystery. They are a part of a book club and to make things exciting, their favourite author, Mr. Lekhak, moves into their high-rise apartment complex. However, there is some mystery cooking up because things go missing from the building. It all starts when a prize- winning dog disappears. Expensive jewellery and even milk bottles are stolen.
The book club has to dive deep into the strange going on’s. To add to the problems, Sam also becomes a suspect!! How does the book club ride this one?
At the Quack of Dawn by Monika Bhatkhande
The second mystery involving the book club has two more members in addition to the original four. Six children are enjoying their winter break, when they smell a mystery. Professor Munia, a famous ornithologist has moved onto their society. However, one morning he suddenly disappears.
This is a mystery that takes the children into dangerous territory. In the spotlight are the famed mangrove wetlands of the city, and a lobby of builders and businessmen who have no qualms about destroying the environment for personal gains.
But truth is stranger than fiction and the surprise twist to the story makes it an exiting read!
