When Detectives Hang Up Their Magnifying Glasses

Hello, Kids and All Readers,

It’s late May. In the Northern Hemisphere, that means–HERE COMES SUMMER! How will you spend it this year?

After months of cracking codes, sneaking through shadows, and outsmarting adults who really should know better, our four young Botanic Hill detectives have declared a summer moratorium on mysteries. (Or so they say.)

What have they planned for their big escape? And will they really be able to avoid a good mystery if one comes their way? (My guess? No! Your prediction?)

Lanny, Lexi, Moki, and Rani are temporarily going in separate directions to explore personal passions—some creative, some charitable, some surprising, and maybe some (You fill in the blank!). I’m wondering if any of their summer adventures will lead them back into a mystery! Hmm . . . . Only time will tell.

One thing is certain: They can’t be apart for long! So, they’ve built in time together at Mango Beach each weekend to hug and share how their passions are progressing.

Dedicated readers know that Lanny idolizes Sherlock Holmes. The boy discovered that the Las Palmitas Junior Theater is presenting “The Hound of the Baskervilles,” his favorite Holmes-and-Watson adventure. He’s determined to capture the leading role of the Master Detective himself! Will he succeed? Or will he end up playing the Hound? Maybe a criminal? (Hey, Lanny! It might be instructive to be the crook to learn how “the other side” thinks. Or would that destroy your escape?)

As readers are also aware, our emotional Lexi loves music, especially classic Rock ‘n’ Roll. But she’s been so busy solving mysteries that she knows how to play records and music videos but not musical instruments. To remedy that, she’s signed up for guitar lessons! Will she like the guitar? How far will she get this summer? Will she discover some new-to-her musicians and their tunes?

Moki thought about taking a cooking class to appease his stomach. He chose to do something to benefit the community instead. After a bit of thought, he volunteered to teach little kids how to surf! The athletic instructors at Mango Beach had been after the Hawaiian surfing champion for years to join them. This summer, watch out waves. Here comes Moki the Master!

And our Rani wants to learn more about Grecian art. What better place than at the Antiquities Research Collective (the ARC) in the heart of Cortez Park! The detectives know the ARC well: Lanny and Lexi’s parents work there. And the sleuths have often picked the brains of Dr. Leland Abbott, the director, while solving their cases. The ARC is hosting a teens’ summer internship program as it prepares for a very special ancient Grecian art exhibit. Rani’s application is in. She intends to be a part of the team!

Will our savvy sleuths’ summer plans stay on track or derail? Escape–or mystery? Trouble has a way of finding the four, even when they’re armed only with sunscreen and slushies. No matter how their summer plans turn out, the Botanic Hill detectives have pledged to give their full reports in the August 31 Newsletter–so stay tuned!

For now, get a clue, dear Readers! Do you think our sleuths will succeed at taking a break? Or will an irresistible mystery cross their paths? So, what are your plans this summer? Whatever you do, and wherever the season takes you, the detectives and I hope this summer exceeds all your expectations.