A Recipe for Robbery: Mystery at the Biltmore #3

Elodie LaRue, 11, her friend Oscar, and her dog Carnegie make up the LaRue Detective Agency. They are called upon to solve another baffling mystery at the Biltmore apartments where they live. A fairly new resident, Chef Sebastian, has his recipes stolen on the eve of his bakery’s opening. Elodie and Oscar get right on the case and start interviewing people. Chef Sebastian is seen at two different entrances of the Biltmore, but he doesn’t tell a story that matches the witnesses. The owner of a competing restaurant has a solid alibi and feeds all the members of the LaRue Detective Agency. Chef Sebastian’s new assistant is questioned to no avail. Can the kids find the recipes and save Chef Sebastian’s opening?

Author Colleen Nelson has written another romp of a mystery, perfect for young middle-graders, reluctant readers, and emerging readers. The characters are quirky and fun, the members of the detective agency are spunky and smart, and the story is compelling enough to keep young readers engaged all the way through. Cute, cartoonish illustrations by Peggy Collins support the story and add to the fun for youngsters. This book is a great addition to the series.