The case of the missing zucchini [eBook - NC Kids Digital Library] : The Ghost and Max Monroe Series, Book 2

Someone has stolen the Zamboni sisters' giant zucchini, which was certain to win first prize at the Harvest Fair. Max Monroe is on the case, with the help of his peculiar sidekick -- the ghost of his great-uncle Larry. They encounter a cast of unusual suspects. But who would -- or even could -- steal a two-hundred-pound vegetable? One thing is for sure: this isn't your garden-variety mystery! In this first title in the detective fiction series by L. M. Falcone, ten-year-old Max Monroe is intrigued to discover that the carriage house behind his grandpa's home was once the office of the Monroe Detective Agency. Then he learns the agency had belonged to his grandpa's dead brother, Larry. But Max didn't know he had a great-uncle. ?Well, he's dead,? says Grandpa Harry, ?but his ghost still haunts the detective agency.? It seems Uncle Larry died of a broken heart because he ?never solved one measly case.? However, a surprise phone call from a magician named Marty the Magnificent with an offer of a detective job seems like the second chance Larry has been begging for. Except, Larry is a ghost --- he can't work a case in the real world. But Max can! With Larry's help, of course. The offbeat idea of a boy detective with a ghost as a sidekick provides this story with lots of opportunities for inside jokes and misunderstandings. This is a terrific chapter book series for newly independent readers who are ready for something more challenging than a first reader, with simple sentences, humorous dialogue and very short chapters, designed to make the reading experience less daunting. The limited black-and-white illustrations (around one per chapter) by Kim Smith provide details that enrich the story. The series provides a great introduction to the mystery genre, perfect for honing critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. Zeeta and Zelda Zamboni are beside themselves when they call the Monroe Detective Agency. "Our most prized possession has been stolen!" the sisters announce. "Will you help us? Please?" Max agrees to help them find their missing possession, and then he finds out what it is: a two-hundred-pound zucchini! Looking for a zucchini is "sure to be duller than dirt," Max thinks. However, once he and Uncle Larry (the ghost) start digging around for clues, they discover this new case is actually full of interesting possibilities. In fact, the Zamboni sisters have some awfully suspicious neighbors. The big question is, will Max and Uncle Larry manage to solve the mystery and locate the giant zucchini in time to enter it in the Harvest Fair's vegetable competition? I really need your help! said the woman on the phone. A note has been slipped into my purse. It says, Beware a dirty trick! Max Monroe can't believe Rhonda Remington, his favorite author, is calling the Monroe Detective Agency looking for his help! It's hours before Rhonda competes for a spot in the Mystery Hall of Fame, and she's desperate to find out who wrote the note and what kind of dirty trick they're planning for her big night. Max is thrilled to take her case. He may be only ten years old, but he's a clever detective. And of course he has his partner, Uncle Larry, to help him. Well, as much as an uncle who's a ghost can help! When Max Monroe discovers an old detective agency in his grandfather's backyard, he also uncovers a spooky secret: the ghost of his great-uncle Larry! Max has always been obsessed with mystery books, so when Larry is given a second chance to prove he's a capable detective, they team up to help find a missing birthday girl. Can they rule out the many suspects -- including a clown and a practical joker -- before the birthday girl's mom comes home? Max Monroe's favorite writer, Rhonda Remington, needs his help! It's the night of a big storytelling competition at Waldon Hall, and Rhonda Remington has received a warning note about a dirty trick. She turns to the Monroe Detective Agency, but the clock is ticking ... Can Max and Larry clean up this case before the competition begins? It is the night of the big storytelling competition at Waldon Hall, and Rhonda Remington has received a warning note about a dirty trick. Can Max and Larry clean up this case before the competition begins? Ten-year-old Max Monroe teams up with his bumbling great-uncle's ghost, Larry, to help solve the mystery of the birthday girl who really disappeared during a magic act