Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Book Review of More Five Minute Mysteries: 34 New Cases of Murder and Mayhem for You to Solve

More Five Minute Mysteries: 34 New Cases of Murder and Mayhem for You to Solve
reviewed on + 67 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1


From School Library Journal
Grade 3-7. Lovers of mysteries should be thrilled with this book and cassette package. There are 14 cases to solve, with varying degrees of difficulty. Among the cases are "The Dilemma on the Fourteenth Green," "The Case of the Very Busy Bookworm," and "Who Was Guarding the Prisoners." Most require only common sense and a little thought to solve. For example, one case involves a shoplifter who was seen in a mirror. The identity of the culprit rests on which arm had a tattoo. Since the thief was seen in a mirror, the witness saw a reflection, not the actual person. When the witness identifies a man based only on which arm he saw in the mirror, he picks incorrectly. Why? With a little thought, the majority of students should be able to figure out that the witness saw a reflection in the mirror and therefore the opposite of the actual arm?the left, not the right. A hint is given to this effect in a separate part of the book. There is also a warning on the tape telling listeners to turn off the tape if they want to solve a case without the hint. Also given is a warning for listeners to turn off the tape before the answer is given so they can solve the case while taking as much time as needed. Most public libraries should find this entertaining book and tape set a useful buy.