(3) 4-6 Knightley & Son series. After his father's housekeeper is kidnapped, Brits Darkus Knightley, his dad, and his stepsister Tilly jet off to America to find her--knowing full well that they may be walking into the trap of nefarious crime organization Combination. Topsy-turvy family dynamics; amusing secondary characters (the Knightleys have Californian doppelgängers!); a juicy plot revelation; and fast-paced, over-the-top action make for a rousing third installment.

Reviewer: Tanya D. Auger

(3) 4-6 Thirteen-year-old Darkus Knightley trusts logic; his narcoleptic father, however, believes in paranormal possibilities. Here, in their second outing, the detective duo investigates the strange canines (or, could they be werewolves?) attacking Scotland Yard's officers. Likable allies (Darkus's street-smart stepsister and a traumatized ex-police dog); creepy villains; a vivid London setting; and the Knightleys' complicated relationship make for a riveting, multilayered mystery.

Reviewer: Tanya D. Auger

(3) 4-6 During the four years his detective father is in a coma, Darkus Knightley memorizes all his cases. When his dad unexpectedly awakens, the two team up to investigate the Combination, a shadowy criminal organization, and The Code, a book that prompts ordinary people to commit crimes. Set in modern-day London, Gavin's series-opener has an entertaining Holmes-ian influence and enjoyably quirky characters.

Reviewer: Tanya D. Auger