(3) 4-6 Lock and Key series. The modern middle-school reimagining of the famed Sherlock Holmes–James Moriarty rivalry continues. Young Sherlock's expulsion from Baskerville Academy leaves James's sister, Moria, without anyone to help solve a series of mysterious deaths--or explain the change in her brother's behavior. Fans of the series (and budding Sherlock Holmes aficionados) will delight in the ample suspense and excitement of this third installment.

Reviewer: Grace Enriquez

(3) 4-6 Lock and Key series. Following The Initiation, twelve-year-old Moria Moriarty returns as narrator of her brother James's partnership with his Baskerville Academy roommate, Sherlock Holmes. The trio investigates the death of Mr. Moriarty and uncovers rival criminal organizations, all while juggling new romantic interests. With clever references to Doyle's originals, genre fans should enjoy this modern-day Boston-based reimagining of the rise of Holmes's arch-nemesis.

Reviewer: Grace Enriquez

(4) 4-6 Lock and Key series. This Boston-based Sherlock Holmes/James Moriarty origin story from the point-of-view of James's sister, Moria, places the boys as boarding school roommates. When the three join forces to recover the Moriartys' stolen heirloom Bible, they uncover a school-wide conspiracy. It's a suspenseful if over-elaborate mystery with characters who, while difficult to reconcile with their more intriguing adult versions, will still appeal to genre fans.

Reviewer: Grace Enriquez

(4) 4-6 In 1905, all the starstuff--a magical flying powder--was moved to Never Land. More than a century later, siblings Sarah, seventeen, and Aidan, fifteen, discover a hidden stash and race to protect the powerful dust from evil Ombra. This spin-off of the Starcatchers series is rooted in the modern world, but with dated references.

Reviewer: Lana Barnes

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Greg Call. Barry and Pearson deliver a snappy adventure in this fourth Peter book. Wendy, Peter, and the Starcatchers fight to keep a cache of starstuff from the hands of the evil Skeleton and Baron von Schatten (possessed by Ombra). Though there's too much going on and the book is way too long, the story's unflagging pace makes quick work for fans.

Reviewer: Becca Schaffner

(4) 4-6 When Hubble Middle School student Toby Harbinger becomes aware of cheating going on before the science fair begins, he tries to expose the culprits. This leads to his involvement in an international terrorist plot. Though the plot is far-fetched, there's plenty of situational and verbal humor that will appeal to reluctant readers and the authors' fans.

Reviewer: Beth L. Meister

(4) 4-6 Steven "Steel" Trapp has a photographic memory. This helps him in school but also leads him into danger: after witnessing a crime, Steel and his friend Kaileigh find themselves mixed up in a cloak-and-dagger operation where their combined smarts and his memory are all that can keep them safe. Though overwritten, this fast-paced adventure will hold readers' attention.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo