The Ghostwriter Secret (Brixton Brothers Series #2)

Steve Brixton is fast becoming America's top detective. After saving the United States of America in The Case of the Case of Mistaken Identity, he has opened his own agency. ...

School Library Journal

Gr 3 6—Middle schooler Steve Brixton has read all 58 of the "Bailey Brothers Mysteries," which were written decades earlier, plus The Bailey Brothers' Detective Handbook, which has become his guidebook for his own detective agency. He frequently refers back to these books, portions of which are reprinted (old typeface and all) in The Ghostwriter Secret. Steve's first case, a missing diamond, is solved easily and seamlessly. He then becomes involved with his hero, the author of the books, MacArthur Bart, who has been kidnapped. An investigation ensues and Steve brings his friend Dana in to help. Before they know what happened, the boys have been kidnapped, too. Barnett has written a fun, adventure-filled book. This is a great choice for slow or reluctant readers.—Patty Saidenberg, George Jackson Academy, New York City

Mac Barnett is a rising star in the literary industry. He is the program director of 826 LA, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting students with their creative and expository writing skills. He lives in Los Angeles.

Adam Rex has written and illustrated several picture books, including Tree Ring Circus and Frankenstein Makes a Sandwich as well as the novel, The True Meaning of Smekday. He and his wife live in Philadelphia.