Lauren, 9 1/2, who comes from Scotland, has elective mutism, but that doesn't stop her from having adventures, which she tells us about in four stories of her encounters with thieves, bears, forest fires, white water, biting horses, stolen art and ghosts from April to August. VOLUME ONE: LAUREN MACPHEARSON AND THE SCOTTISH ADVENTURE In April, in Scotland, Lauren stays the weekend with her father, where he works, sees the Company's cat, Ginger, catch her own special brand of "mice," and watches a pain-in-the-neck eat crow pie. VOLUME TWO: LAUREN MACPHEARSON AND THE COLORADO ADVENTURE In June, Lauren flies to a Colorado Dude Ranch to meet cousin Andi, Aunt Daisy (her deceased mother's sister) and Uncle Bill. She meets up with bears, forest fires, white water--and, worst of all, a three-year old boy. VOLUME THREE: LAUREN MACPHEARSON AND THE JUMBLED CUPBOARD ADVENTURE In July, in Mirasol, California, where Andi and her family live, the girls go to Summer School. Lauren is fascinated with the stuffed cupboard of a teacher, Mrs. Utamaro. So stuffed that things keep falling out of it. A beautiful poster on the inside of the cupboard door is of a wave. The original print hangs in a local museum. Or does it? VOLUME FOUR: LAUREN MACPHEARSON AND THE GHOSTLY ADVENTURE In August, while Lauren continues her visit with cousin Andi in Mirasol, she learns that her cousin is psychic. The ghost of the woman who died next door won't let Andi rest until her murder is solved. Genres: Middle Reader / Mystery / Detective