Kazu Jones and the Denver Dognappers (Kazu Jones Series #1)

by Shauna Holyoak

Overview

Packed with high stakes mystery and tons of heart, this first installment in a new series introduces Kazu Jones-a spunky, scrappy detective who's this generation's Harriet the Spy.

When a string of dognappings grips her Denver neighborhood, Kazu Jones vows to track down the culprits. She can't stand to see more dogs go missing-especially once her neighbors' beloved pet is taken because of her gigantic mistake.

With the help of her gang-including her best friend and expert hacker, March; and her ginormous, socially anxious pup, Genki-Kazu uncovers evidence that suggests the dognapping ring is bigger than she ever imagined. But the more she digs, the more dangerous her investigation becomes. The dognappers are getting bolder, and Genki could be next . . .

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781368022408
Publisher:	Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication date:	04/23/2019
Series:	Kazu Jones Series , #1
Pages:	320
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.20(h) x 1.20(d)
Age Range:	8 - 12 Years

About the Author

Shauna M. Holyoak graduated with a master's degree in English Literature with an emphasis in creative writing from Brigham Young University. She was a humor columnist for the Post Register from 2009 to 2017; before that her column Up in the Night ran in the River City Weekly. She lives in Idaho Falls with her husband, six of their children and two naughty dogs. Kazu Jones and the Denver Dognappers is her debut middle-grade novel. Visit her online at shaunaholyoak.wordpress.com, on Twitter @shaunaholyoak, or on Instagram @shaunaholyoak.

Editorial Reviews

03/11/2019

In this entertaining middle grade mystery series opener, an 11-year-old would-be detective may have bitten off more than she can chew when she investigates a rash of local dognappings. Japanese-American Kazuko Jones’s “passionate pursuit of truth and justice” has left both the local police and her parents exasperated by her persistence and false alarms. So when she finds a genuine lead in what she’s sure is a dognapping ring, she has no choice but to enlist her hacker best friend and take care of business herself. After several classmates, including Kazu’s nemesis, lose their prized pooches, Kazu reluctantly recruits them onto her team. But when all clues lead to a mysterious neighbor, their investigation takes a dangerous turn; worse, Kazu’s own beloved Japanese mastiff, Genki, is the next to disappear. In this spirited debut, Holyoak introduces an indefatigable heroine whose distinct voice and loyal canine companion contribute to her considerable appeal. The diverse allies, plot twists, and delightful dogs make this a memorable beginning for Kazu and her friends. Ages 8–12. Agent: Carrie Pestritto, Laura Dail Literary Agency. (Apr.)

Publishers Weekly

"[An] entertaining middle grade mystery series opener... In this spirited debut, Holyoak introduces an indefatigable heroine whose distinct voice and loyal canine companion contribute to her considerable appeal. The diverse allies, plot twists, and delightful dogs make this a memorable beginning for Kazu and her friends."— Publishers Weekly

"Holyoak creates a well-paced mystery with approachable characters and issues. The dognapping case and the go-get-'em attitude of Kazu provide just enough suspense and action without being too scary. Holyoak sprinkles in topics of growing up, including friendship, relationships with parents, mean people, and telling the truth... A not-too-scary, diverse mystery for those who love action, dogs, and spunky heroines."— Kirkus Reviews

"With its spunky, determined protagonist and her intelligent, passionate friends, this fast-paced debut is sure to keep young readers turning pages. Japanese terminology and references are included in the text and play an important role throughout the story. Recommended for lovers of mysteries, dogs, action, and adventure."— Booklist

From the Publisher

2019-01-15

A young detective and her friends investigate a recent string of dognappings in her neighborhood.

Biracial, Japanese-American fifth-grader Kazuko Jones is a young detective always looking for clues and trying to solve cases. On her paper route one morning, she spies some suspicious activity she thinks must be linked to a chain of dognappings and reports it to the police. When her suspicion turns out to be wrong, she is told to stop meddling. But when her neighbor's pet is taken due to her mistake, she is determined to find both the culprit and the missing dogs. Along with her BFF and ginormous, loyal dog, Genki, she finds evidence that points to a suspect. Unfortunately, the police don't believe her. But as more and more dogs disappear, Kazu knows she must solve the case without putting herself, her friends, and Genki in too much danger. Holyoak creates a well-paced mystery with approachable characters and issues. The dognapping case and the go-get-'em attitude of Kazu provide just enough suspense and action without being too scary. Holyoak sprinkles in topics of growing up, including friendship, relationships with parents, mean people, and telling the truth. With Kazu's mom a second-generation Japanese-American (her dad seems white), Japanese language, food, and cultural concepts are interwoven into the story. The book otherwise adheres to the white default.

A not-too-scary, diverse mystery for those who love action, dogs, and spunky heroines. (Mystery. 8-12)

Kirkus Reviews