Literary Merit: Fair
Character Merit: Fair
Other: Additional purchase
Recommendation: Grades 5-8

Sam Stellar is getting geared up for her summer internship at the Tyrell Museum of Paleontology in Alberta, Canada. She and her cousin Paige will be working together as part of a work study program. What could be more exciting than that? When a rash of dinosaur bones go missing from other museums, Sam, a budding detective, is convinced it will happen at the Tyrell Museum as well. And soon enough her hunch proves correct- a fossil does go missing. As she gets closer to the truth, Sam gets attacked and even kidnapped at one point. Will Sam survive to solve the mystery?

Sam is an engaging protagonist. She is clever and witty, willing to jump into the fray and follow the clues, where ever they lead. And that’s part of the problem. Sam and her cousin are too clever and witty, straining at credibility. They know a little too much for their age. Also, there are some insensitive racial stereotypes in here that are somewhat off-putting. Especially from an author who has been noted for being sensitive with characters in prior books. That aside, the mystery is somewhat entertaining- if the reader is willing to overlook the dull-witted adults and the all-knowing teens; they will find a fast moving mystery with plenty of science about dinosaurs. An additional purchase for dinosaur and mystery enthusiasts. For grades 5-8. ( )