Sammy Keyes and the Sisters of Mercy

Sammy Keyes #3

by Wendelin Van Draanen

She is supposed to be in church to get out of trouble...

Sammy is working off some junior high detention time by helping out at St. Mary's, but when Father Mayhew discovers that his ivory cross has been stolen, Sammy becomes the prime suspect. While she's looking for the real culprit, Sammy is amazed to find how much gossip and petty jealousy there is bubbling under the church's serene surface. This is just like junior high!

And school is abubble with intrigue as well. Sammy's in the middle of softball playoffs when her catcher's mitt is stolen. She's sure the hated Heather must have it, but knowing whodunit and getting the mitt back are two different things.

With a cast that includes a trio of singing nuns, a homeless girl in high tops, a former safecracker, and a red-hot shortstop, it's not so easy to tell the saints from the sinners...

Genres: Mystery, Middle Grade, Young Adult, Fiction, Childrens, Audiobook, Mystery Thriller

224 pages, Hardcover

First published April 20, 1999

About the author

Wendelin Van Draanen has written more than thirty novels for young readers and teens. She is the author of the 18-book Edgar-winning Sammy Keyes series, and wrote Flipped which was named a Top 100 Children’s Novel for the 21st Century by SLJ, and became a Warner Brothers feature film with Rob Reiner directing. Her novel The Running Dream was awarded ALA’s Schneider Family Award for its portrayal of the disability experience.

Van Draanen's latest book, Hope in the Mail, is part memoir, part writing guided, designed to encourage aspiring writers to pursue their dream.

Van Draanen is also the author of two short chapter-book series. The Gecko & Sticky books, are fun read-alouds, perfect for reluctant readers, and the Shredderman books—featuring a boy who deals with a bully—received the Christopher Award for “affirming the highest values of the human spirit” and became a Nickelodeon made-for-TV movie.

Van Draanen was a classroom teacher for fifteen years. She and her husband reside in California and have two sons.

Reviews

[Steve Clark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I'm only giving this three stars, I still really enjoyed it and would gladly recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun mystery in an easy read. I just felt it wasn't QUITE as tightly written as the first two books (or my favorite, "S.K. & the Wild Things", which comes much later but which was my first read of the series). It felt like a few too many characters. It takes a while to be able to keep all the nuns straight, and the end was a bit more predictable or easy to figure out. So, bottom line, I wouldn't recommend starting here, but if you've read any of the others and liked them, you'll probably enjoy this one, too. I know I'm going right on to read "The Runaway Elf"...and then I'm going to take a break and read something else. At least, until I get my hands on some more of these. They're kind of like a good junk food. Think pistachios...quick and easy to eat, but way better than most of the stuff you'd get out of a vending machine.

[Maddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such good memories of reading the Sammy Keyes books after school! One of my favourite series

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I remembered reading these books when I was little and after days of exam studying stumbled across one that I hadn't read in the library. I picked it up figuring that it would be good for my exam fried brain to read something a little lighter then usual.

Well, first of all I'd just like to say that in many respects I was wrong. While the tone may be lighter than the average "adult" book, the themes were no less mature. I was completely blown away with not only how many societal issues this book addressed but also at the finesse with which they were written. Sammy comes to many conclusions throughout the course of the novel on the differences between "bad" people and "good" people. For example, the "good" members of the church and the "bad" girl who bullies her in school. Ultimately, she comes to the enlightened realization that there aren't "good" people and "bad" people, just good or bad choices. I was impressed with how this point wasn't spoon feed to the reader. There was no, "the moral of this story is...", it just stood on its own, an almost offhanded thought of Sammy's.

If I had kids, I'd love for them to read books like this. Sammy is a confident, thoughtful, and deeply relatable main character (and children need to see more girls like that in their media).

By the end of this book, I just ended up coming to the conclusion that I really need to be reading more children's books because, on average, they're much better written.

[Judi Paradis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great mystery series for grades 4-6. Sammy is a fascinating detective character--abandoned by her mom and living in senior housing with grandma, friends with everyone in the neighborhood and softball player extraordinaire. She is smart and thoughtful, and in this book uses her skill to solve a crime at the local Catholic Church where she's doing community service following a badly executed plan to get back at a nasty kid. Our lunchtime book group (grade 5) ate this one up and went looking for more.

[Sandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is something so utterly charming about the Sammy Keyes series. Wendelin Van Draanen manages to capture Sammy's winsome personality as she gets herself into scrapes. You see her learning and growing as she battles Heather the bully and learns about homelessness. In this book she meets Holly, a young homeless girl, plays some riveting baseball, and solves the mystery of the theft at St. Mary's Church.

As I read through the series I love coming across familiar characters like Hudson Graham and Officer Gil Borsch (the narrator does a superb job reading his part), Lady Lana (Sammy's absent mother who has gone to Hollywood to become a movie star!) and Sammy's friends, Dot and Marissa.

The book is full of good values, but not in a preachy way.

Tara Sands is the narrator and is outstanding.

[olivia ferraro]

the softball scene hit and also the last chapter literally made me tear up which is so dumb but sammy keyes has my whole heart

[Chavonna]

The Title of this book is "Sammy Keys ,and the sister of mercys " By Wendelin Van Draanen.This book was published on Apirl 20th 1999. This book has a total on 224 pages.I personally read this book in about to weeks .The main charcater is Sammy cause she because she is the one being acussent for the cross missing.
The setting of the story is the church, this is the main part were all the action happens. There is really no good guy in this story.The major conflict in this story is that sammy gets accused of something she did not do.The bhad guy in this story is Sammy cause she was the first to be put to blame whn Father Murrys ivory cross went missing.Some other characters are Father Murry , and the

[Natalie Goguen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was very interesting. it was about this girl and who got detention and had to work at a soup kitchen and found that things have been stolen for the church. Sammy, the main character, goes through a lot to find out who stole from the church. It is so good that i could not put it down. It was just an amazing book. So if you like mysteries and don't like the 300 page boos then Sammy Keyes is a good book for you!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sammy is doing community service in the church (to pay for her junior high detention), when the priest calls her into his office and accuses her of stealing his priceless ivory cross. She didn’t do it, but can she prove her innocence? This is funny, with a relatable and spunky heroine who solves crimes, always in her beloved high top sneakers. Don’t sleep on Sammy Keyes!! She’s a great modern (& sarcastic) Nancy Drew.

[Marie Sorensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun read. One of the marks of a good writer is that they can transport you. When I could practically smell the paint and feel the drips I knew I was in for a good read. The softball game descriptions practically had my own adrenaline rushing. And I'm always up for a few good laughs, so this book is a winner in my book.

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of my favorite childrens librarians at the library where I used to work LOVES this series. She swears by them. I'm not to that point yet, but I like them a lot.

I don't think they're as funny as she does, but I do agree that they're very well written. I got really in to this one, and I'm fairly stoked about reading the rest of the series.

[Abbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

i just got it at the book fair for a dollar and it was HILARIOUS. I mean its about nuns.. The best thing i think is that sammy calls their SUV a "nunmobile"

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helping out at the local church lands Sammy in hot water, as per usual. Nuns, priests, and the quirky locals are all added to the list of suspects in this fun mystery.

[~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

oh to be part of a girls sports team in middle school in a community that rallies arounds women sports 👏

[Aurora Dimitre · Rating 5 out of 5]

I forgot how how good these books were.

I loved these books as a kid. I loved them so much. So when I was grabbing books from the book sale to refill the book sale shelf upstairs in the library I work at and I saw the entire collection of Sammy Keyes books, which I checked out and read and re-read so much as a kid, I just had to have them. And so now I get to re-read them, and I just--God, this is like, Nancy Drew, but if Nancy Drew was a badass high-top wearing girl from the late 90s. Like Nancy Drew, if Nancy Drew was cool.

And I think this series has some really strong characters, and themes--and oh holy hell, I'd forgotten how dark and intense these books could get. They tackle some rough stuff, and through Sammy's eyes, it's made understandable to the middle-grade readers that these are for. But God this is some good stuff.

[Libby · Rating 3 out of 5]

I meant to read a book in this series ever since hearing about it on "What Should I Read Next?" (especially since I have several books in the series in my library), and this was the first one I could find on audiobook. I enjoyed it, but I don't think it will be a favorite. However, it's another series to add to my mystery recommendations, which are quite low. I think kids will like that Sammy ends up in trouble that's not always of her own making (but sometimes it is!), and that she doesn't let that stop her. I wouldn't call this a diverse read by any stretch of the imagination, but I think Sammy's household circumstances (she lives with her grandmother in a retirement condo, and has to sneak past the manager and sleep on the couch) make her a more interesting character. Definitely a good, fun, mystery read.

[Lucy Takeda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did remember who the thief was from the last time I read this years ago, but it was still fun read my about the intriguing characters and their interactions. Hudson and Grams are a charming romance. I do want to know why Sammy earned detention; perhaps in the previous novel. I need to check.
Sammy is working at the church to pay off school detention. Unfortunately, pricey items disappear from the church, and the Farther accuses Sammy of taking them. Meantime, Sammy runs across a young girl that rather resembles her coming to the food kitchen, and the school is highly involved in the big softball play offs. Naturally, Sammy is in one team, and her nemesis, Heather, is on the opposing team.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book tackles a lot of topics, and it addresses a lot of the things that had bothered me in the first two books (especially the second). The mean girl stuff is questioned a bit more, as well as the acrimony between Sammy and Officer Borsch. The age of the book shows in how unhoused people are represented, but Holly's fear of middle-class notions of "help" is portrayed well. Although ultimately those notions still seem to prevail, but I'm not sure what would have been a better solution for her, considering it's a kids' book. And the creepiness of Coach Vince was really well-drawn, also, except, again, the age of the book definitely shows in how little that seems to be questioned by anyone, especially other adults.

[Dr. Amy G Dala · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is 1 of the 2 books I've read so far in the series, the other is #8.
I really enjoyed this book, more than 'The Search for Snake-eyes' - such a fun mystery and such an easy read.
The tone of this book was much lighter than 'The Search for Snake-eyes' , but still had mature themes and elements. I was completely blown away with how well the plot was written, especially for a kiddish book, but also at the finesse with which the characters were written and the dialogues used.
This was a very well-written standalone book, absolutely loved it.
I really enjoyed Sammy as a younger. more casual, less polished version of Nancy Drew.

[chloe-phloe ₊ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Then [Bernie] hears Gregory [the dog] growling away under the desk. She bends down and says, “Now, now, pup. Sister Bernie’s not gonna hurt ya. Come on out and give her a kiss!”

Gregory stays put […]

24.02.07
the way I forgot this book was about the nuns

ㅤㅤ‎

‎ ‎ ( book 3 )
gUYS MILD SPOILER but the softball scenes were actually pretty cool. I didn’t think I would love those! 🫶

ㅤㅤ‎
one thing that has me stoked is the development of relationships Sammy is beginning to form. you can see how she is maturing with those relationships, and it’s literally so intriguing. I need to read more.

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would say the mystery is kind of background here, but the books so far are usually a mix of the titular mystery and Sammy's day-to-day life. I talked in my review about how Sammy Keyes and the Skeleton Man made a point to feature someone with a disability, and I really like that they do the same here with homeless children and focus on why they might rather be homeless than in the system.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up in a hotel library, didn't realise it was Junior Fiction at first, though I should've done from the cover and the length. In any case, it turned out to be a really fun mystery with lots of little interesting plot threads. Sammy Keyes is an excellent sleuth, proactive and funny. Naturally, it was pretty easy to work out the culprit but that's okay with Junior Fiction. I see that other people think that the first two books were even better so I might actually go look them up.

[Tamila]

A lot going on in this book: some heavier themes and subplots are introduced, a very detailed play-by-play of middle school softball games, and the mystery is more of an afterthought that gets wrapped up at the very end. I’m very impressed by how intelligent Sammy is, the complexity of her emotions, her quick decision-making, and her selfless but headstrong personality.

[Katie]

This is one of the Sammy Keyes books I remembered in explicit detail before this re-read, but since I'm trying to read them all, I had to revisit. This one is less about a mystery and more about dealing with dark issues like homelessness and food poverty and bullying. Excited to continue this Sammy Keyes nostalgia journey

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm starting to like this series quite a bit. Unlike Nancy Drew (or Scooby Doo or whatever), Sammy isn't trying to be a preteen sleuth. She's just living her life and running into situations that spark her curiosity--and events tend to snowball from there. This is my favorite so far. It fills in some bits from the author's Runaway, and the ending climax is pretty darned funny.

[Laura]

A sweet middle school book series that has a safe mystery and some pretty serious issues handled in an age appropriate way. The church and its staff play an important role in her life and the book. I thought this was the first book in the series but Goodreads says it is the third, so I may have enjoyed it more if I had read the previous books in the series.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

If I were a kid, I'll probably have rated this a 4 or 5 stars. LOVED the character, Sammy Keyes! Great mystery. Great "issues" that are an integral part of the story and dealt with in a compassionate and kind way by Sammy.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This MG series gets better with each book. I love Sammy and her circle, which widens to include some more characters this go round. Plus some awesome softball playoff coverage in this book, so if that's your jam, jump on this, you won't be disappointed.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Sammy’s character. I also love all the supporting characters and the concept that family is not just people you’re related to by blood. I also like that Sammy really tries to understand even people that she doesn’t like.

[Literary Strawberry · Rating 3 out of 5]

These books are perfect to listen to while multitasking; engaging and entertaining, but nothing I have to focus too much attention on. I'm just disappointed my library app doesn't have the whole series