The Poison Puzzle

MK's Detective Club #1

by James Patterson, Keir Graff

Mystery, danger, intrigue--all in a day's work for MK's Detective Club! Don't miss the first book in this funny, smart, and action-packed new novel from beloved #1 bestselling author James Patterson
 
Living in the luxurious Arcanum building—with its interior balconies perfect for playing tag, an elevator like an iron birdcage, and quirky neighbors behind every apartment door—has always been fun and games for twelve-year-old Minerva Keen … until her neighbors start getting poisoned. Anyone could be next, and everyone is a suspect, including Minerva herself.
 
To clear her name and help the police crack the case, Minerva starts her own detective club. So what if it has only two other members, one being Minerva’s accident-prone daredevil brother and the other being the biggest and quietest kid in school, who happens to be afraid of his own shadow? Minerva knows that with her brainpower, the club’s sleuthing skills, and case files full of suspects, they can unmask the poisoner … hopefully before it’s too late.
 
This page-turning new mystery series is packed with thrills, chills, laughs, and unforgettable characters and will leave kids eager to join the best club around. Published in hardcover as Minerva Keen’s Detective Club

Genres: Mystery, Middle Grade

352 pages, Paperback

First published May 7, 2024

About the author

Official US Site
Official UK Site
JIMMY Patterson Books
ReadKiddoRead

James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time and the creator of such unforgettable characters and series as Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton, Dolly Parton, and Michael Crichton, as well as collaborated on #1 bestselling nonfiction, including The Idaho Four, Walk in My Combat Boots, and Filthy Rich. Patterson has told the story of his own life in the #1 bestselling autobiography James Patterson by James Patterson. He is the recipient of an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.

Reviews

[Dwayne Keller · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is a ripoff. It is the exact same story released last year as Minerva Keen's Detective Club. All they did was change the name and re-release with saying it is the same story. If you've already read the first one, don't waste your time.

[Kirsten Murphy · Rating 3 out of 5]

1st book in the “MK’s Detective Club” mystery series for upper elementary and middle schoolers. Fun, quirky characters, unexpected twists.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the start of a new YA series. Middle school kids are the prime audience for this series, which explains why I was losing patience with the entire story. Minerva Keen is the lead, with her brother and cousin and school friend also along for the ride. The building in which Minerva lives, the Arcanium, is such an unusual location that it becomes another character. A detective who works all the cases is quite patient with Minerva and her friends, which is a nice change from other YA mysteries. A sequel is available soon. The kids were a bit tiresome with their antics, but actual kids will love it!

[Francisco Velasquez · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was surprised at how graphic this story is. It has a lot of murders for what I expected from a middle grade novel! And yet, it's still pretty fun. The main character is headstrong and precocious, but never really so much that I was annoyed or frustrated. I was also pleasantly surprised that the detective quickly becomes an ally rather than an antagonist. I quite like the relationship that results from that. Ultimately, though, I found myself disappointed in the resolution of the mystery. Still a fun read, though.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute middle grades mystery and kids won’t worry about the implausibility of most of it.

[Brent Y · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daughter loved it, I thought it was pretty good. Kept my interest through the whole book.

[Klare · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the same book as “Minerva Keens Detective Club” just with a title change

[PottWab Regional Library]

O

[Carol Johnston · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice read for midddle school children

[Cait · Rating 3 out of 5]

For book club with my son- entertaining, well-paced, fun read. Nothing profound or artful, but it isn’t supposed to be. Simple, clear & solid plot & intrigue throughout.

[Kiki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun enough YA mystery novel. I'll read the next one.