The Jazzman's Trumpet: A Kit Mystery

American Girl Mysteries

by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel

Kit can hardly believe her luck when she wins tickets to a sold-out jazz concert, and a chance to write a news story about it! But when sinister pranks threaten to cancel the show, Kit's research turns into an investigation. Then a valuable trumpet goes missing, and Kit herself is accused of theft. Can Kit prove her innocence and put a stop to the mayhem before the real thief sends the band packing? Includes an "Inside Kit's World" essay about the popularity of jazz and swing music during the Depression.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Middle Grade, Childrens, Historical, Chapter Books

192 pages, Paperback

First published February 24, 2015

Reviews

[Katie]

The great AG marathon continues. Again, reading for the first time as an adult.

In contrast to Intruders at Rivermead, where there are SO MANY things going on at once, this one is pretty straightforward, with everything clearly connected to the theater, the concert, and Slim. Even though there are multiple culprits, each with their own motivation, it's all closely connected. And this is one I was able to put together pretty easily: Dex is too obvious a red herring, the disappointed actor seemed to be the only possible mischief-maker, and the idea that this glamorous musician had left behind a daughter was not much of a stretch either, at least as an adult reader.

It did take me a chapter or so to feel really back in Kit's world - something about the beginning just feels off. And granted, we have a new author for this one, but I think it may just be that good things come really easily to Kit at the beginning of the book. She wins tickets on the radio! Gibb says she can take on the story! Miss Burns says she can hang around the theater! Sure helps to have existing characters to whom Kit has already proven herself.

To be fair, Kit does an excellent job with her reporting in this installment, and the interview scene is especially good. I love that we see a little bit of her thought process in advance as she prepares her questions, and then also get to watch as she adjust her plans on the fly during the conversation. She's trying so hard to be grown up and professional, and she's just doing such a great job.

Here's a nitpick: It has been bothering me that the premise of Kit contributing to the children's column is established in Danger at the Zoo, which is explicitly set in 1935, but it's used as an established arrangement in mysteries that seem to be before then. Late in this one, Kit notes that Stirling came to live in her house a year before: A year after Meet, or fall 1933, actually puts this between Saves and Changes. It just doesn't work, you just have to close your eyes and accept a wibbly wobbly timeline, but it's sloppy editing.


More Kit babble

Meet Kit | Kit Learns a Lesson | Kit’s Surprise | Happy Birthday, Kit | Kit Saves the Day | Changes for Kit

Really, Truly Ruthie

Kit’s Home Run | Kit’s Tree House | Kit’s Short Story Collection

Danger at the Zoo | Midnight in Lonesome Hollow | A Thief at the Theater | Missing Grace | Intruders at Rivermead Manor | The Jazzman’s Trumpet | Menace at Mammoth Cave

[Bailey Marissa]

*Whispers* Once the subplot started, I called it.

[Sesana]

Much more tightly plotted than the previous mystery, Intruders at Rivermead Manor. Everything revolves around an upcoming jazz concert, so even though there are multiple plot threads, they all intertwine seamlessly. It also means a lot less historical details getting short shrift, which is a huge improvement. The mystery was a little easy for me to guess, as an adult reader, but I think there's enough twists and red herrings that the actual target audience won't find it too predictable.

[Jane Irish Nelson]

Very enjoyable. Like all of the American Girls stories, this brings to life a vanished period of time, educating while it entertains. Young Kit Kittredge dreams of becoming a reporter, so when she wins highly-coveted tickets to a sold-out jazz concert, she has the opportunity of a lifetime — a chance to write a real newspaper story, not just one for the children's page. But a vandal is stalking the theater, and when an irreplaceable trumpet is stolen, suddenly Kit finds herself in the midst of a mystery. Can she help solve it and get a real scoop? Gripping and believable. Recommended.

[Michelle]

Oh American Girl books and your ability to make me tear up! A valuable trumpet is stolen and vandalism is happening at the theatre, Kit to the rescue! There were a couple good twists and turns in this one as well as some interesting Jazz facts.

[Little Seal]

Read 'A Thief in the Theater: A Kit Mystery' before this one if you don't want to be slightly spoiled by its content in this book. However, this book was better than that one so if you don't care to read it, then you're golden.

[Melanie]

I have enjoyed the American Girl books for a long time. One of the things I most enjoy is getting glimpses of history. I also really enjoyed the fact that we see Kit continuing with her dreams and with her friendships.

[Shayla Salazar]

I really enjoyed this story however it isn’t much of a mystery. I think the title also doesn’t convey the story well. However I did like the story itself and thought it connects well to some of the previous mystery stories.

[Kelly]

Enjoyed the story. Not super mysterious, but I couldn't wait for the details to unfold.

[Cate]

I absolutely love mystery books, and this is one of my fav's!

[Kathryn]

3.5 STARS. The mystery aspect is fairly thin, but enjoyed the glimpse at Depression Era jazz music and theater. My 10-year-old liked it, too.

[prames]

Jazz lessons + family bonds with some mystery sprinkled in

[Alex]

Loved this one!

[August Rain]

I love this book!! Really recommend if you like mystery books 📚

[Maddie]

this book was very exciting and made me keep turning the pages. The plot in this book is someone is mad that the famous Slim Simpson preforming in the theater. The person is showing that by vandalizing the theater. The main character, Kit, decides she needs to figure out the case. This book is a great example of the Great Depression. If you like Mysteries and Historical Fiction, you would love this book.

[Rachel]

I enjoyed this historical mystery. It was well written, and the characters appealed to me. The plot was believable, and the resolution was satisfying. I highly recommend it for any middle-school reader.

[Laura]

Fun mystery with interesting plot turns.

[Janet]

Cute. I was given this book for my 8 year old granddaughter and I read it first. Easy reading and interesting story. Am sure she will like it.