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Sneaks
Not yet published
Expected 7 Jul 26A missing child and an apartment that should be empty spur two tweens to solve an increasingly tangled neighborhood mystery in this page-turning middle grade debut.
This hijinks-heavy mystery written in dual POV reads like Only Murders in the Building for tweens. Perfect for wannabe sleuths and nosy neighbors!
Valory has developed an unfortunate reputation as a thief—primarily because she steals things—though she has resolved to change her ways.
Rook is a total asparagus-eater (a.k.a. a good kid), but he likes to spy on his neighbors. Nobody’s perfect, right?
The twelve-year-olds form an unlikely alliance when they encounter suspicious behavior in an “empty” apartment across the alley from Rook’s house. While agoraphobia keeps home-schooled Rook trapped on his property, confident and street-smart Valory can roam the scene undetected. Their opposite personalities might, in fact, be key to their success.
But their amateur detective mission morphs into something more sinister when they realize the apartment next door could be connected to a recent kidnapping. When the sleuths realize they’re also being watched, the pressure is on to unmask the villain… before she snatches them, too.
This hijinks-heavy mystery written in dual POV reads like Only Murders in the Building for tweens. Perfect for wannabe sleuths and nosy neighbors!
Valory has developed an unfortunate reputation as a thief—primarily because she steals things—though she has resolved to change her ways.
Rook is a total asparagus-eater (a.k.a. a good kid), but he likes to spy on his neighbors. Nobody’s perfect, right?
The twelve-year-olds form an unlikely alliance when they encounter suspicious behavior in an “empty” apartment across the alley from Rook’s house. While agoraphobia keeps home-schooled Rook trapped on his property, confident and street-smart Valory can roam the scene undetected. Their opposite personalities might, in fact, be key to their success.
But their amateur detective mission morphs into something more sinister when they realize the apartment next door could be connected to a recent kidnapping. When the sleuths realize they’re also being watched, the pressure is on to unmask the villain… before she snatches them, too.
- GenresMiddle GradeMystery
240 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication July 7, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Vallory is angry that Mrs. Sagara would accuse her of stealing an antique coin from her collection, especially since she was dealing with the disgusting bathroom to help out her mother, Alyssa, who works as a cleaner for the imperious woman. Waiting on the balcony for the reckoning with her mother, she runs into Rook Sagara and asks for his help. She DID steal the coin and claims she was going to put it back. Rook, who is homeschooled and under a lot of pressure to do well at an upcoming piano competition, agrees. The two form an odd friendship after Vallory travels back on the bus from her home in Grumdale back to the fancy Charles Hill neighborhood of Boston where Rook lives. Rook introduces her to a mystery involving the next door Faden House. Mrs. Sagara rents out rooms there, and Rook thinks there is a girl living in one of the apartments, even though his mother's records don't indicate this. After spying on the building, the kids see a mysterious woman, Ms. Smith, set fire to a doll on the balcony. When they hear that a local girl, Lottie, has been kidnapped, they assume the worst. Since Vallory's mother is dating a policeman, Burke, Vallory lies to her mother about being at Make-a-Pot, and continues to visit Rook, even though Ms. Smith complains to Mrs. Sagara. The two continue their investigation, even bringing in Vallory's former friend Tiff who was told not to hang out with Vallory after she shoplifted items from the local WalMart. When circumstances turn out to be more serious than they could have suspected, will Vallory and Rook be able to save the day?
Strengths: Rook and Vallory are both children who are in need of a friendship, and the two end up supporting each other in valuable ways. Rook has developed anxiety, especially about going outside the house, that his family doesn't seem to appreciate. Similarly, Vallory acts out, possibly over tension with her mother and concern over their financial instability. Her father, whom she refers to as "Dastardly Dan", lives in Australia. While the two try to sneak around, the aren't very adept at it, and it is realistic that neighbors are upset to find that children are trespassing and harassing the neighbors, even if they end up having a really good reason to do so. Both children have well developed back stories that add a lot to the narrative. The ending is satisfying, but I don't want to give away any twists and turns.
Weaknesses: While Rook and Vallory's concerns end up being very serious, this has a feeling of goofiness to it that might not appeal to middle school readers who want darker thrillers like the works of April Henry. The mirrors on Ms. Smith's hat made me take her less seriously.
What I really think: Readers who are amused by meddlesome children like Fitzhugh's Harriet the Spy will appreciate Vallory's efforts to uncover a mystery. At first I thought this was going in a similar direction to The Treasure of Maria Mamoun, but in the end it felt a little more like Trouble at the Tangerine or Millington's Once for Yes.
Vallory is angry that Mrs. Sagara would accuse her of stealing an antique coin from her collection, especially since she was dealing with the disgusting bathroom to help out her mother, Alyssa, who works as a cleaner for the imperious woman. Waiting on the balcony for the reckoning with her mother, she runs into Rook Sagara and asks for his help. She DID steal the coin and claims she was going to put it back. Rook, who is homeschooled and under a lot of pressure to do well at an upcoming piano competition, agrees. The two form an odd friendship after Vallory travels back on the bus from her home in Grumdale back to the fancy Charles Hill neighborhood of Boston where Rook lives. Rook introduces her to a mystery involving the next door Faden House. Mrs. Sagara rents out rooms there, and Rook thinks there is a girl living in one of the apartments, even though his mother's records don't indicate this. After spying on the building, the kids see a mysterious woman, Ms. Smith, set fire to a doll on the balcony. When they hear that a local girl, Lottie, has been kidnapped, they assume the worst. Since Vallory's mother is dating a policeman, Burke, Vallory lies to her mother about being at Make-a-Pot, and continues to visit Rook, even though Ms. Smith complains to Mrs. Sagara. The two continue their investigation, even bringing in Vallory's former friend Tiff who was told not to hang out with Vallory after she shoplifted items from the local WalMart. When circumstances turn out to be more serious than they could have suspected, will Vallory and Rook be able to save the day?
Strengths: Rook and Vallory are both children who are in need of a friendship, and the two end up supporting each other in valuable ways. Rook has developed anxiety, especially about going outside the house, that his family doesn't seem to appreciate. Similarly, Vallory acts out, possibly over tension with her mother and concern over their financial instability. Her father, whom she refers to as "Dastardly Dan", lives in Australia. While the two try to sneak around, the aren't very adept at it, and it is realistic that neighbors are upset to find that children are trespassing and harassing the neighbors, even if they end up having a really good reason to do so. Both children have well developed back stories that add a lot to the narrative. The ending is satisfying, but I don't want to give away any twists and turns.
Weaknesses: While Rook and Vallory's concerns end up being very serious, this has a feeling of goofiness to it that might not appeal to middle school readers who want darker thrillers like the works of April Henry. The mirrors on Ms. Smith's hat made me take her less seriously.
What I really think: Readers who are amused by meddlesome children like Fitzhugh's Harriet the Spy will appreciate Vallory's efforts to uncover a mystery. At first I thought this was going in a similar direction to The Treasure of Maria Mamoun, but in the end it felt a little more like Trouble at the Tangerine or Millington's Once for Yes.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
What worked:
The alliance between Valory and Rook is unlikely due to their diverse family situations. Rook’s family is wealthy, and everyone in it has musical talent. Rook is a piano prodigy, but he doesn’t like how it makes his mother overly protective. Valory’s mother cleans the home for Rook’s family, and the book’s opening finds Valory helping her mother. She hates that she’s accused of stealing an ancient coin, mostly because she’s guilty. Rook is surprised when he lies to cover Valory’s crime, and that begins their partnership. Rook needs help investigating a possible crime, and Valory is equally intrigued about the problem he describes.
Alternating chapters focus on Valory or Rook, allowing readers to see inside their minds. Valory’s mother is dating a policeman, which is ironic considering Valory isn’t an upstanding, honest student or girl. She can get good grades at school, but she doesn’t always follow the rules. Valory doesn’t like her mother’s new boyfriend, and it creates a conflict for her. Rook is the opposite of Valory, and she’s amused by his need to be perfect. Rook can’t believe Valory rides the bus by herself, but admires her ability to go out into public. He loves to play the piano, but he doesn’t always get to play the songs he wants. Rook’s relationship with his mother is conflicted and will need to be resolved in the end. Valory’s trying to behave better to earn the trust of others, and Rook takes chances he’s never taken before. Their alliance to solve a crime is complicated when their parents forbid them from seeing each other.
The clues of the kidnapped girl are circumstantial, so the mystery isn’t easily solved. Rook thinks he sees a young girl in the apartment across the alley, but she’s never seen outside. He assumes something’s wrong and begins to notice other things. A woman leaves the apartment building at the same time every day, and she certainly behaves oddly. Valory helps Rook investigate, but they still make many assumptions. Readers won’t know the real story until the plot reaches its climax.
What didn’t work as well:
Valory and Rook’s characters aren’t developed as much as readers might like. There are some explanations for their behaviors, but it still feels like more is needed. They’re complex characters.
The final verdict:
The author develops a plot that seems to have a clear direction, but some clues don’t make sense. That’s because the story isn’t as clear as anticipated. I suggest you try it for yourself.
The alliance between Valory and Rook is unlikely due to their diverse family situations. Rook’s family is wealthy, and everyone in it has musical talent. Rook is a piano prodigy, but he doesn’t like how it makes his mother overly protective. Valory’s mother cleans the home for Rook’s family, and the book’s opening finds Valory helping her mother. She hates that she’s accused of stealing an ancient coin, mostly because she’s guilty. Rook is surprised when he lies to cover Valory’s crime, and that begins their partnership. Rook needs help investigating a possible crime, and Valory is equally intrigued about the problem he describes.
Alternating chapters focus on Valory or Rook, allowing readers to see inside their minds. Valory’s mother is dating a policeman, which is ironic considering Valory isn’t an upstanding, honest student or girl. She can get good grades at school, but she doesn’t always follow the rules. Valory doesn’t like her mother’s new boyfriend, and it creates a conflict for her. Rook is the opposite of Valory, and she’s amused by his need to be perfect. Rook can’t believe Valory rides the bus by herself, but admires her ability to go out into public. He loves to play the piano, but he doesn’t always get to play the songs he wants. Rook’s relationship with his mother is conflicted and will need to be resolved in the end. Valory’s trying to behave better to earn the trust of others, and Rook takes chances he’s never taken before. Their alliance to solve a crime is complicated when their parents forbid them from seeing each other.
The clues of the kidnapped girl are circumstantial, so the mystery isn’t easily solved. Rook thinks he sees a young girl in the apartment across the alley, but she’s never seen outside. He assumes something’s wrong and begins to notice other things. A woman leaves the apartment building at the same time every day, and she certainly behaves oddly. Valory helps Rook investigate, but they still make many assumptions. Readers won’t know the real story until the plot reaches its climax.
What didn’t work as well:
Valory and Rook’s characters aren’t developed as much as readers might like. There are some explanations for their behaviors, but it still feels like more is needed. They’re complex characters.
The final verdict:
The author develops a plot that seems to have a clear direction, but some clues don’t make sense. That’s because the story isn’t as clear as anticipated. I suggest you try it for yourself.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Sneaks is a twisty mystery solved by an unlikely pair of loveable amateur sleuths. Rook, a sheltered musical prodigy, couldn’t be more different from Valorie, who’s the troublemaking daughter of his family’s cleaning woman. But their strengths complement each other when they team up to solve the mystery of a piano-playing child hidden in an apartment across the street from Rook’s home. Watching from the balcony, Rook and Valorie are alarmed by what they see—a strange woman who goes out to buy pizza at the exact same time each day, a child’s simple piano tunes played only while the woman is gone, a discarded doll whose head has been ripped off. In scenes reminiscent of Alfred Hitchcock’s Rear Window, Rook and Valory try to alert their elders, but no one believes them, and they’re left to investigate on their own. In doing so, they discover important things about themselves, their families, and the assumptions they’ve made. This tightly plotted mystery keeps the reader guessing to the very end. It’s a very fun, enjoyable read!
I received an Advanced Review Copy from Edelweiss, and this is my honest review.
I received an Advanced Review Copy from Edelweiss, and this is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Rating: 10/10
Sneaks exceeded all the expectations I had for it. Having immersed myself in middle grade mysteries lately, Sneaks was a knock-out, in terms of character development, depth, tension and suspense, and writing (and, quite frankly, editing) quality. A brilliantly executed contemporary coming-of-age novel that speaks to universal realities of growing up through the language of mystery, Sneaks would make a fantastic unit study or library/school book club pick. The dynamics of friendships, family, and navigating independence while staying between the lines are all elements flawlessly weaved into Sneaks. Also, while I am not always a fan of alternating POVs, in this case, the structure of Sneaks really showcased what alternating close third limited perspective can do to elevate the reader experience (esp. "and that boy with the dog" from Valory's POV, haha!). Fantastic read!
Thank you to Edelweiss+ and Holiday House for an Advanced Reader Copy!
Sneaks exceeded all the expectations I had for it. Having immersed myself in middle grade mysteries lately, Sneaks was a knock-out, in terms of character development, depth, tension and suspense, and writing (and, quite frankly, editing) quality. A brilliantly executed contemporary coming-of-age novel that speaks to universal realities of growing up through the language of mystery, Sneaks would make a fantastic unit study or library/school book club pick. The dynamics of friendships, family, and navigating independence while staying between the lines are all elements flawlessly weaved into Sneaks. Also, while I am not always a fan of alternating POVs, in this case, the structure of Sneaks really showcased what alternating close third limited perspective can do to elevate the reader experience (esp. "and that boy with the dog" from Valory's POV, haha!). Fantastic read!
Thank you to Edelweiss+ and Holiday House for an Advanced Reader Copy!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Sneaks is an exciting middle grade mystery book about Rook, a boy who is a homeschooled piano prodigy and Valory, a girl who has been getting into too much trouble lately. They meet because Valory's mom cleans Rook's house. Together they discover a mystery in the apartment across from Rook's house. There is a secret girl in there and maybe she was kidnapped! Sneaking around they think they have everything figured out, but things are not as they seem. The book is full of good messages about love, friendship, and speaking up. It is squeaky clean and perfect for older elementary on up.
I received a free advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.
I received a free advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
A double-dose of mystery and heart!
I was hooked from the very first page of this clever Middle Grade debut. The dual narrative is masterfully handled. It’s rare to find a story where you feel so equally invested in both leads. Each character brings a unique "underdog energy" that makes you want to cheer (and sleuth) right alongside them. The mystery is tightly plotted, and the shenanigans are as fun as they are heartfelt. A perfect pick for young readers who love a good puzzle and characters with real depth. Highly recommended!
I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
I was hooked from the very first page of this clever Middle Grade debut. The dual narrative is masterfully handled. It’s rare to find a story where you feel so equally invested in both leads. Each character brings a unique "underdog energy" that makes you want to cheer (and sleuth) right alongside them. The mystery is tightly plotted, and the shenanigans are as fun as they are heartfelt. A perfect pick for young readers who love a good puzzle and characters with real depth. Highly recommended!
I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A street-smart, sticky-fingered Valory teams up with piano-prodigy, agoraphobic Rook to solve the mystery of the empty apartment across the alley which is suddenly filled with mysterious music and eerie doll parts.
It's Only Murders in the Building for tweens about how friendship can bring out the best parts of you.
It's Only Murders in the Building for tweens about how friendship can bring out the best parts of you.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Amy Tern gives us a middle grade mystery that will suck in the reader, keep them guessing, and will also fill their heart. She does such a great job of creating a situation that gives us two protagonists that we're rooting for as they navigate not only the mystery their trying to solve but the complicatons that just come with life. (I also was very lucky to be able to write the educators' guide for this book; I will share it when it is published!)
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews