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Ava & Carol Detective Agency #1
The Mystery of the Pharaoh's Diamonds
Ruthless international diamond smugglers think they’ve gotten away with the perfect crime, stealing the famous Ramesses diamonds from the Hancock Museum of Archeology. Until… Twelve-year olds Ava and Carol explode onto the scene. Bursting at the seams with energy and sass, the humbly hip duo is determined to catch the bad guys and return the stolen jewels. It’s a race against time as the girls realize the thieves plan on smuggling the diamonds out of the country. If they don’t hurry, the bad guys will get away and the priceless diamonds may be lost forever! Ava & Carol Detective Agency - The Mystery of the Pharaoh's Diamonds is a middle grade mystery that's perfect for curious-minded middle-schoolers. If you and your child like puzzling mysteries, fearless and funny characters, and unbreakable friendships, then you’ll love Thomas Lockhaven’s high-energy adventure. Buy The Mystery of the Pharaoh’s Diamonds and follow the clues in a crime-solving sensation today!
- GenresMysteryMiddle Grade
152 pages, Hardcover
First published October 26, 2021
About the author
Thomas Lockhaven
57 books98 followersSo grateful to have won the prestigious Mom’s Choice Award! Thank you!
You can blame my 7th grade English teacher, Mr. Ownby. I began writing mysteries in middle school, with gripping titles like, The Secret in The Swamp and The Ghost of Hollow Lake—Mr. Ownby, would kindly read them, and then encourage me to keep writing and reading the classics. His words, some day I'll be reading your mysteries with the rest of the world inspired me.
Forty years later, I was able to fulfill my dreams and become a full time writer. When I began writing, I decided that my books would be a safe-haven from the real world. My children's series all have strong messages of perseverance, thinking outside the box, friendship and loyalty. I have a daughter, and as I work through my manuscripts, I always try to imagine what I can say to inspire and entertain at the same time.
For my cozy readers, I spent much of my life traveling to small coastal towns in North Carolina and then later in my life to the coastal towns in New England. I've always loved the idiosyncrasies of the locals, and I've always wanted to bring them to life in a book series. My Coffee House Sleuths stories are just that. And just like my children's books, I endeavor to write stories that are clean, with very little violence and no profanity. I do my best to help people disappear from the craziness of life, even if just for a little while.
I currently live in Boston, but my dream is to move to a small coastal town, stare out over the ocean, and to let the words flow. I have an incredible wife who constantly inspires and encourages me- and an amazing daughter who is my most harsh, but loving critic. As I said earlier, my passion is to write and to continually improve and perfect my craft. For those of you who read my books, I humbly thank you. For those of you who have never read my books, I welcome you with open arms.
You can blame my 7th grade English teacher, Mr. Ownby. I began writing mysteries in middle school, with gripping titles like, The Secret in The Swamp and The Ghost of Hollow Lake—Mr. Ownby, would kindly read them, and then encourage me to keep writing and reading the classics. His words, some day I'll be reading your mysteries with the rest of the world inspired me.
Forty years later, I was able to fulfill my dreams and become a full time writer. When I began writing, I decided that my books would be a safe-haven from the real world. My children's series all have strong messages of perseverance, thinking outside the box, friendship and loyalty. I have a daughter, and as I work through my manuscripts, I always try to imagine what I can say to inspire and entertain at the same time.
For my cozy readers, I spent much of my life traveling to small coastal towns in North Carolina and then later in my life to the coastal towns in New England. I've always loved the idiosyncrasies of the locals, and I've always wanted to bring them to life in a book series. My Coffee House Sleuths stories are just that. And just like my children's books, I endeavor to write stories that are clean, with very little violence and no profanity. I do my best to help people disappear from the craziness of life, even if just for a little while.
I currently live in Boston, but my dream is to move to a small coastal town, stare out over the ocean, and to let the words flow. I have an incredible wife who constantly inspires and encourages me- and an amazing daughter who is my most harsh, but loving critic. As I said earlier, my passion is to write and to continually improve and perfect my craft. For those of you who read my books, I humbly thank you. For those of you who have never read my books, I welcome you with open arms.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 1, 2018
I expected to love this, as juvenile detective is one of my favorite genres. And there were many things I liked a lot: the free-and-easy friendship of the girls, the silly banter and the wordplay, and the investigation itself, which was intelligently pursued, making good use of modern technology. The night-time adventure was pretty exciting (though risky, too risky!). On the whole, a fine middle-grade mystery with enjoyable young characters.
However, I wasn't drawn into the story very easily and put it down quite often in the early stages. I found the writing sometimes clunky, with the author perhaps trying too hard to make it lively and using unusual expressions and comparisons that didn't quite come off.
I also felt I didn't really care about the diamonds. There must have been some romantic historical or cultural value for them to be worth displaying, but it wasn't conveyed. It either needed this or some very personal reason for the girls to get involved, especially with it being their first case.
I think the girls are about ten. That gives them plenty of time to have lots of adventures before they become boring teenagers. They are a promising team and I look forward seeing more of them and their friendly small town.
However, I wasn't drawn into the story very easily and put it down quite often in the early stages. I found the writing sometimes clunky, with the author perhaps trying too hard to make it lively and using unusual expressions and comparisons that didn't quite come off.
I also felt I didn't really care about the diamonds. There must have been some romantic historical or cultural value for them to be worth displaying, but it wasn't conveyed. It either needed this or some very personal reason for the girls to get involved, especially with it being their first case.
I think the girls are about ten. That gives them plenty of time to have lots of adventures before they become boring teenagers. They are a promising team and I look forward seeing more of them and their friendly small town.
September 14, 2022
The Mystery of the Pharaoh's Diamonds by Thomas Lockhaven is the first of a great series. Two best friends team up to figure out a daring heist.
Can Ava and Carol safely solve this mystery?
Ava and Carol
Ava and Carol are our protagonists in this series and are funny. I laughed a lot while I was reading this book. Ava is a headstrong leader who will go into any situation without thinking it through. At the same time, Carol is the brains of the operation. These two best friends prove to be a formidable pair. Carol is the one that brings forth the thought of them solving the mystery of who could have stolen the diamonds from the museum. They both have the skills that prove to be of good use to them throughout the story, along with who their parents know and their jobs as well. Ava and Carol are great main characters, and I can't wait to see how they solve the next mystery!
The Mystery
Carol read about the thieves stealing away into the night with Ramsess the second's Diamonds. She is also the one that suggests they try to help solve the mystery. They have solved two cases before this one and think they can do it again. Obviously, from a safe distance, they don't get caught or in trouble or anything. I was enthralled with the mystery, and I didn't think one of the jewel thieves was who they were. Mr. Lockhaven got me!
Five Stars
The Mystery of the Pharaoh's Diamonds by Thomas Lockhaven is the perfect beginning to a new mystery-solving duo for middle graders. I enjoyed reading this book and didn't want to put it down as I was enraptured in the reading. I can't wait to see what Mr. Lockhaven puts them through in the next mystery. My rating for The Mystery of the Pharaoh's Diamonds by Thomas Lockhaven is five stars, and I recommend it to all readers of mysteries. However, if you are the parents of teenage girls in middle school, this is a perfect series for them. You won't want to miss this excellent series.
I am now off to read The Mystery of Solomon's Ring.
Ava & Carol Detective Agency Series
Can Ava and Carol safely solve this mystery?
Ava and Carol
Ava and Carol are our protagonists in this series and are funny. I laughed a lot while I was reading this book. Ava is a headstrong leader who will go into any situation without thinking it through. At the same time, Carol is the brains of the operation. These two best friends prove to be a formidable pair. Carol is the one that brings forth the thought of them solving the mystery of who could have stolen the diamonds from the museum. They both have the skills that prove to be of good use to them throughout the story, along with who their parents know and their jobs as well. Ava and Carol are great main characters, and I can't wait to see how they solve the next mystery!
The Mystery Carol read about the thieves stealing away into the night with Ramsess the second's Diamonds. She is also the one that suggests they try to help solve the mystery. They have solved two cases before this one and think they can do it again. Obviously, from a safe distance, they don't get caught or in trouble or anything. I was enthralled with the mystery, and I didn't think one of the jewel thieves was who they were. Mr. Lockhaven got me!
Five Stars
The Mystery of the Pharaoh's Diamonds by Thomas Lockhaven is the perfect beginning to a new mystery-solving duo for middle graders. I enjoyed reading this book and didn't want to put it down as I was enraptured in the reading. I can't wait to see what Mr. Lockhaven puts them through in the next mystery. My rating for The Mystery of the Pharaoh's Diamonds by Thomas Lockhaven is five stars, and I recommend it to all readers of mysteries. However, if you are the parents of teenage girls in middle school, this is a perfect series for them. You won't want to miss this excellent series.
I am now off to read The Mystery of Solomon's Ring.
Ava & Carol Detective Agency Series
Also available on KindleUnlimited
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of The Mystery of the Pharaoh's Diamonds by Thomas Lockhaven.
Until the next time,
Happy Reading!
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
March 22, 2025
Good mystery, perfect for readers who like Nancy Drew. It was an easy to follow mystery and a surprise at the end as to "whodunit".
While I did enjoy the story and am truly grateful it wasn't a murder mystery, I found that the main characters were a bit too sarcastic. At times it felt that they teased each other too harshly. (Their teasing felt a tad too much like they were tearing each other down)
A warning to readers like me: the main characters lie to their parents and other adults in the name of solving the mystery. I understand that not everyone in real life is squeaky clean, but I feel like the level of deception was too high for a couple of pre teens.
Perhaps if they knew that their lying and deception weren't the best choices and there were consequences for their actions then it wouldn't have bothered me at all. But everyone seemed to be "kids will be kids". And then be done with it.
Now, I know this is a secular story so I can't fault the characters too much.
I'll continue with book two, for now, and we'll see how it goes. This was a decent start and I thought it was an okay story.
While I did enjoy the story and am truly grateful it wasn't a murder mystery, I found that the main characters were a bit too sarcastic. At times it felt that they teased each other too harshly. (Their teasing felt a tad too much like they were tearing each other down)
A warning to readers like me: the main characters lie to their parents and other adults in the name of solving the mystery. I understand that not everyone in real life is squeaky clean, but I feel like the level of deception was too high for a couple of pre teens.
Perhaps if they knew that their lying and deception weren't the best choices and there were consequences for their actions then it wouldn't have bothered me at all. But everyone seemed to be "kids will be kids". And then be done with it.
Now, I know this is a secular story so I can't fault the characters too much.
I'll continue with book two, for now, and we'll see how it goes. This was a decent start and I thought it was an okay story.
June 18, 2018
A puzzling mystery of the missing diamonds investigated by twelve year old Ava and Carol. There are many twists and turns in this fascinating story that is perfect for young readers. Well written and very entertaining.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 11, 2021
Magnífica historia para adolescentes, que con gran sentido del humor, de la amistad y de la aventura, despierta el interés y el pensamiento deductivo, mientras las protagonistas van resolviendo el robo de los diamantes.
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Wonderful story for teenagers, that with a great sense of humor, friendship and adventure, arouses interest and deductive thinking, while the protagonists are solving the theft of the diamonds.
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Wonderful story for teenagers, that with a great sense of humor, friendship and adventure, arouses interest and deductive thinking, while the protagonists are solving the theft of the diamonds.
May 2, 2018
Ava and Carol are well-defined characters who use their knowledge to solve a crime of missing diamonds. It was a believable plot with action, adventure, and great vocabulary words.The heroines use their brains and humor to find and catch the bad guys. I will look for more books by this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 30, 2018
Oh Ava, Ava, Ava... She is a riot with all her misuse of words. This book made me laugh and I enjoyed reading it so much! Girls of all ages will love the Ava & Carol Detective Agency! I am looking forward to their next epic tale of shenanigans.
I was gifted an ARC in return of an honest review.
I was gifted an ARC in return of an honest review.
May 2, 2018
the thieves think they have gotten away but 2 girls decide to find them and the diamonds they stole before they are taken out of the country. will they be able to get them before they escape
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 9, 2020
For every girl who wants to be Nancy Drew or Stephanie Plum
A good read. The heroines are two young girls. One is imaginative, slightly disorganised but full of bravado, the other is more clinical and organised. The two of them make up a team that can take on the world. When the girls hear that priceless diamonds have been stolen from their little museum and the reward sum it gets them fired up to look into it. Especially as the last priceless antique heist is still unsolved.
Get two young girls with an adventurous side, add in thinking outside the box, a handmade ladder, lots of contacts in the local community and more tricks then Mcgyver. Can the two girls find the jewels? Even if they do, can they convince the police to take them seriously?
A good read. The heroines are two young girls. One is imaginative, slightly disorganised but full of bravado, the other is more clinical and organised. The two of them make up a team that can take on the world. When the girls hear that priceless diamonds have been stolen from their little museum and the reward sum it gets them fired up to look into it. Especially as the last priceless antique heist is still unsolved.
Get two young girls with an adventurous side, add in thinking outside the box, a handmade ladder, lots of contacts in the local community and more tricks then Mcgyver. Can the two girls find the jewels? Even if they do, can they convince the police to take them seriously?
August 22, 2020
Ava is by definition exceptional and het hands always find themselves exceptionally dirty. She doesn’t just slump downstairs. Ava descends Mount Stairs, occasionally misjudging heights and depths.
Carol is her freckled friend and co-conspirator with a dry wit and a strong vocabulary
Together this duo faces challenges fictional and otherwise and solves mysteries, like the poorly protected jewel heist at their local museum
Great for mystery loving tweens, especially if they like chapter books, or are otherwise compelled to read them
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Carol is her freckled friend and co-conspirator with a dry wit and a strong vocabulary
Together this duo faces challenges fictional and otherwise and solves mysteries, like the poorly protected jewel heist at their local museum
Great for mystery loving tweens, especially if they like chapter books, or are otherwise compelled to read them
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 1, 2021
This book was fairly simple but I expect that in the young adult genre however in this case it just didn't pan out for me as well as it should.
It kind of reminded me a bit of Hardy boys or Nancy Drew as it was young people to solve a robbery.
I found the characters a tiny bit hollow to me where they weren't as well developed as what I normally enjoy. They had a great start though and I am sure that in future books they will show even more.
To me while I liked the book it just wasn't as good as what I expected. I do think it shows a lot of promise and I do plan to try another of this authors books.
It kind of reminded me a bit of Hardy boys or Nancy Drew as it was young people to solve a robbery.
I found the characters a tiny bit hollow to me where they weren't as well developed as what I normally enjoy. They had a great start though and I am sure that in future books they will show even more.
To me while I liked the book it just wasn't as good as what I expected. I do think it shows a lot of promise and I do plan to try another of this authors books.
December 31, 2023
This is the 5th book written by author Thomas Lockhaven's that we have read. His writings might be focused towards middle schoolers - but we have found that "old schoolers" enjoy them too!!!
He makes Ava and Carol seem real with their joking, their curiosity, the way they figure out "who done it" and their family interactions.
This is a great mystery novel for all ages - with interesting twists and turns thrown in.
While this book is going out in our Little Free Library for the community to enjoy - we fully intend to get a set of his books for our own library.
Happy Reading!!!
He makes Ava and Carol seem real with their joking, their curiosity, the way they figure out "who done it" and their family interactions.
This is a great mystery novel for all ages - with interesting twists and turns thrown in.
While this book is going out in our Little Free Library for the community to enjoy - we fully intend to get a set of his books for our own library.
Happy Reading!!!
December 9, 2020
This first entry in the Ava & Carol series is a wonderful introduction to a dynamic teenage duo of mystery-loving girls which is sure to capture the hearts of YA mystery readers everywhere! With quirky, humorous, suspenseful, and intelligent action throughout the story, Ava & Carol give young readers a journey on a smart adventure full of surprises! If you liked Nancy Drew as a kid, you and your kids will love Ava & Carol!
April 1, 2024
Pretty fun story. I read this to my nieces and nephews (ranging ages 10 - 6) and they really enjoyed it. There were some things we had to explain to them, and there was some humor that went over their heads, but the adults appreciated it. I was most worried about the 6-year-old, but when we finished, he was the first one to say he wanted to hear the next book in the series. So, we will be reading some more of these in the future.
October 29, 2024
Pretty cool sleuths
A great mystery for tweens! Lots of action, book smarts and courage! The only complaint is that the two girls kept saying, "oh, my God." I think many parents might find that offensive. It was a nice clean-cut story otherwise. Very likeable characters. Clever clues, too!
A great mystery for tweens! Lots of action, book smarts and courage! The only complaint is that the two girls kept saying, "oh, my God." I think many parents might find that offensive. It was a nice clean-cut story otherwise. Very likeable characters. Clever clues, too!
October 17, 2023
Part Nancy Drew, Part Mission Impossible, 100% Fun
If you’re looking for a fun update on Nancy Drew mysteries, look no further. Ava and Carol are go-getting teen amateur detectives with attitude who get results! An entertaining read for all ages!
If you’re looking for a fun update on Nancy Drew mysteries, look no further. Ava and Carol are go-getting teen amateur detectives with attitude who get results! An entertaining read for all ages!
November 9, 2023
I was laughing from the first paragraph! I can see myself in Ava! These two girls, Ava and Carol are smart, precocious, and brave. Their adventures are FUN to read. I absolutely LOVE reading about their sleuthing! Off to read the next book!
May 8, 2023
This was a fun book! I'm glad my niece suggested I read this series. It's off to a great start!
October 15, 2025
Ava and Carol are intrigued when they discover that their local museum has been robbed. Following in the footsteps of Ava's mother, a daring reporter and their own budding interest in crime solving, the girls open an investigation in to the mystery - determined to solve it before the cops do.
This was good. This series has been on my list for awhile now but my interest was heightened after discovering the spinoff series, Kids Murder Mystery Club, where the girls and their friend, Derik produce a podcast that revisits old cold cases and tries to solve them. (Spoiler: They do). Those books are wholesome tween friendly reads with lots of humour but lack much in the way of character development. The later books assume prior knowledge and while you can get by without it, having started at the start, I think Ava and Carol become more vibrant for it.
Ava and Carol are cheerful, smart, sensible, daring girls that follow in the footsteps of much adored famous detectives like Nancy Drew (a la 1930's editions), the Three Detectives boys and Alex Rider. This series is perfect for tween readers with limited violence, some educational content (Carol has an extensive vocabulary to tease Ava with) and still contain enough action to keep the plot interesting.
The mystery was funny and the girls were hilarious with their teasing snark. Their crime solving was unique and I liked how they worked together and used what they had available. The problem solving was a delight and I liked that although they did put themselves in danger they didn't excessively endanger themselves either. That line can be kind of hit and miss in children's and young adult fiction. It was nice to see a balance struck between outright stupidity and a chance to safely follow their dreams.
A fun and entertaining read for amateur detectives - or just those that love a good mystery. 5 stars.
This was good. This series has been on my list for awhile now but my interest was heightened after discovering the spinoff series, Kids Murder Mystery Club, where the girls and their friend, Derik produce a podcast that revisits old cold cases and tries to solve them. (Spoiler: They do). Those books are wholesome tween friendly reads with lots of humour but lack much in the way of character development. The later books assume prior knowledge and while you can get by without it, having started at the start, I think Ava and Carol become more vibrant for it.
Ava and Carol are cheerful, smart, sensible, daring girls that follow in the footsteps of much adored famous detectives like Nancy Drew (a la 1930's editions), the Three Detectives boys and Alex Rider. This series is perfect for tween readers with limited violence, some educational content (Carol has an extensive vocabulary to tease Ava with) and still contain enough action to keep the plot interesting.
The mystery was funny and the girls were hilarious with their teasing snark. Their crime solving was unique and I liked how they worked together and used what they had available. The problem solving was a delight and I liked that although they did put themselves in danger they didn't excessively endanger themselves either. That line can be kind of hit and miss in children's and young adult fiction. It was nice to see a balance struck between outright stupidity and a chance to safely follow their dreams.
A fun and entertaining read for amateur detectives - or just those that love a good mystery. 5 stars.
November 5, 2022
Me aburrió
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews