The Case of the July 4th Jinx

Milo & Jazz Mysteries #5

by Lewis B. Montgomery, Mara Rockliff, Amy Wummer (Illustrator)

Super Sleuthing Skills: Observe, Think Logically, Draw Conclusions, Role Play

It's the Fourth of July fair! There are fireworks, parades, pies, games . . . and a jinx? When everything starts going wrong, Milo and Jazz must find out: is it really a jinx—or is it sabotage?

Genres: Mystery

96 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

A pseudonym of Mara Rockliff.

Series:
* Milo & Jazz Mysteries

Reviews

[Dolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fun little mystery in the Milo & Jazz Mysteries series by Lewis B. Montgomery and Amy Wummer. We've been steadily reading the books in order and will certainly get more of them from our local library.

The mysteries are perfect for children and I love that they are small mysteries and not too scary. We like the puzzles in the back of the book as much as we like the story, too.

The story wasn't our favorite, but we did discuss the concept of role playing and how it helped Milo and Jazz solve the mystery. I think it would've been nice to read this book in the summertime, but we enjoyed reading it together cuddled up on the couch in front of our wood stove.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good introduction to mysteries, the concept of "undercover" and appropriate for younger readers. Not a brain-teaser, but perfect for kids who are beginning to discover mysteries as a genre.

[Katie Merkel · Rating 4 out of 5]

People are not always what they seem, and going undercover can get messy. Join Milo and Jazz as they try to figure out who is behind the July 4th Fair’s not so patriotic mishaps.

[Jessica Boyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

We didn’t expect the ending on this one and it was a good lesson that not everyone who seems guilty actually is.

[Sydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

someone is playing pranks at the 4th of july fair. they think it's the zoo crew who are bad people. milo figures out it's winston. he sabotaged the contest because he wanted his pie to come in first place but it came in second place.

[Shawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entry-level mysteries series installment.

[Sherry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting early chapter book with a focus on county fairs, mystery, and 4th of July. Booklegger material?

[Terry]

Mystery lovers and dormant readers alike will enjoy this fast-paced mystery adventure that takes place on the Nation's birthday. This is an exceptional series for reading aloud with young readers and for independent reading, as well. It has a touch of Encyclopedia Brown, updated with a pair of buddy detectives.

Find out why this is a book you can read any time of year in our full review.