Mystery Science Detectives

Gr 4--6--In their first ever case, the Mystery Science Detectives dash off to retrieve a ball and uncover the truth about a creepy cabin and the fingers which terrified their client. As they make their way through the dark forest, Kihan, Hannah, Terry, and mascot cat Kkamif demonstrate how their skills and personalities contribute to the group dynamic. Any supernatural aspects quickly peel away through their observations and explanations of the natural causes. While the case itself is something befitting the age of these fourth and fifth graders, the artist plays up the enthusiasm and thrills through their expressive features and other characteristics found in manhwa. In between chapters, the Mystery Science Detectives provide additional facts, as well as activities for readers. As many of these are scientific in nature, they do contain more advanced words and concepts to both challenge and educate. Unlike the rest, which is digitally hand-drawn and colored, these parts wisely switch to photographs that can be thoroughly examined. VERDICT The first in this comic book series is motivated equally by mystery and STEM, making it an attractive formula for curious readers.--Rachel Forbes

A group of ambitious youngsters take on their first case. Drawn in manga style, this graphic novel introduces the Mystery Science Club: Kihan Shin, the black-haired, energetic leader; Hannah Kang, a red-haired photographer with a black belt in Taekwondo; and Terry, the blond-haired scientist and drone expert. A black-and-white cat named Kkami rounds out the group and is the team mascot. Though the kids have taken on a few minor mysteries, mainly involving slight misunderstandings, they finally have the opportunity to solve a real case when Yunjin Ryu rushes to a club meeting. He explains that he was playing baseball with friends when one of them hit his autographed ball into the woods. Searching for his ball alone, he skidded down a cliff, ended up in a seemingly haunted cabin, and then was attacked by zombie hands popping up from the ground. He hightailed it home, leaving his ball behind. Intrigued, the club members take their tools and retrace Ryu's steps to retrieve the ball. Various puzzles and challenges related to the clues are interspersed between chapters. Each seemingly supernatural occurrence is debunked by scientific explanations, mixed with plenty of expressive comedy. The narrative is well paced, with sharp dialogue and deftly shaded full-color panels. A case report offers more information on the mold and fungi at the heart of the story. A sequel is strongly hinted at. Names imply Asian ancestry for most characters. Slightly spooky and brimming with action, this mystery is definitely a crowd-pleaser. (answer key)(Graphic fiction. 9-12) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.