Sammy Keyes and the Sisters of Mercy

While serving a detention in the soup kitchen at St. Mary's Church for an infraction committed during her last case, Sammy Keyes becomes the prime suspect in the disappearance of Father Mayhew's prized ivory cross. Ace detective that she is, Sammy manages to prove her innocence but soon discovers that, under its calm exterior, St. Mary's is abuzz with gossip, jealousy, and intrigue--just like junior high! Meanwhile, back at school, Sammy's beloved catcher's mitt--her only connection to her father--disappears just when her team makes the semifinals. Add to this mix: a dog who eats everything in sight, a lesson in safe cracking from a homeless girl who bears a striking resemblance to Sammy, and an exuberant trio of gospel-singing nuns called the Sisters of Mercy, and you've got one wild ride of a mystery--or just another week in the life of Samantha Keyes.

"Artfully throwing in clues, red herrings, and well-timed revelations, Van Draanen keeps her heroine on the hop--Sammy is as resourceful as ever, and the breathless pace of this adventure will rivet readers from page one."--Kirkus Reviews

"She's feisty, fearless, and funny. A top-notch investigator!"--Sue Grafton

"The kind [of mystery] you want to gobble up quickly--and in quantities. Samantha Keyes is one tough, smart, resourceful seventh grader."--The Horn Book