Three Times Lucky

Three Times Lucky by Sheila Turnage

Published: Dial Books for Young Readers, 2012

Recommended Age: 10 & up

In a Nutshell: It's summer in Tupelo Landing, population 148 minus one (murder) where quick wit, sixth-grader Mo LeBeau is about to have a summer she'll never forget. Found as a baby by town restaurant owner Coronal and Miss Lana after a wild hurricane, Mo has always been on the lookout for her "upstream mother" by sending messages in a bottle in hope of receiving one back. Life of helping the Coronal and Miss Lana in the restaurant and palling around with best friend Dale Earnhart Johnston III all seems same ol' same ol' until local restaurant patron Mr. Jesse ends up dead.... by murder! Everyone in Tupelo Landing is a suspect and it's up to Mo and Dale to find the mystery killer. This is a book that stays with you once you've finished. Especially, the wonderfully warm and entertaining characters of Tupelo Landing.

Perfect For: The girl who has read everything in her bookshelf twice over, especially her tattered Nancy Drew books, ready for a book filled with action, mystery, and a group of characters they'll never forget.

Don't Take My Word For It: Starred review from Kirkus Review.