Michele Martin Bossley

Reviewed by Sally Kruger aka "Readingjunky" for TeensReadToo.com

Hunting is popular with some, but most who hunt do so for the sport and end up making use of the animals they kill for food and the occasional mounted trophy. This is not true of poachers. They are out for one thing and one thing only - MONEY!

Robyn, Nick, and Trevor are amateur sleuths, and when they hear about the discovery of an unexplained dead bear in a nearby woods, they are on the case. The odd thing about the bear's remains is that its gall bladder is missing. It appears that the killer had expert knowledge about the anatomy of bears because the gall bladder was removed very carefully.

Being interested in the environment and the survival of endangered animals, the three teens are anxious to find out who is responsible for the senseless killing. Using their observation skills and boldly asking questions, they track down three men from Virginia who seem to be likely suspects. Little do they know that when they begin digging deeper, they will find a very unlikely person connected to the crime.

BEAR MARKET is a fast-paced, who-dun-it type story. At just over 100 pages, it is excellent for reluctant readers. The subject matter involving illegal hunting and the preservation of endangered animals should also appeal to readers looking for a quick read.… (mer)

Reviewed by Emylee for TeensReadToo.com

Best friends Robin, Nick, and Trevor never planned on becoming detectives. But when several school lunches, and even more importantly, a signed copy of a rare Wayne Gretzy, go missing, they leap into action and begin sleuthing.

What starts out as simple mystery solving turns into an all-consuming passion for the three young Holmes'. Their homework and other school obligations are put on the back burner, and soon they become completely swept away in their quest to solve the mystery -- and catch the perpetrator.

This novel is an easy read for most middle schoolers, but it provides a lot of entertainment in a fast-paced manner. An excellent choice for students who are reluctant to pick up books.… (mer)