Following the tragic loss of her mother, Celia’s father enrolls her in the classes to ease her grief and to keep her in a safe environment. Celia excels at the investigative lessons earning her the respect of both her classmates and Detective Lieutenant Beth. Celia sees Beth as her new heroine and, hopefully, a suitable companion for her father. But, a devious woman with long blonde hair already has her sights on Celia’s dad —especially his money. Aided by her accomplice, a scary tattooed man, the woman proposes a phony investment scheme. When Celia suspects something is wrong and launches her investigation and surveillance, she is trapped in a dangerous predicament far from home and help. is an exciting character-driven middle-grade mystery, filled with a compelling cast of heroes and villains, a clever plot, crime scene investigative tools, suspense, humor, and a heart-warming backstory. A page-turner for both young and adult. It draws the reader deep into the narrative as though it took place in their hometown; much like Alan Bradley’s juvenile sleuth, Flavia de Luce involves her English village. Created by Ed N. White, offers young readers a character they can identify with and enjoy. Celia J. is not without a few minor flaws, which enhances her appeal as a real person. The crime scene investigative techniques are detailed at a level of understanding for the middle-grade reader.  Life lessons are learned. The emotions of the grieving father and daughter are shared, and the backstory of Celia’s dad and Detective Beth offers hope.