"Wallace and Mason Investigations is on the case of the missing mascot. Noir-obsessed Howard Wallace and down-to-earth Ivy Mason, middle school detectives, catch a new case. Junk-shop owner Marvin, to whom Howard owes many favors, wants his grandnephew Carl's name cleared. It seems that Carl, who happens to be on Howard's enemies list (for wedgies past), stands accused of kidnapping his own basketball team's mascot, Spartacus the pug, and so he's been suspended from the team. Howard and Ivy take the case, but due to past problems at school, they can't detect during the week. That stricture is lifted when coach Mr. Williams hires them to find the pug before the big game. Twists turn and turn again, and the detective duo nearly breaks up as they work and surprise themselves by teaming with former enemies. . . . mystery fans should enjoy it . . . [it lands] in new territory, and the characters interact realistically and have real kid problems. . . . Another sequel is in the offing, and young mystery fans should be glad. --Kirkus Reviews
Praise for Howard Wallace, P.I.
"Strong writing, relatable themes, and a solid mystery combine for a read that both boys and girls will have trouble putting down." --School Library Journal
" . . . offers a few laughs, believable characters, and enough realistic kid detecting to keep young PIs turning pages. . . . Likely to see sequels; Howard and Ivy deserve them." -Kirkus Reviews
"On occasion this is over the top, but that usually adds to the entertainment value. Give this to fans of Encyclopedia Brown who are looking for longer (and funnier!) well-plotted mysteries." --Booklist
"A middle-school gumshoe takes on a new case--and a new partner--in this promising first installment of a series that cleverly introduces the world of classic private eyes to young readers. . . . Engagingly blending the fictional world of dames and private eyes with keen insights about adolescent friendship, Lyall's debut is a winner." --Publishers Weekly
*"Lyall's crack at the trending genre of middle-grade noir is an absolute delight . . . Banter between Howard and Ivy is snappy with a blink-and-you'll-miss-it pace, and the humor ranges from subtle wit to LOL comedy. The case brings up some emotional turmoil for Howard, but it's seamlessly woven into the larger mystery plot, adding depth to the story but never overwhelming it. . . . a solidly entertaining introduction to hard-boiled detectives." --Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (starred review)
"Another sequel is in the offing, and young mystery fans should be glad." --Kirkus Reviews
