How Come the Best Clues Are Always in the Garbage?

Stevie Diamond #1

by Linda Bailey

Stevie Diamond and her friend Jesse have a thief to catch. A thousand dollars is missing from her mother's apartment and although there are lots of suspects, there aren't very many clues. A worthy challenge for Stevie Diamond, Detective! Set in Vancouver, the very first Stevie Diamond Mystery is a funny and entertaining read.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Childrens, Middle Grade, Young Adult, Mystery Thriller, School

176 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1992

About the author

I was born and grew up in Winnipeg —a daydreamer with her nose in a book. In my twenties, I traveled around the world, mostly by ship. Later, I moved to Vancouver, where I earned a B.A. and M.Ed. at the University of British Columbia. Among my jobs were travel agent, college teacher, instructional designer and editor.

For years, I dabbled with writing. But I didn't begin to write in earnest until I had two young daughters. My first book was published in 1992, and I have since written more than thirty others, including novels, picture books and non-fiction.

I live in Vancouver, a short walk from the sea. I write full-time and still love to travel, read and daydream.
- Source

Series:
* Stanley
* Stevie Diamond Mystery
* Good Times Travel Agency

Awards:
Arthur Ellis Award
◊ Best Juvenile (1997): How Can a Frozen Detective Stay Hot on the Trail?
◊ Best Juvenile (2000): How Can a Brilliant Detective Shine in the Dark?

Reviews

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this cozy mystery series so much when I was in my preteens that I even chose it as my speech topic during our public speaking unit in 4th grade!

[Chance Hansen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I may have thought that the romance between two characters was nauseating (Next Paragraph.) BUT that was only a part of the book. When they weren't in the set the book was not that bad. I knew who the culprit was almost instantly though. (Within the fist two chapters.) It was character choice that made it obvious to me. But there were some good jokes in the book. One in particular in the middle of the book really had me going. I really laughed with one of them. I do want to point out that the snooping she did was probably the most realistic clues I've ever seen in a book before. Sneaking into a van and breaking into a house and seeing clues that didn't mean anything making the real clues all the more perfect. The subtly of the one clue at the dumpster was really smart. The second clue I didn't even catch. The mystery side of it wasn't bad.

Time to get the elephant out of the room. (Boy what a big elephant.(I really hate to do this(But I have to.)))
The biggest issue I found was between Jonathon and Valerie aka, (Mom). (I found it a little distasteful.) The romantic atmosphere wouldn't have been that bad if it wasn't for mom being married and her husband working in a another Provence. Like it pretty much says in the book, this stranger after a short time knows just as much about her as her own daughter does. (Couple things then I'll leave the two of them alone.) If it wasn't for Stevie Diamond at one part the two would have had late night TV time alone in the living room.(Gag) I can appreciate that Linda Bailey did try to wave it off but after everything that's happened it sounds more like covering up a regret. To the point Mom never told Dad about Jonathon and scolding Stevie about being worried about them having an (it's never officially mentioned but I'm adding it in my review.) Affair.

I will admit the love that is indicated at the end between Mom and Dad had to be in there to show their marriage is still strong and intact. I just found she was toying a little too close to regret.

Spoiler Alert! I know I said I would leave Jonathon alone but there in one flaw in this plan.
I get that he wanted to divert attention to himself by making that threatening ketchup note on his door followed by a few fake clues to the mystery. Why did he say at the reveal stage she couldn't leave it well enough alone.

[Kris (My Novelesque Life) · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 STARS

"For years, the Red Barn has served the best burgers in Vancouver, but when the business changes hands, the new owner decides to sell burgers in new containers. The gaudy, throw-away plastic packages cause a local environmental group to declare the business the worst "over-packager" in the city. Stevie's mother, employed by Garbage Busters, leads a campaign against the fast-food restaurant, only to have her apartment burglarized. Stevie, an avid mystery reader, is determined to find the thief. Through her chatty and humorous musings, readers meet a colorful assortment of believable characters. She moves logically from one episode to another, showing along the way that youngsters also know a lot about the environment." (from Amazon)

A great Canadian mystery story for all kids!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't believe these are on Goodreads. What a lovely trip down memory lane. Good wholesome detective action, plus a taste of good ol' Vancouver.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was not a big reader in elementary school but I remember flying through this book. Talk about a trip down memory lane.

I'm sad to hear that this series is no longer in print.

[Irene McGee · Rating 5 out of 5]

To be transparent. I read this series as a child and my nephew is loving them right now. So I re-read, and I think they’re A+ books! I love a kid-detective and I love a Canadian setting.

[beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this in school in 5th grade. I honestly don’t remember a lot of details about it but I do remember enjoying it at the time.

[Taryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these books, I read them as a kid and enjoyed reading them again to my daughter!

[Westcoast_girl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 1st book in the Stevie Diamond mystery series. It is worth reading in chronological order but not necessary.

In #1, Stephanie Diamond is having a bored summer. That is, until a thief steals money from her mom's fund. Stephanie takes on the case to become Stevie Diamond, Detective. Slogging through clues surrounding her Co-op, Stevie must find out who is innocent and who is guilty. Could it be their strange neighbour Gertie? Or the moody teenage artist?

The mystery builds without Stevie finding anything. Until Jesse, the quiet next door neighbour comes along. With his help, they begin to uncover clues that lead to the solving of the case. That doesn't mean the case is easy though. Their adventures involve getting abandoned with no bus fare and getting kidnapped into a strange van!

I recommend this book to any young mystery lover.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this first book in the Stevie Diamond series, Stevie decides to become a detective when her mother's employer, an environmentalist non-profit group, holds a fund-raiser and the money disppears from her mother's kitchen table when all the doors to their home are locked. She asks to be called Stevie instead of Stephanie and starts a list of suspects. One of them is a schoolmate, Jesse Kulnicki, who evolved from a suspect to a partner in the detective business. Their misadventures are comic, stemming from a combination of jumping to conclusions and trying to find evidence by violating other people's rights and invading their property. Lots of lessons to be learned here, between laughs. I love this series!

[J]

When I was a kid, I always wrote to my favourite authors. (I remember writing to Ann M Martin when I was 10 and getting a form-letter reply, but it was exciting for me anyway.) Then, I wrote to Linda Bailey. I got thoughtful, handwritten page-long reply! That's why she'll always be up there as one of the best authors for children. My kids are certainly going to know who Nancy Drew, Pippi Longstocking and Stevie Diamond are someday.

[Joelle Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book and thought it was funny. I figured it out way early, but I'm not 9 and I think there were enough strong red herrings to keep a kid guessing. I bet my niece would like it.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great humour, the students loved it!

[Deborah Harris]

AR Quiz No. 20467 EN Fiction
Accelerated Reader Quiz Information IL: MG - BL: 3.9 - AR Pts: 5.0
Accelerated Reader Quiz Type Information AR Quiz Types: RP

[Rizzabelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

We read this book as a class in school.I need to read it cause i have it for homework.I was left behind and i was in California for a visit

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute little mystery for grade school kids. Stephanie, I mean Stevie, was hilarious.

[Janice]

You guys should read it recommend it now.