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Sammy Keyes #5
Sammy Keyes and the Curse of Moustache Mary
The normally unflappable Sammy Keyes is reeling--not from her encounters with a corpse, an arsonist, or an irate policeman, these she can handle. No, what completely unbalances her is the teen-scene at a New Year's Eve party. Caught up in this adolescent ambush, Sammy begins to doubt herself. And if she can't trust her own instincts, how can she possibly figure out who burned down a pioneer-era cabin, how a 200-pound pig has disappeared , or why Casey might want to hold her hand?
In this fifth Sammy Keyes mystery, Wendelin Van Draanen gives us her most ambitious work to date. While her prose is as comic as ever, there's a very serious undercurrent here--Sammy is tossed and torn, both literally and figuratively, as she shoots the rapids of this plot. But in puzzling out whodunit and how and why, she manages not only to turn the culprits over to the police, but also to reclaim a belief in her own strength.
In this fifth Sammy Keyes mystery, Wendelin Van Draanen gives us her most ambitious work to date. While her prose is as comic as ever, there's a very serious undercurrent here--Sammy is tossed and torn, both literally and figuratively, as she shoots the rapids of this plot. But in puzzling out whodunit and how and why, she manages not only to turn the culprits over to the police, but also to reclaim a belief in her own strength.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2000
56 people are currently reading
486 people want to read
About the author
Wendelin Van Draanen
47 books2,189 followersWendelin Van Draanen has written more than thirty novels for young readers and teens. She is the author of the 18-book Edgar-winning Sammy Keyes series, and wrote Flipped which was named a Top 100 Children’s Novel for the 21st Century by SLJ, and became a Warner Brothers feature film with Rob Reiner directing. Her novel The Running Dream was awarded ALA’s Schneider Family Award for its portrayal of the disability experience.
Van Draanen's latest book, Hope in the Mail, is part memoir, part writing guided, designed to encourage aspiring writers to pursue their dream.
Van Draanen is also the author of two short chapter-book series. The Gecko & Sticky books, are fun read-alouds, perfect for reluctant readers, and the Shredderman books—featuring a boy who deals with a bully—received the Christopher Award for “affirming the highest values of the human spirit” and became a Nickelodeon made-for-TV movie.
Van Draanen was a classroom teacher for fifteen years. She and her husband reside in California and have two sons.
Van Draanen's latest book, Hope in the Mail, is part memoir, part writing guided, designed to encourage aspiring writers to pursue their dream.
Van Draanen is also the author of two short chapter-book series. The Gecko & Sticky books, are fun read-alouds, perfect for reluctant readers, and the Shredderman books—featuring a boy who deals with a bully—received the Christopher Award for “affirming the highest values of the human spirit” and became a Nickelodeon made-for-TV movie.
Van Draanen was a classroom teacher for fifteen years. She and her husband reside in California and have two sons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
May 1, 2015
Hmm. #5 in this series and it has HEAVY issues in it. If your child isn't in 7th or 8th grade I would skip this book. Sammy finds herself in over her head. All the confusing emotions involving boys and to top it off, some boys who are involved with drugs. But some are not.
So while the story about Mary and her moustache is right out of the wild west and the feuding families are still at it, the whole story is swirling and twirling around drugs and alcohol. The good news is that Sammy knows that's definitely NOT the path she wants to take and her decisions in the end are good ones. Her girl friends also.
So, on to the next book, but just a warning that if you have a grade schooler reading this series skip this book unless you want to get into discussions with them about parties and weed and meth and underage drinking and why those are all bad choices.
***spoiler alert***
Sammy and her friends end up finding a meth lab.
So while the story about Mary and her moustache is right out of the wild west and the feuding families are still at it, the whole story is swirling and twirling around drugs and alcohol. The good news is that Sammy knows that's definitely NOT the path she wants to take and her decisions in the end are good ones. Her girl friends also.
So, on to the next book, but just a warning that if you have a grade schooler reading this series skip this book unless you want to get into discussions with them about parties and weed and meth and underage drinking and why those are all bad choices.
***spoiler alert***
Sammy and her friends end up finding a meth lab.
September 9, 2008
I just looooove Casey he's the best! in every other one he's in too.
February 27, 2011
Casey is the sweetest thing to hit Earth!
January 6, 2023
I have been a fan of this series since the beginning, since I was a plucky girl of 12 & 13. So why am I including this one specifically on my favorites shelf? Because it holds such a special place in my heart.
This is not the first mystery that had life-altering situations in it (just before this book, they find Holly sleeping in a park because she's homeless), though it is the first one where they go out of town and stumble on it. It IS the introduction of Casey, who is the ultimate dream boy/partner (and childhood, teen, and even adult Sam has aspired to find) in arguably all YA (and I WILL in fact fight about this).
I think this one is so special to me because it was the first time I remember waiting for a new book to be available at the library to read it. It was new, I had to request it and be put on a list, and then I got it.
I have bought the entire series and given them as a gift to my niece & fellow Sam who also enjoys them. Sammy Keyes is <3.
This is not the first mystery that had life-altering situations in it (just before this book, they find Holly sleeping in a park because she's homeless), though it is the first one where they go out of town and stumble on it. It IS the introduction of Casey, who is the ultimate dream boy/partner (and childhood, teen, and even adult Sam has aspired to find) in arguably all YA (and I WILL in fact fight about this).
I think this one is so special to me because it was the first time I remember waiting for a new book to be available at the library to read it. It was new, I had to request it and be put on a list, and then I got it.
I have bought the entire series and given them as a gift to my niece & fellow Sam who also enjoys them. Sammy Keyes is <3.
July 20, 2008
I LOVE all the Sammy Keyes books! There's some wisdom in each-good old common sense :-) and Sammy herself is such a good kid. Wendelin takes on some tough subjects kids may be exposed to and this book is no exception. Sammy finds out that some kids she knows are drinking and into drugs. This book shows that it's okay to not give into things to be cool and that good friends really do help each other and stick together.
September 1, 2020
Kids love this series as audio books to listen to in the car. Fun adventures with Sammy and friends.
July 14, 2020
Tara Sands narrates and she is so very good. I'm hoping she is the voice for the whole series as it would be hard to listen to anyone else!
Sammy gets embroiled in a mystery that involves longstanding family feuding, arson and a near escape from the bad guy! She meets an old lady who is friends with a pig, helps her friend's parent deliver flowers to a mortuary, encounters drug dealers and learns lessons from a long ago pioneer woman!
In this 5th Sammy Keyes mystery, Sammy also encounters a little bit of angst as she meets a boy who she can easily relate to, only to find he is shockingly connected to her arch enemy. Gasp!
While I wouldn't want to be Sammy, I could sure see being one of her friends as she attracts adventure like a magnet. Wendelin Van Draanen puts a lot of detail in her stories and then magically weaves them together in a most entertaining plot.
Sammy gets embroiled in a mystery that involves longstanding family feuding, arson and a near escape from the bad guy! She meets an old lady who is friends with a pig, helps her friend's parent deliver flowers to a mortuary, encounters drug dealers and learns lessons from a long ago pioneer woman!
In this 5th Sammy Keyes mystery, Sammy also encounters a little bit of angst as she meets a boy who she can easily relate to, only to find he is shockingly connected to her arch enemy. Gasp!
While I wouldn't want to be Sammy, I could sure see being one of her friends as she attracts adventure like a magnet. Wendelin Van Draanen puts a lot of detail in her stories and then magically weaves them together in a most entertaining plot.
December 4, 2020
a nice, nostalgic read
August 27, 2018
I review books like this and hundreds of others on my blog Rachel's Reading. Check it out!
As is probably extremely evident at this point, I really love the Sammy Keyes series. It's so fun, and is a childhood favorite. I stopped reading at some point in my childhood, but am now returning to these as an adult, and find that they make me feel at home. I'm always astounded with the more adult topics that Van Draanen seems to handle with ease, that makes the adult and young reader equally entertained.
In this book, Sammy finds herself entwined in a mystery after meeting an old lady who tells her the story of Moustache Mary. Her cabin burns down, and there's a shiny new gas can near the fire. However the mystery just seems to start there. This book is full of old west family feuds, and honestly reminds me a lot of Holes by Louis Sachar in the same tone. Van Draanen does it again, and it does touch on some heavy subjects in the end. However, it's not done in such a heavy handed way that doesn't seem realistic, in fact, it seems very real, and age appropriate. Another job well done.
As is probably extremely evident at this point, I really love the Sammy Keyes series. It's so fun, and is a childhood favorite. I stopped reading at some point in my childhood, but am now returning to these as an adult, and find that they make me feel at home. I'm always astounded with the more adult topics that Van Draanen seems to handle with ease, that makes the adult and young reader equally entertained.
In this book, Sammy finds herself entwined in a mystery after meeting an old lady who tells her the story of Moustache Mary. Her cabin burns down, and there's a shiny new gas can near the fire. However the mystery just seems to start there. This book is full of old west family feuds, and honestly reminds me a lot of Holes by Louis Sachar in the same tone. Van Draanen does it again, and it does touch on some heavy subjects in the end. However, it's not done in such a heavy handed way that doesn't seem realistic, in fact, it seems very real, and age appropriate. Another job well done.
March 12, 2014
I love the Sammy Keyes books and this one in particular. Sammy is smart and sassy, the mysteries are fun, and Van Draanen does a great job of getting middle grade right. A lot of times I find the characters in middle grade books to be too childish or too precocious, but Sammy thoughts and actions are realistic for a smart and tough girl her age (not to mention she is very funy).
For some reason, this installment sat with me enough that I have read it 3 times in the last decade. I really like how Sammy deals with the idea that some people she knows have chosen to get into things that she isn't comfortable with. The drug use aspect of this book was not a preachy D.A.R.E lesson or a melodramatic Lifetime movie. It realistically showed how young people you may now may go down this slippery slope.
If you only read one Sammy Keyes book, read this one!
For some reason, this installment sat with me enough that I have read it 3 times in the last decade. I really like how Sammy deals with the idea that some people she knows have chosen to get into things that she isn't comfortable with. The drug use aspect of this book was not a preachy D.A.R.E lesson or a melodramatic Lifetime movie. It realistically showed how young people you may now may go down this slippery slope.
If you only read one Sammy Keyes book, read this one!
June 19, 2009
I love Sammy.
To date, I think this is my favorite of the series because the side characters were so great. Lucinda Huntley, her pig, and Moustache Mary just added so much to an already great series. I'm also interested in seeing where the Casey storyline ends up.
To date, I think this is my favorite of the series because the side characters were so great. Lucinda Huntley, her pig, and Moustache Mary just added so much to an already great series. I'm also interested in seeing where the Casey storyline ends up.
October 5, 2008
i like these books- it's my favorite mystery series. the mysteries are really interesting, and sammy keyes is awesome. I love it when I find out who's the culprit a second before sammy does.
May 17, 2020
im pretty sure this book has a literal meth lab in it??????? like god bless what children's book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 10, 2017
One of the best entries in the Sammy Keyes series, everything in this book -- from the tale of Moustached Mary to Heather Acosta drinking orange juice -- will make you giggle with joy.
January 1, 2023
hueheuhehe 🤭
Read
June 11, 2020Audible.
Finished reading ~ April 27, 2020
Finished reading ~ April 27, 2020
March 21, 2017
I picked this book up because I've been in the mood to read a mystery but nothing too heavy or complicated or something that would engross me for hours on end. So, going with a light mystery that wouldn't take me long to read, I decided I should continue with the Sammy Keyes books I have that I haven't read, yet. Mystery books have always been a main interest and growing up I loved Nancy Drew and Sammy Keyes. Fortunately they are books that even adults would enjoy!
At first I had, not like a HARD time getting into it, but it's been years since I read Sammy Keyes and I sort of forgot who people were specifically. I obviously figured out things like Marissa, Dot, and Holly are Sammy's friends but I couldn't remember much else about them. I couldn't remember who Brandon was and I thought we already knew Casey- there's a reason I remember Casey in the books and that is because I read the first four books and the 10th book growing up. I did a project on it in upper elementary school, otherwise I would not have read any part of the series out of order. So, as I read I was reminded of things that happened in the previous books and things that are part of the overall story or repeated throughout. But when Sammy was thinking about Brandon I was like, "Who's Brandon?" It bothered me too much so I looked it up and read the character information for most of the characters on the Sammy Keyes Wikipedia page. I refreshed my memory that Brandon is Marissa's brother who Sammy sort of has a thing for, that Dot became a part of the series in the second book and that Holly became a part of the series in the fourth; and, of course, that Casey is introduced in this book and continues to be part of the series. I can't believe I can remember things from the first Sammy Keyes book I read, which was the 10th book, but I can't remember books 2-4 very well.
Anyway, despite me just going along with things in the beginning because it had been too long since last reading the series, this book is great! I was able to read a chapter or two every day just to keep up the reading habit. It was still intriguing. I don't think of it as a lesser mystery because it is technically a middle grade series. But THIS BOOK got intense, and scary, and went in directions I didn't think the series would go. When I would update my progress on the Goodreads app I saw other people's reviews for it and a lot of people were saying that it has more mature/adult content and this is a book in the series that maybe kids should skip. At first I just thought those reviews were taking about a party that takes place because there are older high school kids and beer and probably other alcoholic beverages at this underage party. BUT THEN METH became part of the story and I was like, "Whoa! WHAT?!" I just was NOT expecting that! I know the last time I read one of these books I was in 13 or 14 but I did not think the series would go into serious drug territory. And I don't mind that at all, and had I read it when I was 13 or 14 (after I read the 4th book) it would have been fine, too, it's just that I did not expect it. I honestly think it's that aspect that makes this a 5 star read instead of 4 stars.
With my rating, and all other ratings, I try to rate books with thinking of the sole book and taking into consideration the audience/age range. So, this is a 5 star book to me, a 5 star middle grade mystery series book. The language is easy, not simple necessarily, but not complex. The characters are interesting and there's a lot of characters in this one! There's character development that I really appreciated and I'm looking forward to where that goes in the rest of the books- I'm mostly thinking of Sammy individually, Sammy + Officer Borsch, and Sammy + Casey. It's definitely engrossing but in a different way than I consider most adult books to be.
The Sammy Keyes series is a series I would recommend to young readers who are looking for mysteries to read. You can't help but like and become attached to the characters and the mystery they tangle themselves into- by "they" and "themselves" I mostly mean Sammy, but her friends are always willing to do things with her and stay by her side even at times when they are creeped out or scared.
I'm actually thinking of rereading the first four books to refresh my memory. It's not really the right time, because of other things going on in my life, but I'm really considering it. It would definitely be better than reading summaries online. But if I'm really going to do it I have to do it soon before details of this book start fading.
At first I had, not like a HARD time getting into it, but it's been years since I read Sammy Keyes and I sort of forgot who people were specifically. I obviously figured out things like Marissa, Dot, and Holly are Sammy's friends but I couldn't remember much else about them. I couldn't remember who Brandon was and I thought we already knew Casey- there's a reason I remember Casey in the books and that is because I read the first four books and the 10th book growing up. I did a project on it in upper elementary school, otherwise I would not have read any part of the series out of order. So, as I read I was reminded of things that happened in the previous books and things that are part of the overall story or repeated throughout. But when Sammy was thinking about Brandon I was like, "Who's Brandon?" It bothered me too much so I looked it up and read the character information for most of the characters on the Sammy Keyes Wikipedia page. I refreshed my memory that Brandon is Marissa's brother who Sammy sort of has a thing for, that Dot became a part of the series in the second book and that Holly became a part of the series in the fourth; and, of course, that Casey is introduced in this book and continues to be part of the series. I can't believe I can remember things from the first Sammy Keyes book I read, which was the 10th book, but I can't remember books 2-4 very well.
Anyway, despite me just going along with things in the beginning because it had been too long since last reading the series, this book is great! I was able to read a chapter or two every day just to keep up the reading habit. It was still intriguing. I don't think of it as a lesser mystery because it is technically a middle grade series. But THIS BOOK got intense, and scary, and went in directions I didn't think the series would go. When I would update my progress on the Goodreads app I saw other people's reviews for it and a lot of people were saying that it has more mature/adult content and this is a book in the series that maybe kids should skip. At first I just thought those reviews were taking about a party that takes place because there are older high school kids and beer and probably other alcoholic beverages at this underage party. BUT THEN METH became part of the story and I was like, "Whoa! WHAT?!" I just was NOT expecting that! I know the last time I read one of these books I was in 13 or 14 but I did not think the series would go into serious drug territory. And I don't mind that at all, and had I read it when I was 13 or 14 (after I read the 4th book) it would have been fine, too, it's just that I did not expect it. I honestly think it's that aspect that makes this a 5 star read instead of 4 stars.
With my rating, and all other ratings, I try to rate books with thinking of the sole book and taking into consideration the audience/age range. So, this is a 5 star book to me, a 5 star middle grade mystery series book. The language is easy, not simple necessarily, but not complex. The characters are interesting and there's a lot of characters in this one! There's character development that I really appreciated and I'm looking forward to where that goes in the rest of the books- I'm mostly thinking of Sammy individually, Sammy + Officer Borsch, and Sammy + Casey. It's definitely engrossing but in a different way than I consider most adult books to be.
The Sammy Keyes series is a series I would recommend to young readers who are looking for mysteries to read. You can't help but like and become attached to the characters and the mystery they tangle themselves into- by "they" and "themselves" I mostly mean Sammy, but her friends are always willing to do things with her and stay by her side even at times when they are creeped out or scared.
I'm actually thinking of rereading the first four books to refresh my memory. It's not really the right time, because of other things going on in my life, but I'm really considering it. It would definitely be better than reading summaries online. But if I'm really going to do it I have to do it soon before details of this book start fading.
November 22, 2021
The Great Childhood Favorites Reread continues! I remember this one being a favorite as a child, but this time I feel like it isn't as strong as the earlier books in this series. The "mystery" is solved almost entirely by luck and coincidence - aside from pulling the blueprints from the real estate agents' car at the Murdoch house, Sammy does very little sleuthing and assembles very few clues. If it weren't for Penny falling into the hidden lab, I don't think Sammy and her friends would have ever solved this one! It's only once Sammy finds the lab (again, by accident) that she is able to put the rest of the pieces together, leading to a quick explanation of the case without the usual process of finding clues, investigating suspects, etc. I wish the mystery had been better developed, because solving the mystery along with Sammy is one of the most appealing parts of these books. However, I love the introduction to Casey (probably why I remember this one as a favorite!) and I think the handling of serious topics like underage drinking, smoking, and drugs is done very well for a middle grade audience.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2019
Sammy, Marissa, and Holly go to spend New Years Eve with their friend Dot. While they are delivering flowers with Dot's father, they meet Lucinda. She is walking, along with her pig, to the Murdock house for a funeral. Lucinda wants to pay her last respects. Trouble brews soon after they and Lucinda enter the house. As the holiday progresses, the four of them sleuth around to try and solve a mystery.
June 23, 2020
These books get better and better as they go on. I'm liking these characters more and more. I love how the police officer and Sammy have built a sort of friendship.
This book was a little more shocking than the others as I wasn't expecting it to be about drugs or the drug references. The meth reference in the book I feel was a little above the grade level of this book but all in all I enjoy this cute little reads. Especially on audio.
This book was a little more shocking than the others as I wasn't expecting it to be about drugs or the drug references. The meth reference in the book I feel was a little above the grade level of this book but all in all I enjoy this cute little reads. Especially on audio.
May 20, 2021
I've read several of the books in the Sammy Keyes series and I appreciate the gradual maturing of Sammy that is taking place. She has dealt with Officer Borsch repeatedly and over time they develop a mutual respect. She had to come to terms with the death of her grandma's neighbor and how to navigate tricky friendships that involved evaluating attitudes towards drugs and alcohol. While the mysteries are always entertaining, i also enjoy the care the author puts into developing her characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2023
I didn’t intend to jump right into yet another Sammy Keyes book since I have a holds pile-up in my Libby app, but it takes place over New Years weekend and I didn’t want to pass up this little bit of synchronicity. My sister is re-reading this series as well and we’ve discussed that we don’t remember how dark and existential they can get. I hope there are still books like this for middle grade readers.
January 18, 2025
This is probably my least favorite Sammy Keyes book so far, but you have to give props to any middle grade book that features meth, especially still keeping a fairly light-hearted tone.
Reveal:
Reveal:
June 13, 2022
Good one! What an adventure. Yes I know it said the word Meth, and yes they are in 8th grade. But it’s real life. That really happens, and Van Draanen did a really nice job of keeping the dialogue realistic. And if the kid reading this actually pays attention to the words Sammy doesn’t like it and avoids it.
Can’t wait for the next one. ☺️
Can’t wait for the next one. ☺️
December 22, 2023
I have enjoyed these books. I wish I had known about them when my kids were little. This book involves a little more heavy topics than the previous books. There is a party that involves drugs and alcohol. Definitely something to talk to your kids about. For 7th graders to be out and going to parties would have been a little much for my kids.
February 11, 2024
Marissa eyes me. “How do you know he lives there?”
I shrug and say, “He told me.”
“And you remembered.”
Marissa’s switching over to the Love Channel fast, but Dot’s got a different frequency in mind: the Food Channel. She says, “Why are we walking so slow? Isn’t anyone but me starving?”
24.02.10
romantic middle schoolers is crazy
March 25, 2025
Yes, they have a cheesy element - but who cares! It's not intended to be some super serious novel, it is intended to be a YA fun quick read, and that's exactly what it is. I highly reccomend it if you just came out of reading a fantasy/thriller book - cause sometimes you just need a book that doesn't have an overly complicated plot, sometimes you just want to read :)
May 25, 2018
I love Sammy Keyes. She is an awesome friend and detective. I love how she tries to solve mysteries but she is also trying to solve the mysteries of life. This one deals with family history and teen drug use. I loved it.
October 28, 2019
Another day another Sammy Keyes book finished. This series has really brought a softness to my life as of lately. With the hectic pace of work, wedding planning and life Sammy Keyes has been such a treat. I look forward to seeing what adventure Sammy gets herself into next.
December 21, 2023
Casey shows up in this book!!!!! I don’t think I ever read this one as a kid, actually, so it was really nice to see how they met instead of just reading a mention of it later. I may have squealed when he showed up.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews