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Jacaranda Street: Gravestone Image
Lenore Valentine Kirby’s cryptic gravestone in a derelict cemetery beckons across centuries.
The four Botanic Hill Detectives—Lanny, Lexi, Moki, and Rani—stumble upon a mystery revealed by the deceased woman’s descendant, Mr. Nigel Kirby. Can the teens decipher Lenore Kirby's gravestone image and messages? Their unusual case, incorporating the life and works of Gothic horror writer Edgar Allan Poe, takes the four out to Ravenswood, the Kirby family’s Victorian home. But one solution leads to more puzzles! Will the detectives successfully decode all the special instructions they discover to help restore Mr. Poe’s reputation, damaged by a real-life enemy, and reveal to the world a priceless treasure? Come lend the squad a hand!
The four Botanic Hill Detectives—Lanny, Lexi, Moki, and Rani—stumble upon a mystery revealed by the deceased woman’s descendant, Mr. Nigel Kirby. Can the teens decipher Lenore Kirby's gravestone image and messages? Their unusual case, incorporating the life and works of Gothic horror writer Edgar Allan Poe, takes the four out to Ravenswood, the Kirby family’s Victorian home. But one solution leads to more puzzles! Will the detectives successfully decode all the special instructions they discover to help restore Mr. Poe’s reputation, damaged by a real-life enemy, and reveal to the world a priceless treasure? Come lend the squad a hand!
238 pages, Paperback
First published September 26, 2023
15 people want to read
About the author
Sherrill Joseph
4 books98 followersSherrill Joseph, a retired teacher turned multiple award-winning author, created The Botanic Hill Detectives Mysteries series for children ages 9-14 so she could stay connected with kids, who rock.
Joseph presents responsible, role-model detective characters who provide readers with a fun mystery to solve and something to learn while showing that being respectful and helpful citizens can be cool!
She lives in San Diego, California, in a 1928 Spanish Mission Revival bungalow. Her historic neighborhood, Nancy Drew, and lexical-gustatory synesthesia inspire her writing. The author promises many more adventures with her detectives to come.
Joseph presents responsible, role-model detective characters who provide readers with a fun mystery to solve and something to learn while showing that being respectful and helpful citizens can be cool!
She lives in San Diego, California, in a 1928 Spanish Mission Revival bungalow. Her historic neighborhood, Nancy Drew, and lexical-gustatory synesthesia inspire her writing. The author promises many more adventures with her detectives to come.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
September 6, 2023
Another home run by Sherrill Joseph. With each new mystery, I find myself even more engaged with the Botanic Hill Detectives. Is death really not the end? Find out along with Lanny, Lexi, Rani & Moki. Can’t wait for the next installment.
September 7, 2023
Join four teenage sleuths in JACARANDA STREET: GRAVESTONE IMAGE as they uncover the secrets of Edgar Allan Poe's mysterious ‘true, last work.’ Packed with suspense, intrigue, Poe-like puzzles, and cryptic clues, the novel weaves together the captivating aura of Poe's legacy with a super-fun thriller. Prepare yourself for a re-evaluation of Poe’s life and work as the young gumshoes unravel the enigmatic hints.
September 6, 2023
Middle grade readers are in for a thrill with Sherrill Joseph’s fifth book in her Botanic Hill Detective Series! As always, Sherrill creates intriguing and engaging mystery stories for this age group of readers. This time, the focus is on Edgar Allan Poe and his writings. The group of detectives must find out a connection between Poe and a family relative. This relative has secret codes in numerous places the detectives must figure out to advance to the solution of the mystery. The author even allows for the reader to “pause and solve” along the way before seeing what the detectives have figured out! Ms. Joseph’s writing is infused with new vocabulary and descriptive detail that helps readers create imagery for her words. The author weaves historical content and intriguing trivia throughout the book. And, for anyone who knows the author, the elements of staircases and synesthesia are prevalent! Another wonderful addition to the series that is sure to be a hit with young readers!
September 6, 2023
Join the Botanic Hills Detectives in solving their new eerie mystery with ties to Edgar Allan Poe. Lexi, Moki, Rani, and Lanny join forces with Mr. Kirby as they investigate graveyards, find clues on Lenore Kirby’s tombstone,and explore hidden rooms and passages in Mr. Kirby’s Victorian home. What do the symbols on Lenore’s tombstone mean? What is her connection to Poe? Enjoy connecting the dots in a mystery full of vivid descriptions and tantalizing clues. Included are interactive clues which readers may try to solve. A fun, exciting must read!
September 12, 2023
You had me a Poe! Like Lanny, one of the detectives in this delightful middle grade series, I love movies, Edgar Allan Poe, and mysteries. This installment has the four friends investigating secret messages on a gravestone, leading them and us into a Southern Californian Victorian house complete with a raven and secret passages. Clues are laid out for the reader to solve along with the detectives which makes for a fun, interactive story. I so wish I’d had these books when I was younger and am overjoyed I get to read them now.
September 6, 2023
Jacaranda Street: Gravestone Image is an inventive symphony of Nancy Drew, Edgar Allan Poe, and Dr. Watson. It is a clever, engaging, and enjoyable puzzle-solving cozy mystery ride by the award-winning Author Sherrill Joseph.
Author Sherrill Joseph was a fourth and fifth-grade teacher (teachers are my heroes) who, as a child, was inspired by Nancy Drew mysteries to become the accomplished children’s mystery writer she is today. You don’t have to read the entire Botanic Hill Detectives series (although you would genuinely enjoy them) to love Jacaranda Street: Gravestone Image, especially if, like me, you’re an Edgar Allan Poe fan.
In Jacaranda Street: Gravestone Image, Author Joseph weaves a compelling path into a gothic puzzle challenging four thirteen-year-old detectives, Lexi, Lanny, Moki, and Rani. We are pulled into the mystery immediately when the owner of Kirby’s Gazillion Gadgets, Nigel Kirby, invites the young detectives to help solve an old family mystery.
Author Joseph’s writing is lovely and captivating. For example: “Moki glanced at the two gravesites and noticed they were now in deep shadows. The ravens and crows had returned to the nearby trees to roost and were making soft, throaty clucking sounds to say farewell to another day. Some owls, however, were having a hooting contest to welcome the night. Scattered crickets, at home in the dead grasses, chirped their approval of the humans’ departure so they could reclaim their territory.” Her characters are real and inspiring (even a raven named Rex). And the puzzles they solve along with the reader are challenging and fun.
I am an adult mystery writer and was thoroughly captivated by this novel. I learned that a synesthete is a superpower – when Rani hears a word or a name, she tastes something. Cool.
I will not give away the ending but only share this: “The four friends raced laughing down all the flights of stairs to the kitchen, their minds filled with images of Poe, Ravenswood, and their amazing discoveries. The usual letdown the Botanic Hill detectives felt after a case didn’t materialize this time.” Nor was I let down at the end of this marvelous book, and neither will you be. In fact, like me, you will encourage the author to write book six.
Author Sherrill Joseph is an extraordinary storyteller and a brilliant writer. I highly recommend Jacaranda Street: Gravestone Image to anyone of any age who enjoys a good and delightful cozy mystery. I loved it.
– Nick Chiarkas, award-winning author of Weepers and Nunzio’s Way.
Author Sherrill Joseph was a fourth and fifth-grade teacher (teachers are my heroes) who, as a child, was inspired by Nancy Drew mysteries to become the accomplished children’s mystery writer she is today. You don’t have to read the entire Botanic Hill Detectives series (although you would genuinely enjoy them) to love Jacaranda Street: Gravestone Image, especially if, like me, you’re an Edgar Allan Poe fan.
In Jacaranda Street: Gravestone Image, Author Joseph weaves a compelling path into a gothic puzzle challenging four thirteen-year-old detectives, Lexi, Lanny, Moki, and Rani. We are pulled into the mystery immediately when the owner of Kirby’s Gazillion Gadgets, Nigel Kirby, invites the young detectives to help solve an old family mystery.
Author Joseph’s writing is lovely and captivating. For example: “Moki glanced at the two gravesites and noticed they were now in deep shadows. The ravens and crows had returned to the nearby trees to roost and were making soft, throaty clucking sounds to say farewell to another day. Some owls, however, were having a hooting contest to welcome the night. Scattered crickets, at home in the dead grasses, chirped their approval of the humans’ departure so they could reclaim their territory.” Her characters are real and inspiring (even a raven named Rex). And the puzzles they solve along with the reader are challenging and fun.
I am an adult mystery writer and was thoroughly captivated by this novel. I learned that a synesthete is a superpower – when Rani hears a word or a name, she tastes something. Cool.
I will not give away the ending but only share this: “The four friends raced laughing down all the flights of stairs to the kitchen, their minds filled with images of Poe, Ravenswood, and their amazing discoveries. The usual letdown the Botanic Hill detectives felt after a case didn’t materialize this time.” Nor was I let down at the end of this marvelous book, and neither will you be. In fact, like me, you will encourage the author to write book six.
Author Sherrill Joseph is an extraordinary storyteller and a brilliant writer. I highly recommend Jacaranda Street: Gravestone Image to anyone of any age who enjoys a good and delightful cozy mystery. I loved it.
– Nick Chiarkas, award-winning author of Weepers and Nunzio’s Way.
September 13, 2023
Sherrill Joseph knows middle grade readers well. Curriculum introduces students to the writings of Edgar Allan Poe. Here, the young Botanic Hill detectives use their delightfully presented powers of quirky deduction to solve a mystery about Poe’s questionable legacy and dark reputation. In a story that is about restorative justice, Joseph takes readers through the halls of a university, the paths of a cemetery, hidden rooms of a Victorian mansion, and the vaults of an old church as the young detectives search for clues. Evidentiary hints leading to the deconstruction of Poe are sometimes interesting word and logic puzzles that the author encourages her readers to solve before reading on. Fascinating characters fly (some saying, “Nevermore”) in and out of an account that young readers are beginning to know all too well: betrayal and deliberate scams to destroy a person’s reputation. Like exploring hidden passageways into a person’s soul, the story illuminates Poe’s contention that “There is no exquisite beauty… without some strangeness in the proportion.” Poe explored the bizarre, what the French call the outre, in his works. In Joseph’s narrative, it is in accepting that life can be both beautiful and strange that restorative justice may be found.
Sherrill Joseph knows middle grade readers well. Curriculum introduces students to the writings of Edgar Allan Poe. Here, the young Botanic Hill detectives use their delightfully presented powers of quirky deduction to solve a mystery about Poe’s questionable legacy and dark reputation. In a story that is about restorative justice, Joseph takes readers through the halls of a university, the paths of a cemetery, hidden rooms of a Victorian mansion, and the vaults of an old church as the young detectives search for clues. Evidentiary hints leading to the deconstruction of Poe are sometimes interesting word and logic puzzles that the author encourages her readers to solve before reading on. Fascinating characters fly (some saying, “Nevermore”) in and out of an account that young readers are beginning to know all too well: betrayal and deliberate scams to destroy a person’s reputation. Like exploring hidden passageways into a person’s soul, the story illuminates Poe’s contention that “There is no exquisite beauty… without some strangeness in the proportion.” Poe explored the bizarre, what the French call the outre, in his works. In Joseph’s narrative, it is in accepting that life can be both beautiful and strange that restorative justice may be found.
Sherrill Joseph knows middle grade readers well. Curriculum introduces students to the writings of Edgar Allan Poe. Here, the young Botanic Hill detectives use their delightfully presented powers of quirky deduction to solve a mystery about Poe’s questionable legacy and dark reputation. In a story that is about restorative justice, Joseph takes readers through the halls of a university, the paths of a cemetery, hidden rooms of a Victorian mansion, and the vaults of an old church as the young detectives search for clues. Evidentiary hints leading to the deconstruction of Poe are sometimes interesting word and logic puzzles that the author encourages her readers to solve before reading on. Fascinating characters fly (some saying, “Nevermore”) in and out of an account that young readers are beginning to know all too well: betrayal and deliberate scams to destroy a person’s reputation. Like exploring hidden passageways into a person’s soul, the story illuminates Poe’s contention that “There is no exquisite beauty… without some strangeness in the proportion.” Poe explored the bizarre, what the French call the outre, in his works. In Joseph’s narrative, it is in accepting that life can be both beautiful and strange that restorative justice may be found.
March 7, 2024
Edgar Allan Poe! Just knowing he was at the center of this new mystery had me wanting to read Sherrill Joseph’s most recent MG Botanical Detective series, featuring four young friends who solve all kinds of mysteries in the neighborhood (and sometimes further away). As the detectives work through their clues, Joseph shares quotes from Poe’s work that give depth to the mystery and to the puzzles for each reader to solve before the four detectives reveal what they learned from that clue.
I’m’ not a Poe scholar, but I caught many of the clues (not all of them) and immediately knew that Joseph had done a lot of research and planning to build this marvelous book. Now I want to go to the Victorian Mansion, find the gravestone, and walk every hallway and outdoor paths those young detectives walked. Both young readers and adults alike will enjoy solving this puzzle as they follow hidden passages and find unique treasures. Even a direct experience with a raven and an intruder harkens back to Poe’s most well-known story.
As with the previous books, the friendship of these four young detectives continues to shine as they persevere and solve the complexity of this particular puzzle. As usual justice is served and the world is a little better because of their tenacity. Highly recommended for middle-grade readers and anyone, young or old, who loves deciphering puzzles.
I’m’ not a Poe scholar, but I caught many of the clues (not all of them) and immediately knew that Joseph had done a lot of research and planning to build this marvelous book. Now I want to go to the Victorian Mansion, find the gravestone, and walk every hallway and outdoor paths those young detectives walked. Both young readers and adults alike will enjoy solving this puzzle as they follow hidden passages and find unique treasures. Even a direct experience with a raven and an intruder harkens back to Poe’s most well-known story.
As with the previous books, the friendship of these four young detectives continues to shine as they persevere and solve the complexity of this particular puzzle. As usual justice is served and the world is a little better because of their tenacity. Highly recommended for middle-grade readers and anyone, young or old, who loves deciphering puzzles.
September 6, 2023
Sherrill Joseph’s latest book in the Botanic Hill Detective Series, Jacaranda Street: Gravestone Images, is another jewel in her crown! It is an interesting, exciting and educational story centered around the 19th century poet and author, Edgar Allan Poe. Even though the book is meant for the teen crowd, it is a fascinating read and full of important information about Poe, his life, legacy, and the controversy that surrounded him - all information that was new for me even though I’ve read his poems and books, albeit long ago. Sherrill is a master at engaging her young audience with an intriguing story that moves with a compelling pace. I found myself looking forward to finding out what happens next throughout the whole read - perfect for her audience! Throughout the book Joseph has included several activities and challenges meant to engage the reader more deeply in the story, such as solving clues along with the detectives and pursuing their own curiosity in the subject. If I were still a teacher I would happily recommend this book to my students knowing it would both engage and challenge them.
September 8, 2023
Jacaranda Street:Gravestone Image by Sherrill Joseph is the fifth book in the Botanic Hill Detective Mystery series. Finding worthwhile middle grade level books can sometimes be challenging, but parents need to look no further than this series to please their middle grade readers. The four detectives are lovely role models: intelligent, cooperative, respectful, resourceful, and funny. Readers will be immersed in the mystery and have the opportunity to solve puzzles along the way thanks to the format of each book. These books travel from home to classroom easily because they include mini lessons in vocabulary, history and other topics related to the plot. My grandchildren devoured the series and enjoyed reading them together as a sibling learning group.
Specifically, in Jacaranda Street, the detectives and adults in their world work to right the wrongs of the past against author/poet Edgar Allan Poe. Joseph combines authentic historical information about Poe with realistic fiction to craft a marvelous adventure filled with twists, turns, secret rooms, and secret messages. I enjoyed learning right along with the students in my life.
Specifically, in Jacaranda Street, the detectives and adults in their world work to right the wrongs of the past against author/poet Edgar Allan Poe. Joseph combines authentic historical information about Poe with realistic fiction to craft a marvelous adventure filled with twists, turns, secret rooms, and secret messages. I enjoyed learning right along with the students in my life.
September 12, 2023
The Botanic Hill Detectives’ fifth mystery captivated my attention and held it, while Lexi, Lanny, Rani, and Moki chased clues to solve a nineteenth century mystery involving Edgar Allan Poe. The adventures surrounding the mystery take the reader through a spooky graveyard and a mysterious mansion with secret passageways, all in keeping with the tone of Poe’s writing. As a teacher, I applaud Ms. Joseph’s constant care to educate readers, by providing definitions for new vocabulary words, by making sure the characters consult with adults in what might be dicey situations, and by developing a theme that encourages good manners and kindness. In addition, Joseph’s research into Poe’s life and works is thorough. Several times the book’s narrative pauses, so readers can solve clues on their own, using reading, math, and logic. This format makes the book ideal for classroom or at-home classroom use.
These days, when the focus is on appropriate reading for youngsters, I find Jacaranda Street to be the perfect book for engaging, enlightening, and entertaining middle grade students. And the adults who care for them will love the book, too.
These days, when the focus is on appropriate reading for youngsters, I find Jacaranda Street to be the perfect book for engaging, enlightening, and entertaining middle grade students. And the adults who care for them will love the book, too.
September 6, 2023
"Jacaranda Street: GRAVESTONE IMAGE" is another thrilling adventure for the young detectives of Botanic Hill. Sherrill Joseph skillfully weaves in references to Edgar Allan Poe's work, sparking an interest in the poet's creations among 9 to 12-year-olds. As a retired teacher, Joseph understands her target audience, using relatable terms like BFF, bro, wiki-wiki, and wowzers in the dialogue. What's especially endearing is the way she subtly incorporates educational clarifications and definitions of challenging words, enhancing the impact of the story. This fifth installment maintains its captivating mystery and well-developed characters. Joseph's engaging writing style makes it easy for young readers to dive into the adventure. The themes of teamwork, perseverance, and friendship shine through, making this not only an entertaining but also an educational read. Overall, "Jacaranda Street: GRAVESTONE IMAGE" is a delightful addition to the Botanic Hill Detectives series, highly recommended for young mystery and adventure enthusiasts.
September 8, 2023
Sherrill Joseph's compelling Jacaranda Street: Gravestone Image (Quince Street Press) takes readers on a fast-paced, complex journey as its kid detectives search for a lost poem by Edgar Allan Poe while working to rectify the damage done to his image by a jealous contemporary shortly after Poe's death. This page-turner, the fifth in Joseph's Botanic Hill Detectives Mysteries series, is full of fascinating information about Poe's life as well as quotes from his work that will appeal not only to the young readers it's aimed at but also to adults. I couldn't wait to find out how much of the story was true and how much was artistic license, which Joseph explains in her Author's Note at the end of the book. I'll also put in some praise for Joseph’s vivid descriptions of the setting, particularly a spectacular Victorian home. Now that I've finished this book, I'll surely be exploring Poe's world.
November 14, 2023
This mystery for kids ages 9 to 109 is a terrific one focusing on lost letters and materials concerning Edgar Allan Poe. I learned a lot about Poe—including the misperceptions we have of him—and loved every minute of my reading. The four young teens that call themselves the Botanic Hill Detectives keep this mystery hopping with a fast pace. Much of it takes place in a Victorian mansion once lived in by a cousin of Poe. Hidden passages and treasures, a mysterious gravestone’s lettering, and other objects in need of deciphering keep the detectives busy. A raven and a mysterious intruder add spice to the story. Every page brings fun camaraderie and problem-solving energy. The author has done professional research; the back pages give additional insights about Poe and ravens. I loved this book! Highly recommended. ~ Christine DeSmet
September 7, 2023
Fun and Learning Wrapped Up In One
The Botanic Hill Detectives are on the case again in this delightful mystery. Lexi, Lanny, Rani, and Moki team up with a family friend and college professor to decipher the mysterious images on the headstone of Mrs. Lenore Valentine Kirby, once believed to be a dear friend of Edgar Allan Poe’s. Kids, parents, and teachers alike will love this mystery, as much for its engaging characters and plot as for its many educational opportunities. Since I often dream about exploring palaces and mansions, I loved it when the kids moved to a Victorian mansion for the weekend to look for clues. This book was right up my alley, as I’m sure it will be for others. Highly recommended!
The Botanic Hill Detectives are on the case again in this delightful mystery. Lexi, Lanny, Rani, and Moki team up with a family friend and college professor to decipher the mysterious images on the headstone of Mrs. Lenore Valentine Kirby, once believed to be a dear friend of Edgar Allan Poe’s. Kids, parents, and teachers alike will love this mystery, as much for its engaging characters and plot as for its many educational opportunities. Since I often dream about exploring palaces and mansions, I loved it when the kids moved to a Victorian mansion for the weekend to look for clues. This book was right up my alley, as I’m sure it will be for others. Highly recommended!
September 9, 2023
I very much enjoyed the latest Botanic Hill Detectives installment in the series. As a former public school English teacher, I particularly enjoyed the way the author introduced new words and definitions. I also appreciated the connections to Poe. If you are looking for a well-written, informative and clever mystery that is sure to hold your attention, this book will fill that bill.
Genevra: Sherrill Joseph has not only spun a mysterious tale, but she infuses history, expands vocabulary and encourages readers to look further into the mystery genre itself. It is a fun, well-written and researched book. As a retired language arts teacher, I’m certain Jacaranda Street: Gravestone Image, will hold even a reluctant reader’s attention. It would also be extremely easy to build lesson plans around.
Genevra: Sherrill Joseph has not only spun a mysterious tale, but she infuses history, expands vocabulary and encourages readers to look further into the mystery genre itself. It is a fun, well-written and researched book. As a retired language arts teacher, I’m certain Jacaranda Street: Gravestone Image, will hold even a reluctant reader’s attention. It would also be extremely easy to build lesson plans around.
September 7, 2023
“JACARANDA STREET: GRAVESTONE IMAGE is another blue ribbon winner! In it, readers learn about the real Edgar Allan Poe, not the tainted version his jealous literary adversary, Rufus Wilmot Griswold, presented to the world in a scathing obituary a few days after Poe’s death. In this page-turning episode, readers get to tag along with Lexi, Lanny, Moki, and Rani, the Botanic Hill Detectives, as they find and follow intriguing clues to solve a mystery, including fun anagram and sett challenges readers get to decipher.” —Laurie Buchanan, author of the Sean McPherson crime thriller novels
September 7, 2023
Jacaranda Street is a fantastic journey into the life and mysteries of Edgar Allan Poe. I thoroughly enjoyed tagging along with the Botanic Hill gang as they uncovered clues to the famous author’s past that led to the discovery of a priceless treasure. Joseph cleverly places puzzles throughout this novel for adventurous and curious young detectives. Though I'm an adult reader, I enjoy the gang, Moki, Lanny, Rani and Lexi, the Botanic Hill sleuths and Joseph's well thought out mysteries.
September 7, 2023
Another excellent mystery (#5) with twists and turns keeping readers of all ages hooked in! Each book by the author, Sherrill Joseph, is a page-turner. Jacaranda Street: Gravestone Image lets the reader learn about Edgar Allan Poe while the teen detectives try to solve a mystery. I like how reality is intertwined with realistic fiction. The book is well-researched for factual information. As a former 5th-grade teacher, I can imagine many of my students really enjoying this book and series.
September 5, 2023
An enticing read with a mystery centering around a mystery icon: Edgar Allen Poe. The author deftly blends enough fact with fiction to let us learn fascinating tidbits while we are entertained to full satisfaction. Recommended!
September 6, 2023
W Well written
O Observant and fun detectives
W Wholesome
Z Zestful energy and enthusiasm
E Engaging and educational
R Respectful and reliable children
S Sherrill, storytelling at its best!
O Observant and fun detectives
W Wholesome
Z Zestful energy and enthusiasm
E Engaging and educational
R Respectful and reliable children
S Sherrill, storytelling at its best!
September 25, 2023
Another wonderful book in this series as these smart detectives use their unique strengths to solve a long-ago mystery that keeps us guessing until the satisfying end. Joseph’s delightful writing style weaves learning into all her mysteries. A fun read for kids AND adults!”
November 19, 2025
Even though this is a book for kids, adults will love it, too. I sure did. The characters are wonderful and such a good story.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews