How Can I Be a Detective If I Have to Babysit?

Stevie Diamond #2

by Linda Bailey

Stevie and her partner, Jesse, go to a tree-planting camp for the summer with hopes of finding exciting detective work, only to end up baby-sitting, but when the baby's house is ransacked, the mystery-solving duo eagerly begins the search for clues.

Genres: Mystery, Young Adult, Juvenile, Middle Grade, Childrens

157 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1993

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

[Nass · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jakie to było ciepłe! Absolutne cudo na odprężenie!

Postacie dziecięce wykreowane tak dobrze, że nie miałam wątpliwości co do ich wieku, a zarazem nie czułam irytacji na podejmowane przez nich decyzję. Dorośli nie byli tylko mało rozgarniętymi kukłami, choć nie skupiliśmy się na nich jakoś szczególnie – wiadomo, to kryminał z małymi detektywami w roli głównej, a nie dużymi glinami.

Sama zagadka kryminalna ciekawa, dla dzieci w sam raz. Jedyne co mi zgrzytało, to ciągłe tłumaczenie rzeczy oczywistych.
Ktoś myśli na głos? Autorka podkreśli, że ktoś myśli na głos.
Główna bohaterka idzie z ojcem? Autorka podkreśli ten fakt dwa razy w przeciągu dwóch zdań, jakbyśmy mieli zapomnieć. Nie wiem czy to kwestia tłumaczenia, czy czego, ale momentami naprawdę irytowało.

[Enikő · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another great little read while I'm bedridden with a cold. A great little mystery that kept me guessing.

[Taryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm obviously going to rate my favorite books as a kid 5 stars. Read it to my kid and she loved it as much as I did.

[Kris (My Novelesque Life) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 STARS

"Twelve-year old detective Stevie Diamond and her partner Jesse Kulniki take off for a wilderness vacation at Stevie's father's tree-planting camp in the mountains of British Columbia. Little do they know they will be wrangled into taking care of Alexander, the five-year- old son of the camp's head cook. Baby-sitting is Stevie's least favorite occupation, but she becomes more interested in the job when she learns about Rubberface Ragnall, a smuggler who has ransacked the trailer in which Alexander lives. It seems that the child's mother unknowingly rented their Vancouver house to this unsavory character and has been regretting it ever since. Now, he's followed them to this remote spot, but no one knows what he's looking for. False leads and mistaken identities add to the fun of racing around the mountainous terrain; there's also some discussion of environmental concerns interspersed in the conversations." (From Amazon)

A great Canadian mystery story for all kids!

[Westcoast_girl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in the Stevie Diamond mystery series. It is worth reading in chronological order but not necessary.

In #2, Stevie is anxious to find another case, after her successful last case. Now she is at a logging camp with Jesse. Unfortunately, the only job anyone will enlist her in is babysitting! Like the title asks, How can she be a detective if she has to babysit?

But babysitting soon leads to another mystery when Alexander's (her baby-sitee) trailer is ransacked. Now she has to figure out whodunit!
The plot is full of twists and turns and is always witty and fun.

I recommend this book to any youth who loves mysteries. I know I loved to read it whilst camping

[Ingrid · Rating 4 out of 5]

in the beginning it is a bit boring and i misunderstood some of the words but the ending and the middle were fantastic chapters to read. stevie diamond and her friend jesse kulniki stay at her dad''s tree planting camp. although baby sitting wasn't in plan... when she hears about a smuggler rubberface ragnall they try to uncover him for who he really is.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Linda Bailey's humor is evident in this Stevie Diamond mystery, as well as her ability to develop a plot that keeps you guessing. For girls ages 8 to 12, and boys brave enough to read books with a female protagonist, the Stevie Diamond series is worth recommending.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite in the series. Environmentalism and mystery and comedy all in one!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will always love Stevie Diamond. Even though I'm no longer 12.

[Chelsea Shotts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book as a young kid. The main character was relatable, smart, and determined. I loved all mystery and detective stories as a kid.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book from a series of funny mysteries about a girl named Stevie Diamond.

[Amanda Skinner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic!

It is a very enjoyable story with amazing characters.

[Lauren · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars