Spooky Sleuths #3: Don't Go Near the Water!

Spooky Sleuths #3

by Natasha Deen

A strange woman seems to have eerie control over people. Is it science . . . or strange and ghostly? Find out in this new spooky chapter book series, Spooky Sleuths.

Asim's field trip is freaking him out! His class is on a boat, exploring the Salish Sea, when he sees a pale, scowling woman staring at him from under the water. Asim's friend Rokshar thinks it's just a seal. She always finds a scientific explanation for the strange things that happen in town.

But when Asim's dad hears otherworldly music coming from the water, he feels so drawn to it that he tries to throw himself in! Could a fairmaid—a mermaid from Guyanese folklore—be to blame?

Find out . . . if you dare! Don't miss this new series based on ghost stories from Guyana.

Genres: Paranormal, Chapter Books, Middle Grade, Fantasy

Audible Audio

First published February 7, 2023

About the author

Natasha Deen's family moved from Guyana, South America to Canada to escape the country's political & racial violence. She loved growing up in a country of snow & flannel, but often felt out of place. Thank goodness for books that showed her being different could also mean being awesome. Natasha lives in Edmonton, Alberta with her family where she spends A LOT of time arguing with her cats and dogs about who’s the boss of the house. Visit her at www.natashadeen.com.

Reviews

[Karine · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐️ I really enjoy the info sharing and debates with rokshar and Asim. Being able to see and respect each other’s points of view but still holding strong to their point of view … can’t wait for book 4 !!

[Ms. Woc Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I borrowed this one from the library so I ended up reading it before I read book 2. For the most part it stands alone however there is a plot thread that carries over from book 2. In this one the class takes a field trip to the research center and while on a boat they spy a strange creature in the water. They're not sure if it's a seal or a siren as strange things start happening.

I enjoy that this series mixes folklore with science. The children use the scientific method to argue their points for why it could or couldn't be a mythological creature wreaking havoc around town. Rokshar usually has a scientific explanation for everything. I also like the way the journal notes are formatted at the end and how there are visuals of their notes throughout the story. It gives children the opportunity to follow along in the mystery.

[Kay S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series! The author and illustrator have really found their groove since I read the first one. There's more kids in the gang, more brains on the "cases", more resources...

They're definitely more Scooby-Doo like but they touch on creatures and elements of myths from different cultures. It's short, has bits of stuff to meet those weird kids with creepy or scientific special interests. Perfection. Love it.