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The Case of the Scarlet Snakebite
In this middle-grade mystery, a twelve-year-old obsessed with Agatha Christie suspects every guest at her mother's bed-and-breakfast of hiding secrets. That is until a real crime rocks the quaint B&B, and her mother is framed for it.
When the wealthy Willoughby family checks into her mother’s bed-and-breakfast for the weekend, Amber Adler is certain a crime is going to be committed right under their roof. And she should know—she’s read every Agatha Christie novel in the library and her father is a world-famous detective. Sure, Amber has made a few false accusations (and once got the SWAT team sent to her math teacher’s house), but this time, she’s positive that one of their guests is up to no good.
So it comes as no surprise to Amber when someone steals a priceless ruby belonging to the crotchety Willoughby patriarch. But what she didn't expect was for her mother to be framed for it. Now, Amber must call on everything she knows about solving mysteries to find the stone and catch the real culprit before the family checks out—and learn that sometimes, people are the greatest mystery of all.
When the wealthy Willoughby family checks into her mother’s bed-and-breakfast for the weekend, Amber Adler is certain a crime is going to be committed right under their roof. And she should know—she’s read every Agatha Christie novel in the library and her father is a world-famous detective. Sure, Amber has made a few false accusations (and once got the SWAT team sent to her math teacher’s house), but this time, she’s positive that one of their guests is up to no good.
So it comes as no surprise to Amber when someone steals a priceless ruby belonging to the crotchety Willoughby patriarch. But what she didn't expect was for her mother to be framed for it. Now, Amber must call on everything she knows about solving mysteries to find the stone and catch the real culprit before the family checks out—and learn that sometimes, people are the greatest mystery of all.
- GenresMysteryMiddle Grade
272 pages, Hardcover
Published February 24, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
E ARC provided by Netgalley
Amber Adler is not happy that her mother bought a Victorian style house so that she could run the Cozy Koi Bed and Breakfast in Crook's Bend while Amber's father is working as a world famous detective in New York City. Not only does she have to share common spaces with complete strangers, sometimes they even are given her bedroom! Amber loves classic Agatha Christie mysteries, and has "investigated" her mother's guests so many times that she is often in trouble. The most recent case involved an elderly couple that Amber accused of stealing a bathrobe. They had actually turned the robe in to the desk for repair, but not before Amber staged a big reveal of their crime. When the wealthy Willoughby family arrives for a family reunion, Amber lines up her suspects before there's even a crime, which she thinks will be the murder of the patriarch, E.B. Also at the B&B are Lorraine, E.B.'s wife, and her tiny dog Lady, obnoxious son Sterling, the Fleekers, who are scientists and have a six-year-old son, and Beryl, who designs jewelry. Amber overhears many things that sound menacing but are quite literal: e.g. one of E.B.'s children wants him to actually BUY a farm. E.B. is actually quite nice and talks to Amber, sharing his love of the Hardy Boys with her and telling her about his elaborately carved cane with a $6.2 million ruby in the head. When there is a storm in the middle of the night, E.B.'s cane is violently taken from him. The hotel handyman, Mr. Biddle, had left a ladder outside when he was cleaning the gutters, and the Willoughbys assume that either he or Amber's mother are responsible for the theft. Amber starts to investigate with the help of Mr. Biddle's wife, who is the town librarian. Amber assume disguises, hangs out to eavesdrop at a salon and the local pub, and generally inserts herself into the family's business. Will she be able to find the ruby?
This book is cleverly set up like a Christie novel, with quirky characters who all have a motive, and Amber fashions herself as a detective. I liked the bed and breakfast setting. My favorite part of the book was E.B., who was a business tycoon who was extremely nice to Amber, and had turned from being a horrible employer in his youth to being a really good person. Amber got on my nerves; I couldn't believe how insensitively she endangered her mother's business. Of course, this was excused by the fact that she really missed her detective father. This would be a good choice for readers who like mysteries like Eagle's The Stolen Songbird or Quinn's Ruff vs. Fluff books.
Amber Adler is not happy that her mother bought a Victorian style house so that she could run the Cozy Koi Bed and Breakfast in Crook's Bend while Amber's father is working as a world famous detective in New York City. Not only does she have to share common spaces with complete strangers, sometimes they even are given her bedroom! Amber loves classic Agatha Christie mysteries, and has "investigated" her mother's guests so many times that she is often in trouble. The most recent case involved an elderly couple that Amber accused of stealing a bathrobe. They had actually turned the robe in to the desk for repair, but not before Amber staged a big reveal of their crime. When the wealthy Willoughby family arrives for a family reunion, Amber lines up her suspects before there's even a crime, which she thinks will be the murder of the patriarch, E.B. Also at the B&B are Lorraine, E.B.'s wife, and her tiny dog Lady, obnoxious son Sterling, the Fleekers, who are scientists and have a six-year-old son, and Beryl, who designs jewelry. Amber overhears many things that sound menacing but are quite literal: e.g. one of E.B.'s children wants him to actually BUY a farm. E.B. is actually quite nice and talks to Amber, sharing his love of the Hardy Boys with her and telling her about his elaborately carved cane with a $6.2 million ruby in the head. When there is a storm in the middle of the night, E.B.'s cane is violently taken from him. The hotel handyman, Mr. Biddle, had left a ladder outside when he was cleaning the gutters, and the Willoughbys assume that either he or Amber's mother are responsible for the theft. Amber starts to investigate with the help of Mr. Biddle's wife, who is the town librarian. Amber assume disguises, hangs out to eavesdrop at a salon and the local pub, and generally inserts herself into the family's business. Will she be able to find the ruby?
This book is cleverly set up like a Christie novel, with quirky characters who all have a motive, and Amber fashions herself as a detective. I liked the bed and breakfast setting. My favorite part of the book was E.B., who was a business tycoon who was extremely nice to Amber, and had turned from being a horrible employer in his youth to being a really good person. Amber got on my nerves; I couldn't believe how insensitively she endangered her mother's business. Of course, this was excused by the fact that she really missed her detective father. This would be a good choice for readers who like mysteries like Eagle's The Stolen Songbird or Quinn's Ruff vs. Fluff books.
September 23, 2025
Twelve year old Amber and her mother are the proud owners of the Cozy Koi Bed-and-Breakfast in remote Crook’s Bend. While Amber’s mother has a focus on the family business, however, Amber is more interested in solving mysteries like those found in books written by her favorite novelist Agatha Christie. Determined to prove to her distant father that there is enough mystery in her town to reunite their disparate family, Amber will do whatever it takes to identify culprits, even when they do not exist. However, when the wealthy and mysterious Willoughby family comes to stay at the Cozy Koi, the nature of life in Crook’s Bend begins to change, and Amber is just the right sleuth to unravel the mystery before it is too late. This clever and fast-paced middle grade novel is well suited to readers who enjoy quirky characters and intriguing mysteries. Recounted in the first person from Amber’s perspective, the narrative offers readers a strong understanding of Amber’s motives and intent, especially when her behavior is otherwise questionable. Unique personalities surround Amber and amplify the plot, especially as many of these characters are persons of interest as the mystery unfolds. A map at the beginning orients readers to the layout of the bed and breakfast, which aids in comprehension as Amber investigates the many places which may house clues to the mystery within the novel. Anchored around one girl’s desire to bring her family back together, this entertaining whodunnit is at once enjoyable and heartfelt, making it a delight for middle grade youth. This is a fun addition to library mystery collections for confident young readers.
March 25, 2026
⏩ Read if you love:
* Middle grade mysteries designed to keep you guessing, while also incorporating nods to literary giants like Agatha Christie.
* Mysteries with red herrings, colorful side characters, and intents being misread as more nefarious than they are.
* Quirky pre-teen protagonists with enormous amounts of confidence and can-do attitude that lets little get in her way.
❌ Skip if you hate:
* Books with too many characters to keep track of – though not impossible, there is quite a cast of characters to follow.
* Closed-room cases – while technically not a closed-room, it does all unfold in the same general vicinity and does not take the reader too far from the B&B.
🏅 Best Character Award Goes To: (Who stole the show?)
Christyne Morrell brings protagonist Amber Adler to life through words, but more so through her actions. Being precocious, diligent, and rambunctious helps Amber fight against her mother’s wishes and everyone else’s better judgement to prove the case can only be solved by her.
🏆 Standout Element:
Building the story from the bones of a Christie novel brings a level of joy to the reading of this novel. It’s a great way to introduce youth to a master of mystery writing.
🎯 Final Take:
Morrell tells a brilliant story any pre-teen/tween/early teenager whose parents may be going through a separation or divorce can feel seen and heard. I strongly recommend it.
🎬 Final Verdict:
It is an absolute must read for any mystery/thriller reader!
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 – Unputdownable (Compelling great read.)
📚 Stack Placement: Definitely recommending to others.
Vibes: 🎀 Plot: 🧩 Ending: 🎁 Reaction: 🧃 (legend)
* Middle grade mysteries designed to keep you guessing, while also incorporating nods to literary giants like Agatha Christie.
* Mysteries with red herrings, colorful side characters, and intents being misread as more nefarious than they are.
* Quirky pre-teen protagonists with enormous amounts of confidence and can-do attitude that lets little get in her way.
❌ Skip if you hate:
* Books with too many characters to keep track of – though not impossible, there is quite a cast of characters to follow.
* Closed-room cases – while technically not a closed-room, it does all unfold in the same general vicinity and does not take the reader too far from the B&B.
🏅 Best Character Award Goes To: (Who stole the show?)
Christyne Morrell brings protagonist Amber Adler to life through words, but more so through her actions. Being precocious, diligent, and rambunctious helps Amber fight against her mother’s wishes and everyone else’s better judgement to prove the case can only be solved by her.
🏆 Standout Element:
Building the story from the bones of a Christie novel brings a level of joy to the reading of this novel. It’s a great way to introduce youth to a master of mystery writing.
🎯 Final Take:
Morrell tells a brilliant story any pre-teen/tween/early teenager whose parents may be going through a separation or divorce can feel seen and heard. I strongly recommend it.
🎬 Final Verdict:
It is an absolute must read for any mystery/thriller reader!
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 – Unputdownable (Compelling great read.)
📚 Stack Placement: Definitely recommending to others.
Vibes: 🎀 Plot: 🧩 Ending: 🎁 Reaction: 🧃 (legend)
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I just finished the audiobook of The Case of the Scarlet Snakebite and this was SO sweet and a little bit nostalgic...in a way that I can see my younger self completely falling in love with this whodunnit mystery!
First of all the narration by Jessica Almasy was done spectacularly. She brought such a fun and playful energy to the story. Her inflection made it incredibly easy to stay engaged the whole time and her voice felt perfect for a younger middle grade audience!
In this book we follow this determined 12 year old girl who lives and helps run a bed and breakfast with her mom. It’s really quite a cute setup. But behind all the cozy vibes, she’s also trying to solve a mystery while secretly hoping she can help put her family back together. 🥺 Awww what a sweet premise. It was s perfect balance for me, mystery and heart!
The sleuthing in this book was entertaining and all of her emotions and behaviors felt age appropriate. This is 100% the kind of book younger me would’ve devoured in one sitting and then acted like it was an absolute emergency to get the next one.
Christyne Morrell created such a lovable, easy to root for character and the audiobook just made her story shine even more. I have no complaints about this book! Just a fun, wholesome, cozy mystery!
If you have a young reader in your life or love middle grade like me then I definitely recommend this one.
Perfect because:
🎧 Narration: engaging, expressive, and perfect for the story
🐍 Mystery: fun and age-appropriate
💛 Overall: sweet, heartfelt, and nostalgic
First of all the narration by Jessica Almasy was done spectacularly. She brought such a fun and playful energy to the story. Her inflection made it incredibly easy to stay engaged the whole time and her voice felt perfect for a younger middle grade audience!
In this book we follow this determined 12 year old girl who lives and helps run a bed and breakfast with her mom. It’s really quite a cute setup. But behind all the cozy vibes, she’s also trying to solve a mystery while secretly hoping she can help put her family back together. 🥺 Awww what a sweet premise. It was s perfect balance for me, mystery and heart!
The sleuthing in this book was entertaining and all of her emotions and behaviors felt age appropriate. This is 100% the kind of book younger me would’ve devoured in one sitting and then acted like it was an absolute emergency to get the next one.
Christyne Morrell created such a lovable, easy to root for character and the audiobook just made her story shine even more. I have no complaints about this book! Just a fun, wholesome, cozy mystery!
If you have a young reader in your life or love middle grade like me then I definitely recommend this one.
Perfect because:
🎧 Narration: engaging, expressive, and perfect for the story
🐍 Mystery: fun and age-appropriate
💛 Overall: sweet, heartfelt, and nostalgic
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
*I received a free ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*
This is a very entertaining book full of twists and turns and quirky characters. Amber is certainly tenacious and does not give up easily when she thinks there is a mystery that needs solving. I can understand why her mother often lost patience with her, but I also felt that she kind of put Amber in a situation without fully explaining what was going on. Amber had to deal with losing her father and then being forced to live in an inn. And to make matters worse, she often loses her bedroom when there is a guest who may need it. It is really no wonder she looks for some kind of control of situations, which in this case she does through her investigations. The Willoughby family comes along at just the right moment for Amber and offers her the investigation she has been training for with all of her Agatha Christie novels. They also bring along a string of interesting characters all out for themselves. This book offers plenty of twists and turns and lessons on the dangers of jumping to conclusions. Amber's often exclamation of "Eep" got a little tired after the third time, but I think the audience for whom this was written will not mind one bit. I highly recommend this for school and classroom libraries!
This is a very entertaining book full of twists and turns and quirky characters. Amber is certainly tenacious and does not give up easily when she thinks there is a mystery that needs solving. I can understand why her mother often lost patience with her, but I also felt that she kind of put Amber in a situation without fully explaining what was going on. Amber had to deal with losing her father and then being forced to live in an inn. And to make matters worse, she often loses her bedroom when there is a guest who may need it. It is really no wonder she looks for some kind of control of situations, which in this case she does through her investigations. The Willoughby family comes along at just the right moment for Amber and offers her the investigation she has been training for with all of her Agatha Christie novels. They also bring along a string of interesting characters all out for themselves. This book offers plenty of twists and turns and lessons on the dangers of jumping to conclusions. Amber's often exclamation of "Eep" got a little tired after the third time, but I think the audience for whom this was written will not mind one bit. I highly recommend this for school and classroom libraries!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Amber is nosy - everyone knows that. But she is just trying to be helpful. Amber's biggest dream is to take after her "world-famous detective father" and find a crime big enough for him to move back to her small-town and live with her and her mother again. Instead, Amber's mother is working hard to make their bed and breakfast venture successful and is very excited when the uber-wealthy Willoughby family rents the rooms for a family reunion weekend. Upon their arrival - all of them complaining except the patriarch of the family - Amber is immediately drawn into an investigation when the enormous ruby that sits atop Mr. Willoughby's walking stick is stolen in the middle of the night. Amber's mother becomes the prime suspect and Amber sets out to solve the mystery to save her mother's reputation, lure her father back home, and find out who is really sabotaging the Willoughby family.
Great middle grade mystery story! Amber is very realistic, and I loved the Agatha Christie references and how this mystery plays out. This is not an easily-guessed whodunit! I hope to see this title on state reading award nominee lists!
Great middle grade mystery story! Amber is very realistic, and I loved the Agatha Christie references and how this mystery plays out. This is not an easily-guessed whodunit! I hope to see this title on state reading award nominee lists!
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Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Amber Adler's life is upside down and she is not happy about. Her father is an amazing detective who's moved across the country for a new job, she's moved out of her childhood home with her mom into the Cozy Koi Bed and Breakfast, and she is always getting into trouble for her detective skills. Now the famous Willoughby family decides to use the Cozy Koi for their family reunion and things go from bad to worse when a prized ruby goes missing and Amber's mom is the prime suspect. With her families reputation on the line, Amber can't just let the police solve the case; but what if solving the case also means learning hard truths in life?
When I say I devoured this story, I mean I devoured it. Amber Adler is such a fun character to invest in and really drives that line between naive child and budding tweenager; seeing her learn and evolve from start to finish added to the story. I also liked the complexity of the mystery, and even when Amber missteps, it still feels realistic.
A wonderful addition to the middle grade genre, thank you to Random House Kids for the gifted ARC.
When I say I devoured this story, I mean I devoured it. Amber Adler is such a fun character to invest in and really drives that line between naive child and budding tweenager; seeing her learn and evolve from start to finish added to the story. I also liked the complexity of the mystery, and even when Amber missteps, it still feels realistic.
A wonderful addition to the middle grade genre, thank you to Random House Kids for the gifted ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Amber is obsessed with Agatha Christie and mysteries. Ever since her mom bought a B&B, she has a become determined to solve any case that arises. When a wealthy family comes to the inn for a reunion, she finds herself pulled into a case when a priceless gem goes missing and her mom is the suspect.
This was a really fun and good read! Younger me would also have loved this book. It would be perfect for kids who love mysteries or are just developing a love. It would also be a good intro to Agatha Christie since Amber is obsessed with her. I'm hoping that this becomes a series because I found it delightful! It also seemed like Amber was starting to make connections that would be fun to explore more in a sequel/series.
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was a really fun and good read! Younger me would also have loved this book. It would be perfect for kids who love mysteries or are just developing a love. It would also be a good intro to Agatha Christie since Amber is obsessed with her. I'm hoping that this becomes a series because I found it delightful! It also seemed like Amber was starting to make connections that would be fun to explore more in a sequel/series.
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 17, 2026
Amber Adler is a wannabe sleuth with a big heart, but her best intentions often end in even bigger catastrophes.
When the rich and hoity-toity Willoughby family come to stay at the Kozy Koi, her mom's B&B, Mr. Willoughby's famous $16M ruby goes missing. Can Amber solve the case before her mom's reputation is ruined?
This was such a feel good MG mystery, and one that I would recommend to everyone. Amber is such a lovable character, and her charm is sure to win over any reader.
When the rich and hoity-toity Willoughby family come to stay at the Kozy Koi, her mom's B&B, Mr. Willoughby's famous $16M ruby goes missing. Can Amber solve the case before her mom's reputation is ruined?
This was such a feel good MG mystery, and one that I would recommend to everyone. Amber is such a lovable character, and her charm is sure to win over any reader.
October 20, 2025
This is a cute little mystery book for I say teens and it was amazing the plot was good and the way it was written was so well executed and the characters were amazing
January 23, 2026
Amber is always looking for crimes to solve, even when there is no true crime, but when she overhears a phone conversation about a crime by someone staying at her bed and breakfast, she knows this time there is truly a crime, and she is going to be the one that solves it. But this crime is different than she guessed but still full of twists & turns.
My middle schoolers are always looking for murder mysteries, but so many of them are teen; I am so glad that there are more and more middle school ones coming out, including this one. A truly fun middle grade mystery!
Full review with educator support: https://www.unleashingreaders.com/29565
My middle schoolers are always looking for murder mysteries, but so many of them are teen; I am so glad that there are more and more middle school ones coming out, including this one. A truly fun middle grade mystery!
Full review with educator support: https://www.unleashingreaders.com/29565
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews