Sneaks

by Amy Tern

A missing child and an apartment that should be empty spur two tweens to solve an increasingly tangled neighborhood mystery in this page-turning middle grade debut.

This hijinks-heavy mystery written in dual POV reads like Only Murders in the Building for tweens. Perfect for wannabe sleuths and nosy neighbors!

Valory has developed an unfortunate reputation as a thief—primarily because she steals things—though she has resolved to change her ways.

Rook is a total asparagus-eater (a.k.a. a good kid), but he likes to spy on his neighbors. Nobody’s perfect, right?

The twelve-year-olds form an unlikely alliance when they encounter suspicious behavior in an “empty” apartment across the alley from Rook’s house. While agoraphobia keeps home-schooled Rook trapped on his property, confident and street-smart Valory can roam the scene undetected. Their opposite personalities might, in fact, be key to their success.

But their amateur detective mission morphs into something more sinister when they realize the apartment next door could be connected to a recent kidnapping. When the sleuths realize they’re also being watched, the pressure is on to unmask the villain… before she snatches them, too.

Genres: Middle Grade, Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Friendship, Contemporary, Audiobook, Family

240 pages, Hardcover

Published July 7, 2026

Reviews

[Jessica S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 10/10

Sneaks exceeded all the expectations I had for it. Having immersed myself in middle grade mysteries lately, Sneaks was a knock-out, in terms of character development, depth, tension and suspense, and writing (and, quite frankly, editing) quality. A brilliantly executed contemporary coming-of-age novel that speaks to universal realities of growing up through the language of mystery, Sneaks would make a fantastic unit study or library/school book club pick. The dynamics of friendships, family, and navigating independence while staying between the lines are all elements flawlessly weaved into Sneaks. Also, while I am not always a fan of alternating POVs, in this case, the structure of Sneaks really showcased what alternating close third limited perspective can do to elevate the reader experience (esp. "and that boy with the dog" from Valory's POV, haha!). Fantastic read!

Thank you to Edelweiss+ and Holiday House for an Advanced Reader Copy!

[Chelsie Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Middle grade mystery. I enjoyed all of it. I think this would be a great book to read aloud to a 4th or 5th grade class. Valery and Rook are polar opposites but find commonalities. The mystery aspect had you guessing until the very end.

[Erin Golden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of advanced copy received from NetGalley

Sneaks is a debut mystery by Amy Tern about two kids who form an unlikely friendship. Rook is a piano prodigy who’s been homeschooled and developed agoraphobia, and Valory is the daughter of his family’s cleaning lady. Valory has a reputation for being a “bad kid” because she has a history of thievery, but together they discover a mystery in the apartment building across from Rook’s house, a mystery that may involved a kidnapped child they’re desperate to save. Both characters are well developed with interesting backstories woven into the text. The story starts off a little slowly, but it quickly picks up at the midpoint and then it rockets forward until the satisfying ending. It contains lovely themes about friendship, learning to trust yourself, and doing what you can to help others without ever being didactic. This is a very satisfying, well done novel that I, as a bookseller, will be recommending to customers who want a fun middle grade mystery.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't usually read middle-grade books, but this was fun. The main characters, Valory and Rook, were nicely fleshed out and weren't just defined by their major traits ("thief" and "music prodigy," respectively), and they did grow and learn from their experiences throughout the course of the book. In fact, I think there is even more room for growth in their story, and I could see this becoming a series, or at least a duology - and I think Tiff and Bruno (and Chewbarka) could be great sidekicks.

I liked that while the kids were ultimately proven correct in their suspicion of Mrs. Smith, not all their wild assumptions were valid, making it a much more plausible story. And though the adults were initially dismissive of the children's concerns, they weren't portrayed as adversaries or as completely obtuse, which is refreshing.

Also, I hope Mrs. Smith is OK, poor thing.

[Hope Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rook is a homeschooled musical prodigy, Valory is a public school kleptomaniac who has been caught one too many times. Valory and Rook meet when he covers for her stealing something from his mother. The friendship begins when Valory begins realizing she wants to be good, and Rook realizes he is vastly overprotected. Observing the building across the street (quiet time on the balcony is Rook's favorite thing to do), Rook suspects someone in the neighboring building has been kidnapped. Rook and Valory begin investigating and can't quite stay out of trouble as they try to prove their case.

I loved this book! I so hope to see it on many state reading award books for upper elementary, lower middle school aged readers. Good suspense, likable, relatable characters, and excellent flow to the story.

[Therearenobadbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sneaks is a fun one too. Unlikely friendship of a kid always in trouble and a prodigy pianist 12 year old with agoraphobia get together to investigate a neighbor. It's not very long and it grabs us from the very first page because of the main character's life circumstances.

[Julie Phend · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sneaks is a twisty mystery solved by an unlikely pair of loveable amateur sleuths. Rook, a sheltered musical prodigy, couldn’t be more different from Valorie, who’s the troublemaking daughter of his family’s cleaning woman. But their strengths complement each other when they team up to solve the mystery of a piano-playing child hidden in an apartment across the street from Rook’s home. Watching from the balcony, Rook and Valorie are alarmed by what they see—a strange woman who goes out to buy pizza at the exact same time each day, a child’s simple piano tunes played only while the woman is gone, a discarded doll whose head has been ripped off. In scenes reminiscent of Alfred Hitchcock’s Rear Window, Rook and Valory try to alert their elders, but no one believes them, and they’re left to investigate on their own. In doing so, they discover important things about themselves, their families, and the assumptions they’ve made. This tightly plotted mystery keeps the reader guessing to the very end. It’s a very fun, enjoyable read!
I received an Advanced Review Copy from Edelweiss, and this is my honest review.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this mystery told in the interweaving voices of Valory and Rook. Love the concept of Rear Window for middle school! A wonderful debut novel.

[Beth Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook of SNEAKS, a middle grade mystery. The dual male/female narrators were a great decision for this story told in alternating perspectives from Vallory and Rook's points of view. It was especially fun to listen to this because of the Boston setting; having just visited I appreciated the accuracy of the location and the authenticity of those choices.

This is very much a middle grade mystery, and I appreciated how the two 12 yo main characters had their imaginations run wild in ways that were so very tween (and so very cringe at times for adults). Rook and Vallory are brought together from vastly different life experiences, yet they find they actually have a lot in common, and I think that takeaway alone is so valuable. The friendships that are formed and mended in this book feel realistic and authentic. And the mystery is different! They spy on a mystery neighbor and then hear about a kidnapping on the news. Could the two be connected? It sure seems that way!

This book also navigated a few deep topics without being message-driven. I love that about middle grade. I do wish there had been less lying from both main characters. I understand why it was used to move the story forward (and there is some consequence/apology) but that's kind of a personal pet peeve for me.

As a weird kid who loved old movies, I watched Rear Window many times growing up, and I loved the slight nods to that story in this book.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent middle reader mystery!

This is such a fun and unique story, great for young readers as well as for adults who enjoy kids books.

Valory and Rook, our junior sleuths, are an unlikely pair who team up to solve a local mystery and become great friends and better people along the way.

There’s a degree of nuance to this not often present in kids mysteries, mostly evident in the fact that the kids have entirely the wrong idea about the specifics of what they’re doing, but in a broader sense they got it right.

And their parents aren’t the mindless or cruel parents we often see in books that leave kids to their own devices, but rather good parents who don’t always get everything right. So, y’know, kinda like most real parents.

Excellent sense of place, some really good humor, and a clever mystery make this a really good read.

*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sneaks is a fun and thoughtful middle-grade mystery featuring an unlikely duo: a homeschooled piano prodigy and a girl who has a habit of finding herself in trouble.

I really enjoyed how the book balanced its unique mystery with well-developed characters and meaningful topics. It explores mental health, complicated family relationships, changing family dynamics, and the pressure adults can place on kids, without allowing those heavier themes to overwhelm the story.

This would be a great book to read aloud or share with middle-grade students because it offers plenty to discuss while still keeping readers invested in solving the mystery. If you enjoy middle-grade mysteries with memorable characters and important representation, add this one to your TBR.

Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy of Sneaks. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sneaks is an exciting middle grade mystery book about Rook, a boy who is a homeschooled piano prodigy and Valory, a girl who has been getting into too much trouble lately. They meet because Valory's mom cleans Rook's house. Together they discover a mystery in the apartment across from Rook's house. There is a secret girl in there and maybe she was kidnapped! Sneaking around they think they have everything figured out, but things are not as they seem. The book is full of good messages about love, friendship, and speaking up. It is squeaky clean and perfect for older elementary on up.

I received a free advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was such a fun middle grade debut! I completely related to Rook and Valory! I liked to sneak around and watch my neighbors when I was a kid! I thought I was such a cool detective! Sadly, my neighbors weren’t nearly as interesting as Rook’s!

There is so much to like about this book! The story is engaging and relatable, good suspense, likable characters, and great pacing! The mystery was unique and the I found the ending to be believable. I think young readers will really enjoying this one.

If you enjoy middle grade mysteries full of friendships, suspense, and likable characters, then I recommend picking this one up!

[Candice · Rating 4 out of 5]

A street-smart, sticky-fingered Valory teams up with piano-prodigy, agoraphobic Rook to solve the mystery of the empty apartment across the alley which is suddenly filled with mysterious music and eerie doll parts.

It's Only Murders in the Building for tweens about how friendship can bring out the best parts of you.

[Kimmie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an entertaining middle grade mystery! I loved watching Valory & Rook's unlikely friendship grow as they chased clues around their neighbourhood. The mystery was fun! A great pick for young readers who love clever sleuths and page-turning adventures. My son and I did a buddy read, we both really enjoyed it!

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are not many children books about mental health issues (honestly, there aren't enough books about the complexity of mental health or the stigma surrounding it, but that is a story for another day) and I was really impressed with how this book addressed this health issue.

[Charlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

From now on, I will never hear "On Top of Spaghetti" without thinking of this book 😭 This was SO GOOD. Would love to see more adventures of Valory and Rook, if it's a possibility!

[Diana of Shelved by Strand · Rating 4 out of 5]

Valory and Rook are a mismatched pair who meet when Valory is accused of theft while she and her mom clean Rook's house. As an "asparagus-eater" (rich kid), Rook lives a charmed life in Valory's eyes, but she soon figures out that he's suffering from agoraphobia as they work to solve a mystery in an apartment across the alley.

Middle-grade mysteries can be tough to judge: if an adult reader guesses the twist, does that mean younger readers will be able to as well? Probably not in this case -- and even if they do, Valory and Rook are unique characters that will keep them reading. 4 stars for the friendships, as well as the family dynamics.

Thanks to NetGalley and Holiday House for the eARC.

[Joyana Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

A double-dose of mystery and heart!

I was hooked from the very first page of this clever Middle Grade debut. The dual narrative is masterfully handled. It’s rare to find a story where you feel so equally invested in both leads. Each character brings a unique "underdog energy" that makes you want to cheer (and sleuth) right alongside them. The mystery is tightly plotted, and the shenanigans are as fun as they are heartfelt. A perfect pick for young readers who love a good puzzle and characters with real depth. Highly recommended!

I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Ashlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sneaks is a middle grade mystery book about friendship. It’s a dual POV story about two characters who are unique and different from each other but form a bond and help each other out. It’s about coming out of your shell and realizing that you don’t have to do certain things to get attention. For young readers who love books with mysteries, this is a great read.

[Chris Benetti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sneaks is a delightful middle grade mystery that perfectly blends suspense, humor, and heart into an adventure that's impossible to put down. Amy Tern's debut introduces readers to two unforgettable young detectives whose differences become their greatest strength as they unravel an increasingly dangerous mystery.
Valory and Rook are wonderfully developed protagonists. Valory's struggle to leave behind her reputation as a thief makes her immediately sympathetic, while Rook's cautious nature, curiosity, and love of observing the world around him provide the perfect counterbalance. Their growing friendship feels genuine, and watching them learn to trust one another becomes just as rewarding as solving the mystery itself.
The mystery is cleverly paced from beginning to end. What starts with suspicious activity in an apartment that should be empty quickly escalates into a far more serious investigation involving a missing child. Each new clue builds tension while encouraging readers to piece together the puzzle alongside the characters, making the story both engaging and highly interactive.
Beyond its exciting plot, Sneaks explores themes of redemption, bravery, friendship, trust, and overcoming personal limitations. Valory's desire to change and Rook's determination to step beyond his comfort zone create emotional depth that complements the thrilling mystery without ever slowing the story's momentum.
Amy Tern also captures the excitement of neighborhood adventures perfectly. The familiar setting, colorful cast of neighbors, and constant feeling that danger could be lurking just around the corner create an immersive atmosphere that will appeal to young mystery lovers from beginning to end.
Sneaks is a smart, entertaining, and thoroughly satisfying middle grade mystery that combines memorable characters, clever plotting, and meaningful themes into a story readers won't soon forget. It's an excellent choice for classrooms, libraries, book clubs, and any young reader who enjoys solving mysteries, rooting for underdogs, and embarking on unforgettable adventures.

[Kailey (Luminous Libro) · Rating 1 out of 5]

Valory has a reputation as a thief and liar. She is rude to all the adults in her life, especially her mother's boyfriend. She gives adults rude nicknames that she calls them behind their backs. She is well-known at her school for elaborate pranks and for stealing from the teachers. She disobeys her mother on various occasions, saying she knows she will get in trouble, but she doesn't care.

In contrast, Rook is a responsible young man who diligently practices the piano for an upcoming music competition, but his agoraphobia gets worse and worse until he can't leave the house without his parents close by.
When Valory comes along, she ropes him into her wild ways, encouraging him to disobey his parents and lie to them. Valory sneers at Rook's good behavior, and he is eager to prove that he is not a "good kid". Together, they investigate a strange woman in the next building, who is hiding a child in her apartment. They think the child might have been kidnapped, but they need proof.

This book is so horrible in so many ways. The moral philosophy is just as bad as it could be. It glorifies Valory's escapades and rude behavior. She says that she loves the "thrill" of stealing and it makes her feel "free" and alive. Both Valory and Rook seem perfectly okay with lying to their parents since they have a "good reason". They have no shame and no repentance for their misconduct.

There is also a subplot where Valory’s mother’s boyfriend sleeps over at their house and the boyfriend tells Valory that his relationship with her mother has “progressed”. There is nothing explicit, but even the hint is inappropriate to include in a children’s book.

Valory has a tiny bit of redemption at the end when she apologizes to her mother's boyfriend for her bad behavior toward him. But she doesn't apologize to her mother. She doesn't apologize to her teachers. She doesn't make things right with her mom's boss. She doesn't seem to repent or really change her ways. After an entire book of her bad behavior, one feeble "I'm sorry" was just too little, too late for a redemption arc. Same thing with Rook. He never apologizes to his mother for lying to her and disobeying her. All their relationships are so broken, and the story gives no healing or restoration.

The mystery itself was okay as they spy on the neighbor and try to figure out if the child in the apartment has been kidnapped. The writing style is good. I just hated Valory and Rook so much for their terrible lack of morals, and the way this book glorified their bad behavior.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review.

This book has been screened on the Screen It First website for lying, stealing, and some poor language. https://screenitfirst.com/book/sneaks...

[Kellee Moye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amy Tern gives us a middle grade mystery that will suck in the reader, keep them guessing, and will also fill their heart. She does such a great job of creating a situation that gives us two protagonists that we're rooting for as they navigate not only the mystery their trying to solve but the complicatons that just come with life. (I also was very lucky to be able to write the educators' guide for this book; I will share it when it is published!)

Educators' Guide: https://www.unleashingreaders.com/30417

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

EARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
In this case, the sneaks are two unlikely friends who work together to solve a mystery in their neighborhood. I enjoyed the cast of quirky characters.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Valory is accused of theft by her mother’s employer, the woman’s son takes the blame and thus begins an unlikely friendship. Valory is always getting in trouble and Rook is homeschooled because he struggles with agoraphobia. Rook becomes suspicious of a neighbor he watches from his balcony and recruits Valory to help him solve the mystery. Readers will enjoy this mystery with a “Rear Window” vibe.

[Kidlitter · Rating 4 out of 5]

A different read for the younger set - when children do wrong, there's usually more of a fuss, but these kids' psychological states make it clear their actions are a result. There's some dry humor and characters who aren't afraid to be unpleasant. Children will be relieved to read about what happens when you do wrong or are tempted to, it's not the end of the world. The plot is interesting enough but it's the uniquely troubled protagonists who stick with you.

[Julie Aamoth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very well-written mystery by a new author. The writing is strong, the story moves at a good pace, the characters are sympathetic. The lessons on bravery are worth following! I look forward to more from this author.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! There was so much to love: the mystery, the well-developed characters, the lovely writing, and messaging that didn't feel preachy but gave the reader something to ponder.

I liked both Rook and Valory, although personality-wise I was much closer to Rook as a kid. But of course, one of the purposes of reading is to experience another point of view--walk awhile in different shoes in an effort to understand why others may act differently than you do--so I appreciated getting to know Valory and walking alongside her. Both characters were really well done, and they complemented each other perfectly.

Lastly, as an old-school mystery buff, I totally got the Rear Window nod (even though I'd also seen this compared to Only Murders in the Building). That's one of my favorite movies, so seeing this homage made me smile!

[Amelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A FABULOUS middle grade read- “rear window” style mystery but appropriate for 3rd grade, with some heavier themes that kids can relate to, such as family pressure.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. The story not only provides suspense, but is a lesson in the power and joy of friendship and how accepting each others' differences makes us better and richer people. Hijinks and mystery abound! Sneaks is a terrific read!