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Mo & Dale Mysteries #4
The Law of Finders Keepers
Pirates, family, and the truth about Mo's Upstream Mother collide in the conclusion to the Newbery Honor and
New York Times
bestselling
Three Times Lucky
When the Colonel and Miss Lana share the clues about Mo's watery origins that they've been saving, it seems the time is finally right for the Desperado Detectives (aka Mo, Dale, and Harm) to tackle the mystery of Mo's Upstream Mother. It's the scariest case Mo's had by far. But before they can get started, Mayor Little's mean mother hires them to hunt in her attic for clues to Blackbeard's treasure, which could be buried right in Tupelo Landing. Turns out, the Desperados aren't the only ones looking. A professional treasure hunter named Gabe has come to town with Harm's estranged mother--and soon the race is on, even though the treasure's rumored to be cursed. As centuries- and decades-old secrets are dragged into the light, there isn't a single person in Tupelo Landing quite prepared for all that they uncover. Especially Mo.
The fourth and last book in the Mo & Dale Mystery series and the long-awaited conclusion to Three Times Lucky, The Law of Finders Keepers is a heartbreaking, heartwarming, honest, and hilarious adventure that you can read right after you finish Three Times Lucky.
When the Colonel and Miss Lana share the clues about Mo's watery origins that they've been saving, it seems the time is finally right for the Desperado Detectives (aka Mo, Dale, and Harm) to tackle the mystery of Mo's Upstream Mother. It's the scariest case Mo's had by far. But before they can get started, Mayor Little's mean mother hires them to hunt in her attic for clues to Blackbeard's treasure, which could be buried right in Tupelo Landing. Turns out, the Desperados aren't the only ones looking. A professional treasure hunter named Gabe has come to town with Harm's estranged mother--and soon the race is on, even though the treasure's rumored to be cursed. As centuries- and decades-old secrets are dragged into the light, there isn't a single person in Tupelo Landing quite prepared for all that they uncover. Especially Mo.
The fourth and last book in the Mo & Dale Mystery series and the long-awaited conclusion to Three Times Lucky, The Law of Finders Keepers is a heartbreaking, heartwarming, honest, and hilarious adventure that you can read right after you finish Three Times Lucky.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published April 17, 2018
82 people are currently reading
1459 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 252 reviews
February 25, 2022
I liked this series. I like Moe and Dale. I like the whole of Tupelo Landing, but I think this is the last one in the series I'll be reading.
I think I'm missing one or two, but I feel ready to explore something else.
Same as with the books before, Moe's wit is legendary. And the way in which Turnage manages to give her this old-soul in a very young and adventurous body feeling to her, while making Dale clearly the most cautious of mortals is about one of my favorite things ever.
I think I'm missing one or two, but I feel ready to explore something else.
Same as with the books before, Moe's wit is legendary. And the way in which Turnage manages to give her this old-soul in a very young and adventurous body feeling to her, while making Dale clearly the most cautious of mortals is about one of my favorite things ever.
September 19, 2018
I have a soft spot for Mo, Dale, Harm, and everyone else in Tupelo Landing. The finale in the series was not my favorite but I loved reacquainting myself with the lovable, funny, crotchety, quirky characters. Turnage's world building is spot on and has stayed consistent from book to book. I have a complete picture of Tupelo Landing and all of its zany citizens. Two mysteries were solved - the location of pirate treasure and the identity of Mo's upstream mother. I found the latter to be appropriately sad/somber and the rallying around Mo heart warming. The characters and their relationships is the best thing about the series. The language and phrasing is at times laugh out loud funny and at others extremely beautiful - always evocative.
March 5, 2025
I'm gonna miss these weirdos. This was a satisfying end to the series with a few loose ends incase the author ever wants to revive the series.
February 21, 2021
"I'm really sorry about yesterday. I didn't mean to scare you."
He sighed. "I know. You're self-centered is all," he said. "You might grow out of it but Bill says a pup's personality is set in the first few weeks. With humans it takes longer, but by now we're pretty much who we are. I love you anyway, but not like Sal. With you, it's futonic."
"You mean platonic, Dale. A futon is a couch."
"Right. I sleep on your couch sometimes."
Well this series means the absolute world to me and I'm crying and I'm not even ashamed. I love Mo and Dale and Harm with my whole heart and I'm going to miss them terribly.
He sighed. "I know. You're self-centered is all," he said. "You might grow out of it but Bill says a pup's personality is set in the first few weeks. With humans it takes longer, but by now we're pretty much who we are. I love you anyway, but not like Sal. With you, it's futonic."
"You mean platonic, Dale. A futon is a couch."
"Right. I sleep on your couch sometimes."
Well this series means the absolute world to me and I'm crying and I'm not even ashamed. I love Mo and Dale and Harm with my whole heart and I'm going to miss them terribly.
January 10, 2021
I adore this series. I've already said all the good things I thought about the first three books, so I'll keep it brief. :) I dearly hope this isn't the last of the Mo & Dale mysteries.
February 11, 2019
My fear of drifted away. Miss Lana says we have all the answers locked inside us. The hard part is finding the right questions to unlock them.
“Mo, are you sure you want to do this?” she asked. “Because you don’t have to. There’s nothing wrong with leaving things alone. The unknown is…so unknown. Like those old maps sailors used to draw. They’d map out what they knew of the world and at the end they’d write ‘Here be dragons.’ Dragons can fascinate—or they can breathe fire.”
I waited for my heartbeat to fall in rhythm with hers.
"That’s the thing about dragons,” I said. “You don’t ever know until you meet them eye to eye.”
I refuse to believe this is the last Mo and Dale book we are getting. These books are just too wonderful to just end, and being that there is one big mystery still unanswered, I’m just going to go ahead and believe more are coming.
The Law of Finders Keepers combines the plot of a treasure hunt, searching for Blackbeard’s treasure, and finally tackles the mystery of Mo’s missing Upstream Mother.
I was a bit iffy when I realized this book would be the one to address Mo’s biological mother. I was worried it would be wrapped up with a neat little bow, whereas I liked that this was something Mo continually grappled with, her fruitless search seeming more realistic to me.
I shouldn’t have been worried, because the way this plot is wrapped up is absolutely perfect. In typical fashion of this series, this ending broke my heart into a million little pieces, and I would not have wanted it any different.
As much as I love this one, I do have a few nitpicks - it’s a bit of a slower start, the treasure hunt plot was good but not my favorite, there were some some repetitive lines and explicit explanations of character motives through text and dialogue that were a bit annoying, but all of these are incredibly minor complaints that the bomb ending more than makes up for.
Nothing says I love you like an alibi.
...
Never let your hopes rise higher than you can stand for them to fall.
Some other highlights included:
-the found family dynamic between Mo, Lana, and the Colonel being at the center of the story
-the way Harm’s manipulative mother coming to town mirrors Mo and Dale’s own struggles with their absent and irresponsible parents. Mo’s frustration with Harm rejecting his mom when all she wishes is that she could find her mom is such a smart way to juxtapose their struggles.
“...she means the things she says, but she forgets them fast as she says them.”
We watched her taillights bounce out of the yard.
“Happens every time,” he said. “I believe every word she says—right up until she’s gone.”
-Mo’s reluctance in the beginning to look for her Upstream Mother because she already has a family and finding her mom was always this dream she never thought would come true...ugh, my heart.
-
-Anna finally gets some development, thank God. I always felt like her character was handled kind of strangely because the things she would say to Mo are downright cruel and the adults would only mildly correct her. Nice to see Mo and Anna’s relationship actually evolve a bit.
-usually Dale getting words wrong is hilarious, but it felt a little excessive here. Like, recessing and obsessing are not that similar of words?
-I’m kind of mad that Dale and Harm sang a love song by Hank Williams and it wasn’t Lovesick Blues. Missed opportunity, smh.
Since I’ve only read this one once, I’m not quite sure where it would fall in my ranking of series, but I know that I loved it. Maybe my second favorite? Either way, I highly recommend this series, of course. More people need to give it a chance, and I cannot wait to see what is next for the town of Tupelo Landing.
September 10, 2018
The Desperado Detectives (sixth-graders Mo, Dale, and Harm) land their two biggest mystery cases yet when pirate treasure fever hits Tupelo Landing and clues about Mo’s upstream mother emerge. The town of Tupelo Landing is abuzz with tales of Blackbeard’s legendary treasure and when a treasure hunter arrives (along with Harm’s mother), the Desperado Detectives are hired by the mayor’s mean mother to find the treasure for her. And Lana and the Colonel decide that Mo is finally old enough to know all the details about her watery arrival in Tupelo Landing, setting her on a long-time coming journey to solve the biggest mystery of them all. Cursed pirate treasure, long lost mothers, and maybe even kissing?! Good thing the probably world-famous Desperado Detectives are so good at their jobs.
Sheila Turnage returns to her wonderful Mo and Dale Mysteries series with its unforgettable final book, The Law of Finders Keepers. I am a HUGE fan of this series; it’s one of my absolute favorite middle-grade series ever. So, reading this final book was bittersweet, but what a fantastic send off!
Once again, Turnage weaves a pitch-perfect tale overflowing with heart, humor, and splendiferous southern charm. There’s so much I love about this series as a whole, from the buckets and buckets of clever humor, its twisty mysteries, engaging characters, and its one-of-a-kind setting, and The Law of Finders Keepers has it all. Turnage is a masterful storyteller, with a superb talent for world-building, the middle-grade voice, and character development. Returning to Tupelo Landing, with its quirky people, amusing traditions, and fortunate habit of attracting mysteries, always feels like coming home. I adore this little town and Turnage has done an exceptional job of making it feel real and worth visiting time and time again. And in The Law of Finders Keepers, readers join the Desperado Detectives in their attempt to solve both big mysteries by using their intellect, imagination, and intuition.
My most favorite aspect of this series is all its unforgettable and never boring characters. Miss Mo LoBeau, who is part Anne Shirley, part Hermione Granger, and a WHOLE lot of Mo, has captured my heart completely. Equal parts determination, lightning fast wit, sass, and kindred spirit, Mo is a true heroine that young readers will adore. Together with endearing Dale and earnest Harm, Mo and her boys make for an irresistible trio.
Exciting, heartwarming, laugh-out-loud, surprising...The Law of Finders Keepers is all this and more. This is truly a must read series and I’m so excited for all the young readers who will one day discover Mo’s world!
Sheila Turnage returns to her wonderful Mo and Dale Mysteries series with its unforgettable final book, The Law of Finders Keepers. I am a HUGE fan of this series; it’s one of my absolute favorite middle-grade series ever. So, reading this final book was bittersweet, but what a fantastic send off!
Once again, Turnage weaves a pitch-perfect tale overflowing with heart, humor, and splendiferous southern charm. There’s so much I love about this series as a whole, from the buckets and buckets of clever humor, its twisty mysteries, engaging characters, and its one-of-a-kind setting, and The Law of Finders Keepers has it all. Turnage is a masterful storyteller, with a superb talent for world-building, the middle-grade voice, and character development. Returning to Tupelo Landing, with its quirky people, amusing traditions, and fortunate habit of attracting mysteries, always feels like coming home. I adore this little town and Turnage has done an exceptional job of making it feel real and worth visiting time and time again. And in The Law of Finders Keepers, readers join the Desperado Detectives in their attempt to solve both big mysteries by using their intellect, imagination, and intuition.
My most favorite aspect of this series is all its unforgettable and never boring characters. Miss Mo LoBeau, who is part Anne Shirley, part Hermione Granger, and a WHOLE lot of Mo, has captured my heart completely. Equal parts determination, lightning fast wit, sass, and kindred spirit, Mo is a true heroine that young readers will adore. Together with endearing Dale and earnest Harm, Mo and her boys make for an irresistible trio.
Exciting, heartwarming, laugh-out-loud, surprising...The Law of Finders Keepers is all this and more. This is truly a must read series and I’m so excited for all the young readers who will one day discover Mo’s world!
October 12, 2018
3.5 stars The Mo and Dale Mysteries are like no other! There is such a sweet preciousness about the town of Tupelo Landing! These books allow kids to be kids. They encourage the pursuit of other things that have nothing to do with gaming, electronics, or texting, and gives lots examples of caring adults in their lives. The humor with with Turnage writes is such a treat for adults, so incredibly witty and at times laugh out loud. I am not sure kids would get it or appreciate as much as I do. But nonetheless, I am so glad it is there. I am sad to see the series end but it has truly been so delightful to spend time in Tupelo Landing.
A couple of things to note for middle grade readers: There are many characters to keep track of in these books. If you have a reader who would get easily confused or frustrated with that, I would steer them in a different direction. If you have a reader who seems to have little interest in being entertained by electronics but just likes to play outside and create their own innocent fun w neighborhood friends, they will enjoy the adventures of Mo and Dale immensely.
A couple of things to note for middle grade readers: There are many characters to keep track of in these books. If you have a reader who would get easily confused or frustrated with that, I would steer them in a different direction. If you have a reader who seems to have little interest in being entertained by electronics but just likes to play outside and create their own innocent fun w neighborhood friends, they will enjoy the adventures of Mo and Dale immensely.
February 25, 2019
I just like these Desperadoes. This one also has an arc-closing thread.
August 10, 2022
another childhood fav reread <33333
February 4, 2019
I cruised right through this lovely little series. It's not flawless, by any means, but I still loved it. It made me giggle and it made me happy.
Everything is coming together for Mo. She's hot on the case of her Upstream Mother and Harm and Dale are by her side. Meanwhile, treasure hunters are in town looking for Blackbeard's lost treasure. Mo and her crew plan to find it first.
What I love most about this series is the sweet relationships among all the people in town. Mo is such a wonderfully likable character. Harm is so charming and they're cute little crush is my fave. Mo planning to marry Lavender is always amusing and as usual, I love Mo, the Captain, and Miss Lana are the best little family.
I thought the ending was a charming wrap up to the series, with the possibility of it continuing in the future. What I would love, is a time skip to when they are all teenagers.
Everything is coming together for Mo. She's hot on the case of her Upstream Mother and Harm and Dale are by her side. Meanwhile, treasure hunters are in town looking for Blackbeard's lost treasure. Mo and her crew plan to find it first.
What I love most about this series is the sweet relationships among all the people in town. Mo is such a wonderfully likable character. Harm is so charming and they're cute little crush is my fave. Mo planning to marry Lavender is always amusing and as usual, I love Mo, the Captain, and Miss Lana are the best little family.
I thought the ending was a charming wrap up to the series, with the possibility of it continuing in the future. What I would love, is a time skip to when they are all teenagers.
November 29, 2018
Time for treasure hunting in Tupelo Landing! Apparently Blackbeard's 14th wife, Mary Ormond (I think), lived in Tupelo Landing and buried some of Blackbeard's treasure there. A slick professional treasure hunter is in town, Gabriel Archer, and has convinced Grandmother Miss Lacy (Thornton) to allow him to search on her land, seeing as she owns most of it. But Miss Lacy also gives the Desperados free rein as well, as they take on the same hunt for the mayor and his irascible mother, Mrs. Little. Mary Ormond apparently built or lived in their house, and they have a clue as good as the one Gabriel has, so the Desperados start hunting in the attic for more clues. Meanwhile, they also have the case of searching for Mo's "Upstream Mother" who tied Mo to a billboard as a newborn during a hurricane. New clues have emerged in some items The Colonel and Miss Lana have kept for Mo, so Mo, Harm, and Dale are on the hunt (despite the usual interference of Attila, who gets in their way in the nastiest ways possible as well as working for Gabriel Archer). And because that's not enough drama, Harm's would-be country star mother is back in town, working with Gabriel and making plans to take Harm back to Nashville for a mother-son act (Harm is emphatically against that), and Dale is asking everyone he can think of for tips on first kisses. It's for sure a busy time in Tupelo Landing! And hunting for pirate treasure definitely not without its dangers, as the Desperados quickly find out...
This was maybe my favorite in the series. I just love the characters. Mo is so totally brazen, I have nothing but respect. When they accidentally leave open the window in the mayor's attic and rain soaks the plaster and it falls off the wall in front of the irascible Mrs. Little, Mo doesn't lose a beat. "Well, that worked perfectly, thank you, Harm," or words to that effect. Dale is hilarious in his hunt for how to stage a perfect first kiss, and Lavender continues to win every award in the book for being the world's best older brother and friend. I'll admit I skipped over some of the peril scenes, which were too intense for me, and I wasn't as invested in the hunt for pirate treasure as I was in the hunt for the Upstream Mother. I don't want to give spoilers, but some questions are answered, some are left for (hopefully) the next book? Some villains get their comeuppances, and some turn out to have a smidge of good somewhere inside them. Anyway, a delightful series and well worth reading.
This was maybe my favorite in the series. I just love the characters. Mo is so totally brazen, I have nothing but respect. When they accidentally leave open the window in the mayor's attic and rain soaks the plaster and it falls off the wall in front of the irascible Mrs. Little, Mo doesn't lose a beat. "Well, that worked perfectly, thank you, Harm," or words to that effect. Dale is hilarious in his hunt for how to stage a perfect first kiss, and Lavender continues to win every award in the book for being the world's best older brother and friend. I'll admit I skipped over some of the peril scenes, which were too intense for me, and I wasn't as invested in the hunt for pirate treasure as I was in the hunt for the Upstream Mother. I don't want to give spoilers, but some questions are answered, some are left for (hopefully) the next book? Some villains get their comeuppances, and some turn out to have a smidge of good somewhere inside them. Anyway, a delightful series and well worth reading.
October 29, 2023
I wish I had finished this series earlier as Three Times Lucky was one of my favorite childhood reads. I would've enjoyed it more, but I still liked finishing this series even all these years later, despite not being in the middle grade age group anymore.
Three Times Lucky is still my favorite in the series, but I would say this one is my second favorite. Turnage really knows how to create a world and lovable characters.
I can't say I'm surprised that But it was a good ending nevertheless, and I'm glad Mo will still continue to write letters.
The treasure hunt was less interesting and Gabriel Archer was the least compelling of all the villains in the series - it was obvious from the start he was bad news and nothing really surprising came out of that plot line. Even with Capers Dylan from the previous book at least it wasn't expected that she was Marla Everette's sister and that was her motivation.
It would have been nice if the series continued, but this does feel like a good stopping point - on the edge of puberty for Mo, Dale, and Harm, where their lives will begin to change even more drastically. It was great to see their relationships begin to blossom more and even a hint of Mo and Anna Celeste beginning to understand each other more. I appreciated that Mo has stood up for Anna when it really matters (such as her mother trying to fat shame her), and Anna has shown that despite being mean, she's not actually a bad person.
So, while I definitely would have enjoyed this more if I were still in the age group the series is intended for, I did still love the rest of the series all these years later and would recommend it to any middle grade reader.
Three Times Lucky is still my favorite in the series, but I would say this one is my second favorite. Turnage really knows how to create a world and lovable characters.
I can't say I'm surprised that But it was a good ending nevertheless, and I'm glad Mo will still continue to write letters.
The treasure hunt was less interesting and Gabriel Archer was the least compelling of all the villains in the series - it was obvious from the start he was bad news and nothing really surprising came out of that plot line. Even with Capers Dylan from the previous book at least it wasn't expected that she was Marla Everette's sister and that was her motivation.
It would have been nice if the series continued, but this does feel like a good stopping point - on the edge of puberty for Mo, Dale, and Harm, where their lives will begin to change even more drastically. It was great to see their relationships begin to blossom more and even a hint of Mo and Anna Celeste beginning to understand each other more. I appreciated that Mo has stood up for Anna when it really matters (such as her mother trying to fat shame her), and Anna has shown that despite being mean, she's not actually a bad person.
So, while I definitely would have enjoyed this more if I were still in the age group the series is intended for, I did still love the rest of the series all these years later and would recommend it to any middle grade reader.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 18, 2018
The Law of Finders Keepers by Sheila Turnage, 356 pages. Kathy Dawson Books (Penguin Random House), 2018. $17.
Language: G (0 swears, 0 'f') Mature Content: G; Violence: G.
BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
In the concluding installment of the Tupelo Landing Series, Mo is given a clue to her upstream mother's identity - the sweater she was found wrapped in, and a necklace with a J. Speaking of clues - there's a stranger in town who thinks he has a clue to a buried treasure right there in Tupelo Landing! It seems one of Blackbeard's ex-wives lived there and may have stashed something very valuable. The Desperado Detective agency is trying to find it before Gabriel Archer does.
I am so sorry to see this series end, but now it's great that we can read the books one after another. The mysteries are fun to help solve - lots of clues as well as red herrings. Mo and Dale and Harm are wonderful kids, good detectives and have lots of caring adults around them. You need this whole series, and please read them in order - it's best that way.
Lisa Librarian
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
Language: G (0 swears, 0 'f') Mature Content: G; Violence: G.
BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
In the concluding installment of the Tupelo Landing Series, Mo is given a clue to her upstream mother's identity - the sweater she was found wrapped in, and a necklace with a J. Speaking of clues - there's a stranger in town who thinks he has a clue to a buried treasure right there in Tupelo Landing! It seems one of Blackbeard's ex-wives lived there and may have stashed something very valuable. The Desperado Detective agency is trying to find it before Gabriel Archer does.
I am so sorry to see this series end, but now it's great that we can read the books one after another. The mysteries are fun to help solve - lots of clues as well as red herrings. Mo and Dale and Harm are wonderful kids, good detectives and have lots of caring adults around them. You need this whole series, and please read them in order - it's best that way.
Lisa Librarian
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
July 28, 2022
"You're surrounded," Starr shouted. "Come out with your hands up!"
"Like he can do a Solo Surround," Dale said, very scornful.
Not the best one out of the series, but still very enjoyable to read. This last one took on a bit more of a serious feel at times, which sometimes felt cheesy due to the overall nature of the book.
I liked reading another adventure with the Desperados, but I think this was a good place to end the series.
Here's a few more quotes I snickered at:
"Headquarters? Oh. The closed-in side porch you call a flat," Atilla snipped from behind her menu. "I'll have a water to start, Mo."
"Sorry, we're out," I told her as Dale sloshed by with waters for Sal and Skeeter.
"Anna practically broke into the mayor's house for him," Harm said.
"Anna's gone roach," Dale added.
"He means rogue," I said as Starr flipped his pad open.
"Like he can do a Solo Surround," Dale said, very scornful.
Not the best one out of the series, but still very enjoyable to read. This last one took on a bit more of a serious feel at times, which sometimes felt cheesy due to the overall nature of the book.
I liked reading another adventure with the Desperados, but I think this was a good place to end the series.
Here's a few more quotes I snickered at:
"Headquarters? Oh. The closed-in side porch you call a flat," Atilla snipped from behind her menu. "I'll have a water to start, Mo."
"Sorry, we're out," I told her as Dale sloshed by with waters for Sal and Skeeter.
"Anna practically broke into the mayor's house for him," Harm said.
"Anna's gone roach," Dale added.
"He means rogue," I said as Starr flipped his pad open.
November 26, 2018
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading the Mo & Dale Mysteries. Mo is such a fun, fiesty narrator who isn't afraid to share what she thinks, polite or not. Mo, Dale, and Harm make a great mystery solving team. In this book, two mysteries collide when Mo and her friends are asked to find a pirate treasure before the professional treasure hunter can while simultaneously using newly available clues to hunt for Mo's Upstream Mother. But things start going wrong right from the beginning, and one member of the detective team nearly loses his life, the trio wonders if there really is a curse on this treasure. And it isn't looking good for Upstream Mother either as clue after clue leads to a dead end. Can Mo, Dale, and Harm solve their mysteries before they get separated, maybe for good? Once again, Turnage has created a delightful tale full of twists and turns as well as good solid detective work. I've enjoyed the interactions of the characters at least as much as the mysteries themselves. And I'm sad to say goodbye to Mo and her friends and family, but this book wraps things up nicely, although not perhaps in the way Mo would prefer.
July 27, 2019
Yes, it’s another juvenile book; but they are fun to read!
Mo, is head of Desperado Detective Agency. She was named Moses because she was found floating on a sign after a fierce flood ravaged the area twelve years prior. The Colonel and Miss Lana had taken her in, loved her like she was their own and now they are revealing the clues that were found with her. Mo and the Detective Agency, her friends Harm and Dale, have decided to tackle the ‘Upstream Mother’ Case at the same time that the biggest case of their lives falls into their laps; Blackbeard’s Treasure!
Funny, heart warming and heart breaking!
Mo, is head of Desperado Detective Agency. She was named Moses because she was found floating on a sign after a fierce flood ravaged the area twelve years prior. The Colonel and Miss Lana had taken her in, loved her like she was their own and now they are revealing the clues that were found with her. Mo and the Detective Agency, her friends Harm and Dale, have decided to tackle the ‘Upstream Mother’ Case at the same time that the biggest case of their lives falls into their laps; Blackbeard’s Treasure!
Funny, heart warming and heart breaking!
July 22, 2022
I was so sad that this was the final book in the series. I really didn't want it to end and would have thoroughly enjoyed many more books. I loved Mo and Dale, their families and friends, and all the eccentric and quirky townspeople and patrons of the cafe in Tupelo Landing, NC where she's lived with the Colonel and Miss Lana ever since she washed ashore during a hurricane. The only reason I gave the story 4 stars instead of 5 was because I still had a lot of unanswered questions about Mo's upstream mother. Yes, we did find out how Mo came to be in the river during the flood, and a small piece of info about her mother. But all those answers just brought up so many more questions for me, as there were so many things left out. I kept thinking, "Wait. What? Is that it?" Oh well. I guess I just need to fill in those blanks myself. I still adored this series and recommend it all the time.
July 1, 2019
I really enjoyed another visit with Mo, Dale and Harm. The story was fast paced and humorous, and the characters very quaint and quirky. However, it did occur to me--through 4 books, Mo has been obsessing about her upstream mother, but never once did she wonder about a father. So I just wondered why. Of course, this is not explained in the book; I just thought it odd she only obsessed over one parent.
June 10, 2019
Had these books existed when I was in middle school, I would have read them over and over. There is something magical about Tupelo Landing, and it was a pleasure getting to listen to the audiobook and find out what exactly happened to Upstream Mother.
October 25, 2019
It’s been a while since I had the pleasure of hanging out with Mo, Dale, Harm and the various residents of Tupelo Landing, and I forgot how much I love them all. I absolutely loved the treasure hunt storyline, it was so much fun.
April 27, 2022
Holy cow Shiela Turnage!!! The previous 3 books were awesome but #4 just blew me away!!! Something also got in my eye dad gum it. Just WOW!! Thanks for an amazing series with characters I fell in love with immediately!!
March 26, 2019
I absolutely loved this series, sad to see it end. I will definitely miss the residents of Tupelo Landing.
October 29, 2019
Funny and sweet, as usual! I didn't want it to end! I really hope there's another book, or at least an "epilogue."
I will definitely come back to this series because it was so good!
I will definitely come back to this series because it was so good!
January 12, 2019
Goodbye Mo, Dale, and Harm! I will miss all the wonderful people in Tupelo Landing. What a way for the series to go out.
July 28, 2019
This novel is so touching and funny. I love these characters and Sheila Turnage has an endless supply of fantastic turns of phrase. It’s such a treat to listen to these books and go on this journey.
September 20, 2018
A good ending to the Mo & Dale mystery series, I won't give anything away, but I love Mo and her quest for her up-river Mother. Finding mysteries along the way is a bonus, and this mystery is all about the lost treasure of Blackbeard. I hope we meet again someday, Mo LoBeau.
January 29, 2019
Early on in the concluding installment of my beloved Mo & Dale Mysteries, Mo describes her life as "shy of normal" and that's probably exactly how I'd describe this endearing, oddball, laugh-out-loud, scrappy little series full of heart and wisdom and fun that will probably never get old for me. Excellent as always on audio.
April 28, 2025
4.5/5 stars. This series was great with so much heart. I love Mo, her small town, and her friends and found family. I cried with this one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 252 reviews