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The Gemini Mysteries #1
The North Star
Join the Gemini Detective Agency and help the teenage sleuths solve the theft of a priceless necklace!
Twins Zach and Evie Mamuya and their friend Vishal Desai make up the Gemini Detective Agency, which is mainly an excuse to get pizza together or hit the go-kart track. But when a priceless diamond necklace known as the North Star is stolen before an auction, the kids tag along with the twins' crime reporter mom and find a few clues that make them think this was no ordinary robbery.
With the help of their classmate Sophia Boyd, the Gemini Detective Agency is on the case! Will they be able to sort through the clues and solve the mystery in time?
Twins Zach and Evie Mamuya and their friend Vishal Desai make up the Gemini Detective Agency, which is mainly an excuse to get pizza together or hit the go-kart track. But when a priceless diamond necklace known as the North Star is stolen before an auction, the kids tag along with the twins' crime reporter mom and find a few clues that make them think this was no ordinary robbery.
With the help of their classmate Sophia Boyd, the Gemini Detective Agency is on the case! Will they be able to sort through the clues and solve the mystery in time?
256 pages, Hardcover
First published March 5, 2019
4 people are currently reading
219 people want to read
About the author
Kat Shepherd
10 books25 followersKat Shepherd loves to write fast-paced series that is likely to engage reluctant readers, because as an educator, she believes that reading should be a joyful experience for every kid. A former classroom teacher, Kat has also spent various points in her life working as a deli waitress, a Hollywood script reader, and a dog trainer for film and TV. She lives in Minneapolis with her husband, two dogs, and a rotating series of foster dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
June 1, 2025
This was just the pick-me-up read I needed. It reminded me of the solid mysteries I grew up on. I enjoyed the characters, and the twists and turns of the mystery were fun. I also loved the illustrations that doubled as clues. 😍
CW: a character is rude. Alcohol is present at parties and houses.
CW: a character is rude. Alcohol is present at parties and houses.
March 9, 2019
Overall it was a fun and quick read. The plot was interesting and the villain unexpected, and I enjoyed it.
I really liked the clues hidden in the images. They gave the reader the opportunity to figure out what was happening at the same time as the characters and for a MG book, the clues aren't too hard to figure out. Kids will definitely have fun trying to find the important piece of information in each picture.
The big problem I had, though, was Sophia's attitude. She was unsufferable for over half of the book. She was prejudiced, bossing people around and treating them like dirt, and I hate that the guys kept telling Evie to be nicer to her. Evie had a perfectly normal reaction, she was right to call Sophia out on her BS and does Sophia even apologize? No. She justifies her behaviour, saying she needs to be rude to be heard. No, hun, that's not how this works, especially when she's asking for, no, demanding their help. If I had talked to adults the way Sophia did when I was her age, my mother would have grounded me for centuries.
I do think the rest of the series will be better now that Sophia softened and became tolerable. And I do think kids will like this book, as long as someone tells them that the way Sophia treats people is not okay.
I really liked the clues hidden in the images. They gave the reader the opportunity to figure out what was happening at the same time as the characters and for a MG book, the clues aren't too hard to figure out. Kids will definitely have fun trying to find the important piece of information in each picture.
The big problem I had, though, was Sophia's attitude. She was unsufferable for over half of the book. She was prejudiced, bossing people around and treating them like dirt, and I hate that the guys kept telling Evie to be nicer to her. Evie had a perfectly normal reaction, she was right to call Sophia out on her BS and does Sophia even apologize? No. She justifies her behaviour, saying she needs to be rude to be heard. No, hun, that's not how this works, especially when she's asking for, no, demanding their help. If I had talked to adults the way Sophia did when I was her age, my mother would have grounded me for centuries.
I do think the rest of the series will be better now that Sophia softened and became tolerable. And I do think kids will like this book, as long as someone tells them that the way Sophia treats people is not okay.
March 9, 2020
Cute and fun but with a little bit too much stereotypes..
November 26, 2020
actual rating: 3.5
This was a really fun book. It was fast-paced and although I did find it a bit ridiculous how fast the kids jumped from wrong assumption to wrong assumption I think it will be good for a middle grade audience. I really liked all the characters and thought the author did a good job of balancing the mystery plot with the social commentary that came from them being from such different backgrounds.I have an ARC copy of the next book so I'll definitely try to get to that soon now!
[edit 11/26/20 Have decided not to read the sequel because I'm just burnt out on middle grade books at this point but still a fun series]
This was a really fun book. It was fast-paced and although I did find it a bit ridiculous how fast the kids jumped from wrong assumption to wrong assumption I think it will be good for a middle grade audience. I really liked all the characters and thought the author did a good job of balancing the mystery plot with the social commentary that came from them being from such different backgrounds.
[edit 11/26/20 Have decided not to read the sequel because I'm just burnt out on middle grade books at this point but still a fun series]
October 21, 2019
Sophie is excited that her idea for a fundraiser to help build an exhibit for gibbons at the local zoo is becoming a reality. The auction of the family's North Star diamond necklace is sure to be a grand social event and raise lots of money. But when the necklace is stolen, Sophie is heartbroken. Twins Evie and Zach and their friend Vishal arrive on the scene of the crime when Evie and Zach's mom is called to cover the press side of the story. The kids witness someone running from the scene and discover a strange object in the backyard. But will anyone listen to a bunch of middle schoolers?
This was a pretty average middle grade mystery but for one unique element that really made it stand out. At the end of each chapter there is an illustration of a scene in which careful observers can find one clue for the case. What is revealed in each illustration is stated in the next chapter so readers can see if they are on the right track quickly, but it is fun to be able to see if you are as observant as the characters (and not all of the clues are easy to spot!). I like the multicultural group of kids in the story. (2 of the kids are African American and 1 is Indian American). Sophie is a bit of a spoiled rich girl and Evie has no patience for that so it takes some time for the kids to get along, but they eventually work things out. Hand this to mystery fans who want to exercise their sleuthing skills and contemporary fiction friend stories.
No content issues.
This was a pretty average middle grade mystery but for one unique element that really made it stand out. At the end of each chapter there is an illustration of a scene in which careful observers can find one clue for the case. What is revealed in each illustration is stated in the next chapter so readers can see if they are on the right track quickly, but it is fun to be able to see if you are as observant as the characters (and not all of the clues are easy to spot!). I like the multicultural group of kids in the story. (2 of the kids are African American and 1 is Indian American). Sophie is a bit of a spoiled rich girl and Evie has no patience for that so it takes some time for the kids to get along, but they eventually work things out. Hand this to mystery fans who want to exercise their sleuthing skills and contemporary fiction friend stories.
No content issues.
June 9, 2019
Thank you to the author for sharing a copy of The North Star with Collabookation.
I loved this first-in-the-series introduction to Zach, Evie, Vishal, and Sophie ~ the four kids who make up the Gemini Detective Agency. The book jumps into the action, pulling the reader into identifying suspects and jumping to conclusions (right along with the main characters). I found myself falling for all the red herrings, and it was validating to see that the characters did as well. Many students could learn the important lesson of getting all the facts organized before accusing the wrong people.
I also appreciated the look at some serious social and environmental issues, without preaching or focusing too closely on them. One could say the serious issues were glossed over, but I like to think that the book helped to serve as an invitation to the reader to learn more about deforestation or law/race relations.
I'm excited to use this book in my mystery book clubs, especially because my more visual learners will surely pick up on the clues in the illustrations. I highly recommend this book to students in grade 5 and up. Looking forward to more in this series~ and getting to know these characters a little better!
I loved this first-in-the-series introduction to Zach, Evie, Vishal, and Sophie ~ the four kids who make up the Gemini Detective Agency. The book jumps into the action, pulling the reader into identifying suspects and jumping to conclusions (right along with the main characters). I found myself falling for all the red herrings, and it was validating to see that the characters did as well. Many students could learn the important lesson of getting all the facts organized before accusing the wrong people.
I also appreciated the look at some serious social and environmental issues, without preaching or focusing too closely on them. One could say the serious issues were glossed over, but I like to think that the book helped to serve as an invitation to the reader to learn more about deforestation or law/race relations.
I'm excited to use this book in my mystery book clubs, especially because my more visual learners will surely pick up on the clues in the illustrations. I highly recommend this book to students in grade 5 and up. Looking forward to more in this series~ and getting to know these characters a little better!
August 27, 2021
Twins Zach and Evie Mamuya and their friend Vishal Desai find themselves at the home of Sophia Boyd because Mrs. Mamuya is a crime journalist investigating the left of the North Star necklace that had been stolen from a party being held at the Boyd home. When they begin to find clues, Sophia joins them as they investigate the theft of the necklace. As they find more and more evidence relating to the case, suspects begin to reveal themselves, and the kids get closer to solving the crime.
The North Star is the first in The Gemini Mysteries series about twins and their friends that form a detective agency to solve cases. Although there isn't much character development, Sophia does come across as a bit of a snob, but the other characters eventually overlook this. What makes this book unique is that at the end of each chapter, there is a picture that includes a clue in the case, but the clue isn't revealed until the following chapter, making this story a fun interactive adventure. Even though the case is pretty basic, overall, The North Star is an enjoyable mystery well worth the read.
The North Star is the first in The Gemini Mysteries series about twins and their friends that form a detective agency to solve cases. Although there isn't much character development, Sophia does come across as a bit of a snob, but the other characters eventually overlook this. What makes this book unique is that at the end of each chapter, there is a picture that includes a clue in the case, but the clue isn't revealed until the following chapter, making this story a fun interactive adventure. Even though the case is pretty basic, overall, The North Star is an enjoyable mystery well worth the read.
March 10, 2019
The Gemini Mysteries Book 1 : The North Star by Kat Shepherd is everything a MG mystery for today’s kids should be. Plenty of humor, friendship, and social issues are woven organically through as four 13 year olds find themselves working to solve a mystery that hits close to home for one. I love the clue illustrations at the end of each chapter (they were incomplete in the ARC I read, so now I can’t wait to see the final copy), giving readers the opportunity to discover the same clues the characters find. The action blends well with character development, and the mystery is unfolded gradually throughout the story, so that readers won’t figure it out too soon, but can enjoy making predictions as the suspects are narrowed down. I’m thrilled this is a series - kids need MG mysteries like this one! There aren’t enough between chapter book levels (like A to Z Mysteries) and YA mysteries, and we need more current options than Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys. Keep it up, Kat Shepherd! This one is a jewel!
July 30, 2019
The modern version of Nancy Drew or Hardy Boys! I loved both of those series as a middle grade student, and this who-dunn-it mystery reminded me so much of them. I love the new, diverse cast of characters between the twins (go twins! I am one!) Zach and Evie, best friend Vishal, and unfriendly rich girl Sophia. As this unlikely grouping finds clues to help solve the mystery of the missing North Star diamond necklace, they work together to find the thief and the motive. This book had my turning pages and reading until the end. The illustrations at the end of each chapter with clues will also be a hit with readers. The kids are old enough to appeal to a wide range of middle grade readers, and the length and format of the book are perfect for developing readers moving from chapter books. #LitReviewCrew
March 22, 2019
This will be a huge hit with students!
Zach and Evie, twins, and friend Vishal, get caught up in trying to figure out who stole the North Star, an expensive necklace about to go up for auction. .
The book is filled with clues and will keep the reader engaged throughout the story.
Kat has done a fantastic job of developing the characters and giving us some authentic relationships between them. I also enjoyed the mystery, I didn’t want to put the book down, as I wanted to see if my prediction was correct. .
We graciously received an ARC copy from Kat for an honest review prior to its release, so the pictures were not final, but we have our copy on order and are excited to see how the pictures weave into more clues about the story.
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Zach and Evie, twins, and friend Vishal, get caught up in trying to figure out who stole the North Star, an expensive necklace about to go up for auction. .
The book is filled with clues and will keep the reader engaged throughout the story.
Kat has done a fantastic job of developing the characters and giving us some authentic relationships between them. I also enjoyed the mystery, I didn’t want to put the book down, as I wanted to see if my prediction was correct. .
We graciously received an ARC copy from Kat for an honest review prior to its release, so the pictures were not final, but we have our copy on order and are excited to see how the pictures weave into more clues about the story.
.
May 6, 2019
When the North Star necklace is stollen from a charity event, Zach and Evie along with friends Vishal and Sophia are on the case! The necklace belongs to Sophia's family and the charity is to save animals that Sophia really wants to help. The police do not want the four teenagers helping them solve this case. As the friends continue to mark suspects off their list they discover that maybe it was an inside job! Could someone in Sophia's family really be the thief?
This was a fast moving and very fun story. I could not put this book down and I hope there will be many more Gemini Mysteries.
This was a fast moving and very fun story. I could not put this book down and I hope there will be many more Gemini Mysteries.
August 13, 2019
Evie and Zach's mom is a crime reporter and she is driving them and their friend Vishal when she gets the call that an heirloom diamond necklace has been stolen. The three 7th graders tag along, and find that it occurred at the house of their new classmate Sophia. The four end up investigating on their own, turning up clues that police over look. Along the way they find plenty of clues and several red herrings as well. This is a great, fun mystery along the lines of Nancy Drew or Scooby Doo, just updated to modern times. I'm looking forward to the next one. Recommended for grades 4 & up.
June 8, 2019
Enjoyed reading Kat Shepherd’s venture into the mystery world. The plot had me guessing the entire time, and I loved the illustrations given at the end of each chapter that provided clues. Great series for upper elementary and middle school.
March 9, 2019
Fun mystery that features illustrated clues at the end of each chapter. I can see MG readers really enjoying this interactive piece!
March 27, 2019
This is such a fast-paced mystery, and I did not see the end coming! When the culprit was revealed, I was so shocked in such a satisfying way!
April 11, 2019
This is a fun mystery with lots of illustrated clues along the way. I can see lots of puzzle-loving kids really enjoying this one!
October 21, 2019
I enjoyed this, it kept me guessing.
August 11, 2020
Great read for young adults! I love the clues.
March 2, 2021
i really liked it and recommend it to 11 year olds who like mysterie/adventure!
December 28, 2022
Such a cute children’s mystery!
November 5, 2021
I didn’t see the ending coming until it was about to I was totally off of who I thought it was and that usually doesn’t happen very good book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2021
Twins Zach and Evie and their friend Vishal get involved with a missing necklace case when the twins’ mom has to stop on the way home to report on a story. They run into Sophia, their classmate, and work together to solve the case about who stole Sophia’s family’s heirloom. This is a great mystery book for younger middle grade readers. Some scary things happen to these kids but they learn to work together to solve their problems. I hope there are more to come in this series.
March 10, 2019
This book was wonderful! I’m 44 and I had such a good time reading it before gifting it to my god children. The clue pages are awesome!!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews