A to Z Mysteries - The Absent Author

VERDICT: Recommended
 (with caution)

Concern Level: Medium-Low

Book Cover for A to Z Mysteries - The Absent Author

Christian Parent Reviews Cross

Christian Parent Review

Concerning & Potentially Concerning Content

The biggest cause for concern comes from future titles. That is the actual titles of the books. There are a few books later in the series with unfortunate names from a Christian perspective. There is the “Haunted Hotel”, “The Vampire’s Vacation” and “The Zombie Zone”. We suspect that in each of these they get scared, but find out the issue is actually due to some natural explanation, but it would be important to read through these titles first if your child gets interested and wants to proceed forward in this series… or even better, skip these particular titles. The biggest potential concern to know with this first book is that the plot of this mystery revolves around someone (an adult) potentially being kidnapped. While the feel of the book remains very light, the term ‘kidnapped’ is mentioned multiple times. This may not be content you want for really young readers. There is one unfortunate comment when one of the main characters asks his friend not to tell his mom what they are doing. There is also an instance of “you dope” and a joke where someone refers to his friend as “ugly”.

Our Thoughts

This is a really light series that may be a good choice to introduce early readers to the fun in mysteries. You would just want to make sure they are ready and that you are cautious with future titles if this is a series they want to continue in (especially if you borrow or purchase one of the “collections” that include several of the books in one volume).

Plot SummaryNote: This information is typically from the publisher.Use with caution

A is for author ... Dink writes to his favorite author, mystery writer Wallis Wallace, and invites him to visit Green Lawn. To Dink's amazement, Wallace says he'll come! But when the big day arrives, Wallace is nowhere to be found. The police think he just missed his plane, but Dink suspects foul play. It's up to Dink and his two best friends, Josh and Ruth Rose, to find the famous writer--before it's too late!

Purchase LinkAbove Reproach: We intentionally do NOT use referral links on this site. Purchase Book Convenience Link

Scripture Reflection

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

— Romans 12:1-2

--- See More Christian Parent Reviews ---

More Christian Parent Reviews

Christian Review of The Book of the King - Wormling Series 1
Concern Level: Medium

VERDICT
HIGHLY Recommended
Christian Review of Rainbow Garden
Concern Level: Medium-Low

VERDICT
HIGHLY Recommended
Christian Review of Rooftoppers
Concern Level: Medium

VERDICT
Prayerfully Consider
Christian Review of The Word Reclaimed
Concern Level: Medium-Low

VERDICT
HIGHLY Recommended
Christian Review of Canyon Quest - Last Chance Detectives
Concern Level: Medium

VERDICT
Recommended
Christian Review of A Work in Progress
Concern Level: Medium

VERDICT
Avoid
Christian Review of Red, White and Whole
Concern Level: Medium-Low

VERDICT
Prayerfully Consider
Christian Review of Diary of a Pug - Pug Blasts Off
Concern Level: Low

VERDICT
Recommended
Christian Review of Susanna's Midnight Ride - The Girl Who Won the Revolutionary War
Concern Level: Medium

VERDICT
Recommended
Christian Review of Mercy Watson to the Rescue
Concern Level: Low

VERDICT
Recommended
Christian Review of The Brick Bible
Concern Level: Extreme

VERDICT
Avoid
Christian Review of Dante N. Ferno Is NOT a Loser
Concern Level: Medium-High

VERDICT
Avoid
Christian Review of The Hiding Place: A Graphic Novel
Concern Level: Medium

VERDICT
HIGHLY Recommended
Christian Review of Hedge of Thorns - Lamplighters
Concern Level: Low

VERDICT
HIGHLY Recommended
Christian Review of Sir Kendrick and the Castle of Bel Lione
Concern Level: Medium-Low

VERDICT
HIGHLY Recommended