Mystery at the Biltmore - by Colleen Nelson (Hardcover)

About the Book

From the award-winning author of The Umbrella House comes a mystery with twists, turns, and suspects galore. Will Elodie LaRue, the daughter of globe-trotting art crime investigators, be able to prove she has what it takes to solve a crime?

Book Synopsis

The Biltmore in New York City is full of mysteries, and Elodie LaRue, a novice detective, plans to piece together the clues and solve the case of the missing jewels.

Left behind by her globe-trotting detective parents once again, Elodie decides to prove she's worthy of joining them on a case by setting up her own detective agency at her renowned Upper West Side home, The Biltmore.

When a pair of sapphire and diamond earrings mysteriously disappear from Mrs. Vanderhoff's apartment, Elodie is asked to solve the case. Elodie begins her investigation the way any good detective would, looking for clues and potential suspects. With twists, turns, and suspects galore, will Elodie be able to prove she has what it takes to solve a crime? Or will the LaRue Detective Agency fail on its first case? As Elodie, her dog Carnegie, and new friend Oscar (a self-proclaimed parkour master) delve deeper into the mystery, they encounter a quirky cast of characters, an array of clues, and a little bit of fun.

Colored vignettes by award-winning artist, Peggy Collins, are scattered throughout the story, bringing additional humor to the cast of quirky characters.

From the award-winning author of The Umbrella House, Colleen Nelson brings another New York apartment building to life in Mystery at the Biltmore. Written with charm and wit, Mystery at The Biltmore is Only Murders in the Building meets Harriet the Spy.

Review Quotes

Praise for Mystery at the Biltmore

Vroman's Kids Department Stars of the Season 2024 Selection

The Children's Book Council "Hot Off the Press: October 2024" Feature

"Move over, Eloise at the Plaza: It's Elodie at the Biltmore....Nelson draws out the mystery, planting clues and red herrings, explaining good reasoning, citing evidence, and providing a satisfying solution....An entertaining blend of quirky characters and locked-room puzzle."--Kirkus Reviews

"This engaging mystery, a series starter for early readers...charms from page one. Elodie is a delightful lead character who demonstrates logic and compassion as she investigates, all the while fighting through doubts that she's too young to be a detective."--Publishers Weekly

"An engaging chapter-book mystery....Nelson's characters are funny and well-rounded, and she carefully drops clues throughout the story to help young readers solve the mystery on their own before reaching the end. Collins' full-color, cartoon illustrations capture each character's quirkiness and reflect the racial diversity of a New York City apartment complex."--Booklist

"There's a new young detective in New York City, and her name is Elodie LaRue....Overall, this book can find an audience with readers who want to see an independent and assertive main character. A safe purchase for elementary school libraries in need of compelling female characters and where mysteries circulate well."--School Library Journal

"Author Colleen Nelson has written a very fun chapter book with lots of quirky characters, an interesting setting, and a crackerjack mystery. The dialogue is just right for the young characters, and situations will keep youngsters turning the pages."--Manhattan Book Review

"Charming. The Biltmore, Elodie, and Oscar (and as always, a cute puppy) make this a total win."--Kevin Sylvester, award-winning author of Apartment 713

"Elodie is a charming character and the story is perfect for emerging mystery lovers. Cute, color illustrations are included to help bring the characters to life."--YA Books Central

"The writing is simple (just right for this age group), but it also has a charm and warmth that draws the reader into the story. Even reading as an adult, I really enjoyed it!"--Luminous Libro