The A&a Detective Agency: The Grimthorpe Grave - by K H Saxton

About the Book

Alex and Asha's interest in keeping up the agency is waning, and distractions come their way as school obligations divide their attention. When their mentor, Dr. Wright, brings them an intriguing clue signed by "the Witch of Waverly College," they jump at the chance to solve the mystery of who wrote it. But when more clues gather, the two detectives decide they are going to need help to solve the case, so they enlist a few peers as consultants. But the President of Waverly College is out to thwart the kids' mission to uncover the truth about the Northbrook witch trials. It's a race against time and a lesson in who to trust for the young detectives.

Book Synopsis

"It's a delight to see Asha and Alex solve clues and help some clueless adults right a wrong. I can't wait for the next book!"
--Margaret Peterson Haddix, New York Times bestselling author of the Greystone Secrets series on The Fairfleet Affair

How do you save a witch who's been dead for centuries?

Alex and Asha of the A&A Detective Agency are on the case! Summer is over, and Asha and Alex haven't had a decent case in months. But just as a chill begins to stir the air, and the autumn leaves start to turn, Dr. Wright from the Fairfleet Institute comes to them with a cryptic note, signed by "The Witch of Waverly College," about Hannah Grimthorpe, the notorious witch from Northbrook's colonial past.

This is the perfect case to reinvigorate Alex and Asha's interest in keeping up the agency, but distractions come their way as school activities divide their attention. When more clues appear and Dr. Wright is forced out of the Institute, the two detectives decide they are going to need help from their classmates to solve the mystery.

With sneaky adults out to thwart the kids' mission, shadows lurking in corn mazes and cemeteries, and a Halloween deadline looming to uncover the truth about Hannah Grimthorpe, it's a race against time and a lesson in who to trust for the young detectives of Northbrook.

The A&A Detective Agency: The Grimthorpe Grave is the perfect autumnal read for kids ages 8 to 12.

Review Quotes

Praise for The A&A Detective Agency: The Grimthorpe Grave

"Rich descriptive language elevates the well-paced plot and immersive setting. The large cast of racially diverse characters engage in smart, punchy dialogue and show moments of sincere accountability and reflection. The story's deeper themes--including the nature of truth and the questioning of legacies--are rooted in relevant, present-day realities. A smart, standout mystery that's cleverly delineated with equal parts charm and care."
--Kirkus, STARRED Review

Praise for The A&A Detective Agency: The Fairfleet Affair

"If you are a fan of The Westing Game, Chasing Vermeer, or The Parker Inheritance, you will love The A&A Detective Agency: The Fairfleet Affair! K.H. Saxton gives readers two whip-smart kid detectives, hands them a mystery worthy of their skills, and mixes in some challenging history that's been hidden for years. It's a delight to see Asha and Alex solve clues and help some clueless adults right a wrong. I can't wait for the next book!"
--Margaret Peterson Haddix, New York Times bestselling author of the Greystone Secrets series

"I absolutely adored this book! The A&A Detective Agency: The Fairfleet Affair is a perfectly paced mystery full of humor and memorable characters. The backdrop of curating art and exhibits for museums, and the ethics involved, is fascinating. Alex and Asha are a smart and funny detective duo, and I enjoyed their friendship as much as I enjoyed figuring out the clues alongside them. I hope this is the first of many mysteries with the A&A Detective Agency!"

--Jennifer Chambliss Bertman, New York Times-bestselling author of the Book Scavenger series and Sisterhood of Sleuths.

""[T]he intricate plot--jam-packed with brain teasers, convoluted twists, and red herrings--keeps readers in suspense while neatly paving the way for a sequel in Saxton's series-starting debut."
--Publishers Weekly

"A complex, cinematic, and eclectic page-turner."
--Kirkus

"Saxton reveals a knack for constructing a mystery, planting baffling clues, and creating interesting characters of varied ages Tension rises and falls, but the pace of the narrative never falters, and readers will enjoy seeing the puzzle pieces fall into place during the satisfying conclusion. A smart, involving first novel."
--Booklist

"Young readers will find The Fairfleet Affair a solid introduction to the genre and will, most likely, look forward to forthcoming Northbrook crimes the A&A duo can solve."
--New York Journal of Books

"Full of clues and puzzle pieces to ponder, this complicated mystery will keep readers guessing all the way until the end."
--School Library Journal / Teen Librarian Toolbox

About the Author

K. H. Saxton is an English teacher and boarding school administrator in Connecticut. She is also the author of The A&A Detective Agency: The Fairfleet Affair.