Denver tween Kazu Jones uses her daily paper route to hone her detective skills. A dognapper is on the loose, and Kazu (with the help of her sometimes-reluctant friends) starts building a case against a creepy-seeming neighbor. Then her own beloved pup is snatched, and Kazu's motivation--and the danger--increases. Many exploits strain credulity, but themes of kid-power and animal friendship come through. (c) Copyright 2021. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Dogs are disappearing in Denver, Colorado, and the only thing fifth-grader Kazuko Jones loves more than solving mysteries is her giant pup, Genki. After her neighbor's dog goes missing, Kazu is certain that the Denver Dognapper is responsible, and she suspects Mr. Crowley, who lives on the same street as her best friend, March. To uncover the truth, Kazu and March join forces with their classmates CindeeRae and Madeleine, whose dogs have also been taken. However, as Kazu collects evidence in her Sleuth Chronicle notebook, she faces a tragedy of her own when Genki is taken by the dognapper. Kazu and her friends must race against time and risk real danger to save Genki and the other missing dogs. With its spunky, determined protagonist and her intelligent, passionate friends, this fast-paced debut is sure to keep young readers turning pages. Japanese terminology and references are included in the text and play an important role throughout the story. Recommended for lovers of mysteries, dogs, action, and adventure.--Selenia Paz Copyright 2019 Booklist