The Case of the Stolen Sixpence (The Mysteries of Maisie Hitchins) by Holly Webb and Marion Lindsay is a children’s chapter book in the tradition of the Sherlock Holmes mysteries. Maisie Hitchins is twelve years old, and is fascinated with detecting. She takes the time to notice things, which leads her to believe that she would be a great detective if she only had the chance. However, she spends most of her time helping her grandmother run a boarding house and running related errands. When Maisie has the chance to solve the mystery of who would toss a puppy into a canal and who has been stealing money from the nearby butcher shop she is on the case!
The Case of the Stolen Sixpence is the great start to a series. While introducing a varied cast of characters, it never felt like the characters were being explained only to set up the rest of the series, which sometimes happens. Maisie is a smart, well intentioned girl with an eye for detail. Her actions occasionally have less than wonderful consequences, but she is a character that steps up and tries to right any wrong, especially those that she has had a hand in. I really liked her spunk, honest, and willingness to look for the truth even if she might not like the answer. The black and white illustrations compliment the action and mood of the story and its characters perfectly. The action is fast and the book holds many surprises and quirks to keep readers turning the pages.
The Case of the Stolen Sixpence is a delightful mystery complete with tricks, disguises, danger, and a little dog too! Readers that like action and mystery will dive into this book and might not come up for air right away.
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