ANNOTATION

Twelve-year-old Henry Coffin, the son of a private investigator, helps a gorgeous high school girl in her dangerous attempt to find her kidnapped mother.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

When Lily Larson walks through the door of the Coffin and Pate Detective Agency, twelve-year-old Henry Coffin's heart skips a beat Is this gorgeous girl who keeps crying I've lost ... I've lost ... going to be his father's next client? It's like a dream come true — until Henry learns that what Lily thinks she has lost is her mother ... and for the fourth time!But Lilys mother really has disappeared, and while Mr. Coffin is away on business, Henry suddenly finds himself riding around L.A. in Lilys big red car, tracking down clues they hope will lead them to Lily's mother.Unfortunately, only Lily's mother knows that following those clues may also lead them to their deaths.

FROM THE CRITICS

Children's Literature - Marilyn Courtot

Twelve year-old Henry Coffin dreams of being a private detective like his Dad. Then one day the beautiful Lily Larson walks into the office while he is visiting. She has lost her mother and needs help. Henry suddenly gets his wish and is embroiled in a dangerous hunt for Lily's mom. Edgar Allan Poe Award winner.

BookList - Sheilamae O'Hara

If readers can accept the premise that a 16-year-old girl would hire a 12-year-old boy to help her find her mother, then the rest of this story will keep them happily engrossed. The plot concerns a woman who disappears and her daughter, who wants to find the missing woman without going to the police. Henry Coffin, son of a private detective, retraces the woman's steps. When he locates the house where she is being held, he is forcibly detained but uses his wits to escape and get help. Having enough suspense and action without resorting to senseless violence and gore, the story should find an audience among middle-grade readers looking for a mystery that's not too long.