A Study in Secrets
(Last Chance Academy #1)

Interesting characters explore a compelling mystery.

Ever since her mother’s death, Japanese American seventh grader Megumi Mizuno has felt like school is a waste of time. Following her latest expulsion, Meg is enrolled at strict, exclusive Leland Chase Academy, also known as Last Chance Academy among its small student body of misfits and troublemakers. Meg quickly befriends her white-cued roommate Tana and vows to keep a low profile until she can go home again-easier said than done in a place where "secrets are key" and the staff is ever watching. When students receive mysterious letters inviting them to participate in an illicit treasure hunt, Meg, who associates treasure hunts with memories of her mom, is wary but interested, especially as the reward is an all-expenses-paid winter break vacation. Despite being unable to fully trust anyone, Meg is forced to work with her classmates. And as the hunt progresses and competitors are eliminated, new friends in pursuit of their own goals are liable to become sworn enemies. In this twisty tale of secrets and riddles, Florence (Jasmine Toguchi, Great Gardener) explores issues of grief, guilt, friendship, and betrayal. Memorably rendered characters and an appropriately mysterious setting boasting hidden passages and lost history make for a brisk, clever series opener. 

Copyright 2024 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Twelve-year-old Asian American Megumi "Meg" Mizuno hasn't been the same since her mother died and her father started traveling more for work. After getting expelled from school for cutting class and low grades, her dad secures her a spot at a prestigious boarding school: Leland Chase, aka Last Chance Academy. Life at Leland Chase is regimented and pretty dull until one night when mysterious envelopes appear under students' doors, inviting them to participate in a scavenger hunt. Thanks to her mom, Meg is used to scavenger hunts and solving riddles, and she is determined to win this game and claim the grand prize. Meg quickly learns that she'll need to rely on her classmates to help her-but can she trust them? Featuring a diverse cast of characters led by Meg, this book is a must-read for fans of puzzle-solving mysteries. While the scavenger hunt is the main plot point, a story of friendship and trust between Meg and her classmates also takes focus. Florence handles the topic of grief well and in an age-appropriate manner. Realistic and relatable characters bring readers into Meg's story, while an intriguing, fast-paced plot and short chapters make it easy to say, "one more chapter." This series debut ends on a cliffhanger but won't leave readers disappointed as the first part of the mystery is wrapped up. VERDICT A great choice for tweens who already enjoy or are looking to get into mysteries.

Copyright 2025 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.