Hideout
(Swindle #5)

Gr 5-7--Readers ready for adventure and high jinks should be pleased with this latest title about Griffin Bing and his friends. This time, the last person they ever thought would show his face again has slimed his way back into town with a nasty agenda. Swindle wants not only revenge for having his reputation ruined, but he also wants his dog back. Luthor has been living with Savannah ever since Swindle ran off. But Swindle, hoping to make money now that the dog is famous, has changed his story about giving him up. Griffin needs a plan to rescue the oversize Doberman and decides to make him disappear. A fast-paced mystery that has it all, this title will make old fans rejoice while bringing new ones into the fold. A short recap in the beginning brings readers up to speed on what happened in the previous books. Familiar characters are brought back and the problems come barreling in from the get-go. The pace is quick, the story line is amusingly far-fetched, and the writing is at its best. Hilarious and sure to please, this is required reading for those already hooked on the escapades of Griffin and his pals.--Mariela Siegert, Westfield Middle School, Bloomingdale, IL