Julieta and the Diamond Enigma

Detailed descriptions of Paris landmarks and factual information about museum pieces are woven naturally into the fast-moving plot so that readers come away with knowledge of these topics alongside a satisfying story.... Come for the mystery, stay for the backmatter. 

Gr 3-6--Nine-year-old Julieta and her father are going on a trip to Paris for his job at the art museum in Boston. While they are there, one of the important pieces they are supposed to bring back to the United States, the Regent Diamond, goes missing, and Julieta's father might be blamed. They must find out the truth or her father will lose his job. Pitched as a mystery, this reads more like a family story, as Julieta's mom is home pregnant and a majority of the focus is on Julieta and her father making it back on time for the birth. Also, Julieta does not sleuth like most main characters in mysteries; things simply tend to happen near or around her. There is a great deal of interesting information about Paris and various Greek gods, but those segues often take away from the mystery aspect of the novel. Despite these missteps, Julieta is a likable, bilingual character who will appeal to a middle grade audience. VERDICT Give to readers who enjoy adventures and travel, but for more prominent mysteries try Stuart Gibbs or Carl Hiaasen.--Tegan Anclade, Lake Villa District Library, IL