Half Moon Investigations by Eoin Colfer (post by Pen, age 13)

Half Moon Investigations is a thrilling novel full of mystery, wit, and snark. I could not put this book down until I was done with it. It's great if you're a 9-12 year old and want a light yet substantial read. This book is a definite winner.

Fletcher Moon, a budding young detective who graduated top of his online detective's classes, is technically a certified detective, though no one will really hire him. He is determined to act as professional as possible, however, for the sake of his future reputation as a big private eye. Or, he will be big, once he hits his growth-spurt. Young Fletcher is unfortunately quite short, therefore earning himself the nickname, Half Moon, much to poor Fletcher's chagrin. After finding a truckload of lost items for third graders, Fletcher decides that he has graduated from petty, "I lost my doll" cases (which usually result in looking behind the couch and, voila! the doll) and has moved on to bigger and better things. He is ready for kidnappings, murder, stolen jewels, etc., all for a decent pay and not just a handful of gumdrops. So when his secret, snot-nosed snitch comes to him and reports a fight in the schoolyard at which his presence is required, Fletcher is apprehensive. It turns out to be Herod Sharkey, youngest of the town's most notorious criminal family, in a headlock with Bella Barnes, a giant sixth grader who claims that Herod stole her organizer. April Devereaux, the queen of pink, and her little cronies confront Herod and claim that they saw him steal the organizer. Everyone gangs up on Fletcher and uses peer pressure to convince him to find the organizer (or else!). Fletcher has to think quickly, but he uncovers the organizer in a cookie tin in the school's field of flowers. Herod unintentionally confesses, and Fletcher earns himself a trip to the principal's office because he was found in the field. Red Sharkey, Herod's older brother, is exasperated at Fletcher's detective work, and pick-pockets Fletcher while Fletcher is having a staring contest. Fletcher is appalled with himself for letting his guard slide. Then Fletcher is hired by April Devereaux to find a stolen item that she is convinced was taken by Red Sharkey, and Fletcher is wary. There is something strange going on in town, and for some reason, the youth are the targets. Fletcher, with the unknowing help of his police friend, uncovers even more theft cases and unexpected accidents that involve the youth, but is there even more to this case than even Fletcher suspects? Follow Fletcher through his adventures, including an unexpected arson charge, an unlikely ally, an even more unlikely enemy, a new middle name (and first and last name too), a little sneaking around, a tearful confession, and an unusual criminal in this roller coaster of a tale. Will Fletcher emerge victorious and solve the case(s)? Or will worse come to worse?

It's up to you to find out! Pick up this book at your local library or bookstore and enjoy the read!
Good luck and happy reading!
Pen