The Adventure at Simba Hill

December 15, 2010

Kari and Lucas, two teens who've combined their expertise to solve mysteries in previous adventures (Rescuing Seneca Crane, 2009, etc.), are headed this time to Simba Hill in Kenya with Uncle Geoff, an archaeologist. The girls have completely different talents: Lucas is blessed with a photographic memory, and Kari is strong on intuition and people skills. Even before arriving at their luxurious bush accommodations, they hear of artifacts remarkably like the discoveries at Simba Hill having been smuggled into England. Neither seeing exotic animals in their natural habitat nor exposure to Kenyan locals, notably the Maasai and Kikuyu peoples, distracts these two, who are determined to once again find the clues that elude others. Danger from the human malefactors is augmented by threats from lions, hippos, spiders and snakes. Lighthearted and yet mostly based on logic, this outing allows readers to get a taste of Africa's pleasures—albeit Hollywood-flavored, similar to those experienced by the average wealthy tourist. The cast of suspects and rapidly made friends keeps the mood frothy and the sinister actions nicely removed. (Mystery. 8-12) 

(COPYRIGHT (2010) KIRKUS REVIEWS/NIELSEN BUSINESS MEDIA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)

July 1, 2011

Gr 4-7-Runholt's newest book starring 14-year-old friends Kari and Lucas finds the sleuths on another globe-trotting adventure. This time they've tagged along with Kari's Uncle Geoff, an archaeologist, to Kenya. Almost immediately, the girls hear their favorite three words, "It's a mystery," when they learn that ancient artifacts may have been unearthed and stolen from Simba Hill. Lucas's photographic memory and Kari's strength in reading people are put to the test as they must weave their way through an assortment of suspects and clues. Rich landscapes and the cultures, animals, and peoples of the country are interwoven seamlessly, which allows readers to feel as if they have been transported to the continent with the young detectives. The typical teen vernacular and the quick friendships they make with local young people Anya and Sam will make this story accessible for reluctant readers. Once again, the perfect sprinkling of danger, clues, intrigue, and friendship makes this a satisfying mystery to be savored.-Michele Shaw, Quail Run Elementary School, San Ramon, CA

Copyright 2011 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 1, 2011
Grades 5-8 In this third Kari and Lucas Mystery, Runholt offers another art-themed caper starring the globe-trotting teens of the series title. With an invitation from Karis archaeologist uncle, the two best friends happily leave a Minnesota winter behind and travel to his latest dig, located in Kenyas Maasai Mara Game Reserve. On arrival in Africa, though, the girls discover their latest mystery: someone is stealing priceless, ancient cave art from Uncle Geoffs site. Is another archaeologist responsible? Or someone from the nearby Maasai village? With help from a pair of young Kenyans, Kari and Lucas investigate, and as in the series previous titles, the girls narrowly escape increasingly dangerous situations before the culprits are caught. From urban Nairobi to the Mara, where Maasai herders communicate with cell phones, Runholt provides a vibrant glimpse of contemporary Kenya, and the archaeological details will fascinate interested readers. Even if theyre reading purely for plot, however, young people will enjoy following the bold, highly observant girls as they solve their latest challenge, step by logical step.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2011, American Library Association.)

July 1, 2011
In their third outing, amateur sleuths Kari and Lucas accompany Kari's archaeologist uncle to Kenya. All the new sights--and Runholt weaves in plenty of them--mesmerize the fourteen-year-old girls ("We don't have that in Minnesota!"). Though it takes a while for the mystery (who's looting African artifacts?) to kick into high gear, fans of the series will enjoy the girls' latest adventures.

(Copyright 2011 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

December 15, 2010

Kari and Lucas, two teens who've combined their expertise to solve mysteries in previous adventures (Rescuing Seneca Crane, 2009, etc.), are headed this time to Simba Hill in Kenya with Uncle Geoff, an archaeologist. The girls have completely different talents: Lucas is blessed with a photographic memory, and Kari is strong on intuition and people skills. Even before arriving at their luxurious bush accommodations, they hear of artifacts remarkably like the discoveries at Simba Hill having been smuggled into England. Neither seeing exotic animals in their natural habitat nor exposure to Kenyan locals, notably the Maasai and Kikuyu peoples, distracts these two, who are determined to once again find the clues that elude others. Danger from the human malefactors is augmented by threats from lions, hippos, spiders and snakes. Lighthearted and yet mostly based on logic, this outing allows readers to get a taste of Africa's pleasures--albeit Hollywood-flavored, similar to those experienced by the average wealthy tourist. The cast of suspects and rapidly made friends keeps the mood frothy and the sinister actions nicely removed. (Mystery. 8-12)

(COPYRIGHT (2010) KIRKUS REVIEWS/NIELSEN BUSINESS MEDIA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)