What you think does matter

  Why I Put Hidden Clues in My Mystery Stories Have you ever read a mystery, decided you knew who was responsible, and then discovered you were completely wrong? I love that moment! As a mystery writer, one of my favorite things to do is give readers clues. Some are important. Others might lead you in the wrong direction. And sometimes, a small detail that seems unimportant at first turns out to matter much more than you expected. But here's something I really enjoy: readers don't always notice the same things I do when I write a story. And that's part of the fun! The Secret Behind a Good Mystery Imagine you're visiting a farm, and someone tells you that a prize-winning cow has disappeared. You might immediately wonder: Did someone steal the cow? Did it escape? Who was the last person to see it? Why would anyone want to take it? Now imagine that, while searching for the cow, you discover a strange key, overhear a suspicious conversation, and notice someone acting differ...

Can Your Child Solve This Mystery Before You Do? An interactive mystery challenge for kids, parents, and anyone who loves solving a good puzzle. Do you have a young detective living in your house? You know the type. They notice things adults overlook, ask questions you never expected, and somehow know when you've hidden the last cookie. Well, it's time to put those detective skills to the test! Today's mystery is short, family-friendly, and full of clues. Read it together, examine the evidence, and see if you can solve the case before reading the answer. Parents, here's the challenge: Don't read the solution first! Let your child take the lead. You might be surprised by what they notice. The Case of the Missing Cupcake It was Friday afternoon at Maple Grove School, and the students were getting ready for their classroom party. Mrs. Parker had placed a chocolate cupcake with a big swirl of frosting on her desk. It was supposed to be the prize for the winner of the c...