Murdle Jr.: Sleuths on the Loose

Inspired by the global phenomenon of the Murdle puzzle books comes the first novel in a new thrilling mystery series, for fans of Mr. Lemoncello's Library and The Swifts.

It's a cloudy day on the Sacred Kidney playground, but Jake likes it that way--dark and uncertain. For a junior detective like Jake, standing up to bad guys is a piece of cake. After all, she's the only detective at Sacred Kidney Elementary with a hard-earned badge to her name. But just as Jake and her sidekick Sterling prepare to face off against the biggest bully in school, there's a scream from inside the library.

The kids are sure they heard Miss Saffron cry out, but when they arrive at the scene of the crime, the library is how it's always been: filled with books, but no Miss Saffron to be found! None of the adults still there after school are talking, but Jake, Sterling, and Brick the bully are determined to find out what happened. This unlikely trio pinky promises to solve...the crime at Sacred Kidney!

The second Murdle Jr. puzzle book Ready, Set, Solve! is a companion for this novel, with some Easter egg puzzles to solve between the pairing of books, for readers with the keenest of eyes!

SOLVE THE PUZZLES:
Curious Crimes for Curious Minds
Ready, Set, Solve!

READ THE MYSTERIES:
Sleuths on the Loose

Author: G. T. Karber,Chris Grabenstein
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Published: 05/27/2025
Pages: 352
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.85lbs
Size: 7.70h x 5.40w x 1.20d
ISBN: 9780316582254
Audience: Ages 9-12


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 05/15/2025
Booklist 08/25/2025

About the Author

G. T. Karber grew up in a small town in Arkansas, the son of a judge and a civil rights attorney. As a lifelong mystery fan, he has organized more than forty immersive mysteries in Los Angeles.

Chris Grabenstein is the multiple award-winning, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Mr. Lemoncello's Library, Welcome to Wonderland, Haunted Mystery, Smartest Kid in the Universe, and Dog Squad series. He co-authored the acclaimed SHINE! with his wife J.J. Grabenstein as well as nearly three dozen fast-paced and funny page turners with James Patterson including the I Funny, Jacky Ha-Ha, Treasure Hunters, and Max Einstein series. He's written Audible Originals, short stories, and stage plays. Chris, the current president of the Mystery Writers of America, and his wife J.J. still live in New York City with two cats and lots of ideas. You can visit him online at chrisgrabenstein.com and on Instagram and X @ChrisGrabenstein.