The Painted Dragon: The Sinclair’s Mysteries
This book rejoins aspiring sleuths Sophie and Lillian and their friends as they solve another caper. Leo, called Leonora by her family, escapes her unhappy home when she is accepted into the 1909 class of London’s prestigious Spencer Institute of Fine Arts. Leo, shy and made to feel inferior by her mother due to her disability, quickly makes friends among her fellow art students when they are asked to help art-lover and supporter Mr. Lyle with his art exhibition. Trouble ensues when the priceless painting “The Green Dragon” is stolen from the exhibit, replaced by a replica painted by Leo. Suspects abound, including Leo.
Although this is the third book in a series for middle-grade readers, and minor characters from previous mysteries appear, the story reads well as a stand-alone. It is a rollicking story with twists and turns including suffragettes, a mysterious murderer with scarlet gloves, and secret societies. An over-arching mystery and antagonist run through the series, tying the stories together nicely; but not too nicely—expect more books to come. This is an excellent addition to readers who enjoy a good mystery.
The Painted Dragon can be purchased from Kane Miller books.
