The Many Mysteries of the Finkel Family

Written by Sarah Kapit

Two sisters' detective agency unravels mysteries and their own bond.

5.0/7 Bookroo expert·4.0/5 Goodreads · 432 ratings

288 pages

$17.99Save 6%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Twelve-year-old Lara Finkel launches a detective agency, FIASCCO, determined to solve only the most consequential crimes. Her sister Caroline insists on joining, bringing their first mystery. As secrets and suspicions grow, Lara's snooping strains their relationship. Can the sisters solve the mysteries and mend their bond before everything spirals out of control?

From the publisher

Fans of the Penderwicks and the Vanderbeekers, meet the Finkel family in this middle grade novel about two autistic sisters, their detective agency, and life’s most consequential mysteries. When twelve-year-old Lara Finkel starts her very own detective agency, FIASCCO (Finkel Investigation Agency Solving Consequential Crimes Only), she does not want her sister, Caroline, involved. She and Caroline don’t have to do everything together. But Caroline won’t give up, and when she brings Lara the firm’s first mystery, Lara relents, and the questions start piling up. But Lara and Caroline’s truce doesn’t last for long. Caroline normally uses her tablet to talk, but now she’s busily texting a new friend. Lara can’t figure out what the two of them are up to, but it can’t be good. And Caroline doesn’t like Lara’s snooping–she’s supposed to be solving other people’s crimes, not spying on Caroline! As FIASCCO and the Finkel family mysteries spin out of control, can Caroline and Lara find a way to be friends again?

At a glance

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 288
Reading age: 8–12
Audience: Middle Grade
Lexile: 670L

Themes & topics

Books about sisters Books about America Books about disabilities Books about siblings Books about family

For the grown-ups

The parent guide

What families may want to know

Every family reads differently. These are the concepts our editors noticed in this book — worth seeking out for some readers, worth knowing about for others. The list isn't exhaustive, but it's a spoiler-light head start.

Religious Leanings

The central family is Jewish. At one part they attend synagogue and a character is touched by a discussion of forgiveness.

What readers & critics say

Reviews

5.0

out of 7

5.0

“Well written, easy to read. Reminds me of a Beverly Cleary story, making an engaging story out of ordinary events—losing a job, trouble at school. But it introduces some original elements too, including an autistic central character.”

The Goodfather

Trusted reviewer

For readers who can't stop at one