This is the second book in the mystery series about a seventh grader who solves crimes. And it reads like a house on fire.

Which is how it starts. Sammy and her two friends are trick or treating, and they decide to knock on the door of the Bush House and get a good scare. They get one. A skeleton almost knocks them down on the sidewalk. Inside, the house is on fire. And tied up and bloody is Frankenstein.

That's just the beginning. While Sammy tries to figure out who left Frank that way, she also has to deal with two old enemies. Heather Acosta is spreading lies about her at school. And in the police department, "His Supreme Rudeness, Officer Borsch," is not thrilled to have her snooping out another case on his beat.

Sammy's spunk and wit are as snappy as ever. The pace is fast, and the culprit is a surprise. It's a pleasure to read this book.

   --- Reviewed by Tamara Penny