A Skeleton in the Closet

Twelve-year-old Mizzy wants to prove to the world that she can solve mysteries just like Sherlock Holmes, despite a reputation for tall tales. A charming new mystery series for middle-grade readers, starring a girl with Down syndrome.

Twelve-year-old Mizzy dreams of being a detective and she won't let anything stand in her way -- not her reputation for tall tales, or her embarrassing fear of escalators, and definitely not her Down syndrome. Dumped for the summer with cousins who've outgrown her, Mizzy feels even more sidelined than usual. But when she discovers Great Aunt Jane's diaries in a locked wardrobe in their spare room, and realizes her aunt didn't just die in her sleep but under suspicious circumstances, everything changes. What's more . . . someone in the family appears to have been involved.

Under the guise of a family tree project for school, and armed with a brand-new set of Pip-Squeaks markers, Mizzy grabs the chance to prove herself to her cousins -- and the world.

Author: Claire Hatcher-Smith
Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Tundra Books (NY)
Published: 08/26/2025
Series: The Mizzy Mysteries
Pages: 240
Weight: 0.73lbs
Size: 8.47h x 5.78w x 0.89d
ISBN: 9781774885116


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 06/15/2025

About the Author
CLAIRE HATCHER-SMITH is a speech and language pathologist who has worked with children with Down Syndrome for thirty-five years. Originally from the UK, she now lives surrounded by sea on Vancouver Island, with her husband, their teenage son and a Korean rescue dog. As well as writing, Claire runs groups for neurodivergent tweens and teens, focusing on self/other awareness, self-esteem and self-advocacy skills.