Book Review The Case of the Soggy Vandal (The Alex Mysteries Book 1)

This middle-grade mystery delivers a clever whodunit that will hook young detectives from the first waterlogged clue, following amateur sleuth Alex as they investigate a series of strange vandalism incidents involving soaked school property. The suburban school setting feels instantly familiar, while the escalating pranks—from drenched textbooks to mysterious puddles—create genuine intrigue that keeps pages turning. Asselin crafts a puzzle that's challenging enough to engage budding mystery fans yet accessible for readers new to the genre, with just the right balance of suspense and humor to prevent things from getting too intense.

What makes this investigation stand out is how authentically it captures the perspective of a kid detective navigating real-world constraints—limited mobility, skeptical adults, and the constant challenge of being taken seriously. Alex's deductive process feels achievable rather than fantastical, modeling logical thinking and observation skills that readers could apply to mysteries in their own lives. The resolution satisfies without being predictable, making this a solid entry point for young readers ready to graduate from picture book mysteries to their first chapter-length puzzles.