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As is probably extremely evident at this point, I really love the Sammy Keyes series. It's so fun, and is a childhood favorite. I stopped reading at some point in my childhood, but am now returning to these as an adult, and find that they make me feel at home. I'm always astounded with the more adult topics that Van Draanen seems to handle with ease, that makes the adult and young reader equally entertained.

In this book, Sammy finds herself entwined in a mystery after meeting an old lady who tells her the story of Moustache Mary. Her cabin burns down, and there's a shiny new gas can near the fire. However the mystery just seems to start there. This book is full of old west family feuds, and honestly reminds me a lot of Holes by Louis Sachar in the same tone. Van Draanen does it again, and it does touch on some heavy subjects in the end. However, it's not done in such a heavy handed way that doesn't seem realistic, in fact, it seems very real, and age appropriate. Another job well done.