Can four teens solve a puzzling whodunit that captivates their small town and baffles the police, all while starting high school? "Asbury High is a quick-paced, Scooby-Doo-esque story, that features a strong stroyline, and even stronger bonds of friendship. [It] is a mystery that will appeal to anyone who that enjoys a light and fun sleuth story featuring a group of likable young amateur detectives." (Indies Today, 5 Starred Review)

Take one spunky smart tomboy, one clever billionaire athlete, one gossipy in-the-know cheerleader and one technological genius, and throw a string of burglaries into their usually quiet, coastal hometown and what do you get? A freshman year of high school, filled with intrigue and humor.

What starts out as a fun hobby for the four friends, turns serious when someone close to the gang becomes the fall guy. Using their unique, individual skills, Maddie, Cornelious, Carly and Pilot embark on a mission to stop the crime spree and put things right.

Unfortunately, solving crimes isn’t as easy as it seems on TV. The further they investigate, the more they find themselves constantly side-stepping tweedle-dee and tweedle-dum-like policemen, outsmarting local bully JB and his gang of misfits, and dealing with Cornelious’ billionaire father and Governor—who has disapproved of his son’s choice of friends for years. In addition to these obstacles, the foursome must also adapt to their evolving friendship with each other and their peers. But with upperclassmen, teachers, and teammates vying for their attention, the amateur sleuths must work even harder to root out the red-herrings from the true thief, before it’s too late.

Asbury High and the Thief’s Gamble is the first book in a young adult cozy mystery series, that fans of Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys and Scooby Doo will love.

Kelly Brady Channick