My daughter and I are sharing this series as audio books together in the car. On occasion, she invites the whole family into the story and tries to keep them updated and make them guess who did it.

This one was ingenious. My daughter and I spent quite a bit of time talking about the why's and how's someone would do this - and how you can hide and decode secret messages. My 9 year old knew a lot more ways than I did! How fun! books that inspire kids always get two thumbs up from me.

I can't wait to continue the series! ( )

Genre:Fiction (mystery)

This book is about three kids who crack mysteries together. Dink receives mysterious letters but doesn't know who they are from, the three work together to solve the mystery.This can be used for kids who enjoy mysteries. It can be used to show students about letter writing and how important it is to have all five parts of a letter, even a name at the end.

I enjoyed reading this story for a few reasons. The plot, the illustrations, and the way the book pushes readers. Dink receives five strange envelopes addressed to "D. Duncan" but the letters inside are either blank or they don't make sense. A strange women wants the letters back because apparently they belong to her deceased mother. Dink and his friends discover that there is a valuable stamp hidden underneath the original stamp that is worth thousands of dollars. The plot was very suspenseful and easy to follow along to. Even though this is a chapter book, there were a few illustrations included. The illustrations were drawn in black and white, but it is a nice surprise for beginning chapter book readers. The illustrations kept you engaged with the story because you gain visuals of the characters, the setting, etc. I like how the book pushes young readers to begin to think more critically in everyday situations. The kids in the story are always thinking ahead and asking questions. "What could be so important about these letters?". ( )

Dink and his friends unearth the mysterious truth behind the envelopes incorrectly delivered to his house.

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