Backyard Rangers is a group of four middle grade students who has concern for wildlife protections. After rescuing turtles in the previous adventure, now they are back with another fun project involving owls.

Bella is the new celebrity barred owl in Marsh Hollow, where the kids live. Birdwatchers and wildlife photographers from neighboring towns come rushing to meet the super friendly owl who, so friendly it seems to be, that it often appears near human beings apparently without fear. But Miles, one of the rangers, found clues which led them to believe that someone has actually baited the owls - a practice which endangered them. It is now up to these four kids to bring the crime into spotlight, and save the owls' wildlife future.

The birds, birdwatching, and everything around birding are aplenty in this novel, but they're not all. There's the real personal struggle in each character, to balance with their eco-sleuthing. Their studies is one thing, but there are mentions of health problem (Delaney suffers from scoliosis), personal disability (Miles with his ADHD), family problem, and others. Other than wildlife conservation idea, this book also warns us that appearances can be misleading - in animals as well as human beings.

I loved the use of Owls and how it uses them in this story. It had a great mystery element that I was looking for and enjoyed the concept with them. Diana Renn has a great writing style and the character were everything that I wanted.

Diana Renn's The Owl Prowl Mystery is the second book about the Backyard Rangers and their efforts to save wildlife in their neighborhood. This edition followed Miles and his friends as they learn about the owls that roam the Marsh Hollow at night, how they can protect them, and sharing this all with others. Besides this charge, Miles has been struggling with his schoolwork and focusing which causes a strained relationship with his parents and teacher, who wish to help him succeed. Miles and the Backyard Rangers discover owl pellets in a nearby lot that has white mouse fur leading them to determine someone is baiting the owls - but for what reason? They work with other birders, local rehabbers, and their teacher to discover the culprit and rally the community to protect their owls.

It's a heartwarming story that is sure to get any reader interested in owls in their own area. The struggles that Miles and his friends face and overcome are important for growing kids who may find parallels in their lives. I love the environmental aspects to this book and the cast of owls and life history information that was incorporated in this book.

Thank you NetGalley and Fitzroy Books for the ARC.

Book 2 in the Backyard Rangers' series will grip MG readers with its thrilling eco mystery about saving owls from being baited and trapped. Will the young group be able to protect them? A winner!

Well this book was quite an enjoyable and relaxing break from other books I have read recently.
I found the storyline to hold some ground and it was entertaining. I may not be the main audience for this book but Inwould recommended my sister, or cousin to be reading it.
It was filled with both important messages and an interesting storyline. The main caracther had enough depth but also not deep so a younger brain can follow along.
The author did not get stuck on small details but rather let the challenges and personal problems the protagonist had just be there.

It was an enjoyable book that I recommend for others to read aswell

I loved TROUBLE AT TURTLE POND so I was excited to see this new book. This is another terrific middle grade mystery with ecological/environmental themes. You can tell that Diana Renn really knows her audience. There are fascinating facts strewn throughout the story and the plot really shines with just enough tension and excitement. I like the message of working together to accomplish positive change.

Highly recommended for fans of MG fiction.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance e-galley; all opinions in this review are completely my own.