Following a pair of young adult twins in the Case family, Dorian Rockwood has written a toasty detective mystery for the fans, new and old, of Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys, Secret Seven and the novels of that era. Though pushed as pulp fiction, something about it just falls short. However, that is the only downside.

The silent witness mystery is exciting, humorous and gripping in its fight or flight moments. I haven't read something this good since my younger days. It hit me with nostalgia. See the blurb from my perspective and you will know:

With their penchant for unmasking criminal offences, ability to photograph and advantage of being twins, they make half way through their investigation, only to be discovered and hounded by the criminals. Confrontation, threats and a high speed off-roading chase tangles them deeper in the mess. When the criminals want to make an example of them, only thinking on their feet will keep them alive.

As high school students with a penchant for uncovering mysteries, the Case twins find themselves ensnared in a criminal web that threatens to consume their world. Unraveling mysteries is in their blood, and a seemingly innocuous photo shoot for Dan’s artwork catapults them into the heart of a dangerous fire, unwittingly stumbling upon an arson plot masterminded by a ruthless protection racket—one that will stop at nothing to guard its secrets.

I really like this series. It is a homage to the vintage children's series of the past like the Hardy Boys (the originals, not as much as the modernized versions) and others with the added bonus of being without some the racist portrayals. There is more time spent on the smaller details and interactions that gives the story more depth but there is still plenty of action including saving a man from a burning building and facing off against the mob. Boring this is not. Rockwood provides a well-crafted story that is sure to delight people of all ages.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Dorian Rockwood for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for The Silent Witness Mystery coming out April 19, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own..

This is the first book I’ve read by this author. It definitely felt like a Hardy Boys novel with the time period and the twins with their group of friends. I love the easy mystery adventures. The dialogue felt reminiscent of the time. I thought it was a fun story. I’d definitely check out other books by this author.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys 1940s teen mysteries!