Dive into the charming world of A Skeleton in the Closet, a middle-grade mystery that blends cozy vibes with a heartfelt punch. Mizzy, our unforgettable heroine, is a firecracker—smart, stubborn, and brimming with determination to be taken seriously. Claire Hatcher-Smith, a speech-language pathologist, crafts Mizzy with authenticity, drawing from her 35 years working with neurodivergent kids. The result? A protagonist who’s relatable, inspiring, and never defined by her Down syndrome.

The story’s pacing keeps readers hooked with clues, red herrings, and plot twists that rival popular kid detectives like those in Robin Stevens’ or Sharna Jackson’s series. What makes this book not just another mystery is its heart—the emotional weight behind Mizzy's determination to be seen and heard stealthily drives the suspense and the personal stakes. The diary discovery adds a cool, eerie vibe that escalates the tension and keeps young readers guessing.

The writing style is accessible yet richly detailed, appealing to kids aged 8 to 12 looking for a page-turner that is more than just a whodunit. This book is ideal for book clubs, classrooms, and young readers craving a mystery filled with heart, diversity, and clever detective work.

This was absolutely ADORABLE!!! Thank you to Net Galley and publishing for this ARC! My children and I read this together and we loved it! It was funny with some mystery, and I am hoping to see more! Thank you for the entertaining read!

Mizzy is thrilled to be going to visit her favorite cousins over the school holidays, but her cousins seem to have outgrown her. Not one to let Down's syndrome keep her from having a good time, Mizzy instead starts investigating the spare room and finds a decades-old murder just waiting for her to solve.

I picked this book up because I was looking for good representation for Down's, and I'm pretty pleased to say I got what I came for. This book does a great job noting Mizzy's limitations and accommodations without being pitying. It's clear that Mizzy thinks a little differently than the average kid, but we get to see her poking at stereotypes and reminding us of how human she is. The mystery is suitably twisty, reminding me of a classic cozy mystery but making room for a strong character arc. The writing style is engaging, and Mizzy has a strong literary voice that I won't forget anytime soon.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

The Mizzy Mysteries: A Skeleton in the Closet was such a sweet read. Mizzy is an imaginative and curious almost 13-year-old girl with a deep dislike of buttons and a fear of escalators. She longs to solve mysteries like real (and fictional) detectives and to show others just how marvelous she is. And she also happens to have Down Syndrome.

As a mom to a 13-year-old daughter with Down Syndrome, I adored how this book showed how Mizzy wanted to be seen as an independent teenager and not just a cutesy little kid. I’ve watched this same thing in my young teen.

I think this book is such a good thing for kids with and without DS to read. It will help those without DS to get a perspective of of someone with DS and how they have thoughts and feelings just like them. And it will show people with DS that they can be the heroes of their own stories.

I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be recommending it to others.

This middle grade mystery presents a refreshingly earnest and honest protagonist in Mizzy. At nearly 13 years old, Mizzy is determined to show her family that she's a strong, capable detective. Sure, she's not a confident swimmer, is terrified of escalators and hasn't successfully solved a case, but that's no matter! Excited for a week with her cousins, Mizzy quickly finds herself left behind by her former co-conspiritors. Luckily she stumbles upon her great aunt's missing diaries, and with them a suspected murder in the family.

I had such a fun time reading this, Mizzy's character is fully realized, and I was right there with her as she worked to prove to her parents that she's not a baby. You can tell that Hatcher-Smith put a whole lot of heart into her characters, and has represented Mizzy's Downs Syndrome with respect and care. I look forward to the next Mizzy Mystery!

A long deceased relatives diaries have been found in an unused wardrobe, and the circumstances of her death now appear to be mysterious. Mizzy decides she is going to find out the truth of Great Aunt Jane's death. Was it murder? If so, will the culprit be one someone in her family?

Mizzy is a wonderful and quirky character with Down's Syndrome. Readers with identify with her whether they have Down's Syndrome or not. Mizzy has (what some may call) irrational fears, she makes some questionable decisions, and she cares about her family with her whole heart. Who doesn't identify with that?!? This story will be a great addition to any school, public, or private library.

I received a free copy of, A Skeleton in the Closet, by Claire Hatcher-Smith, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Mizzy has down syndrome, but she does not let it stop her from much. Mizzy finds a diary and has a mystery to solve. This was a nice family mystery.

Claire Hatcher-Smith's debut novel, "A Skeleton in the Closet," skillfully explores the complexities of the mystery genre, presenting a sophisticated combination of detailed character development and intriguing plot twists that keep readers engaged. The author expertly weaves a narrative rich in suspense and introspective moments, encouraging readers to delve deeper into the storyline and the characters' lives, prompting reflection on profound themes and emotions throughout the tale.

The characters in this novel are exceptionally well-developed, each possessing unique traits and backstories that ensure readers will find someone relatable. Mizzy, the protagonist and aspiring detective, stands out as a symbol of the idea that anyone, regardless of background or experience, can become a keen observer and detective with dedication and self-belief, inspired by legendary figures like Rachel Bailey, Sherlock Holmes, and Dr. Watson. Through Mizzy's perspective, readers witness her growth and determination as she navigates the complexities of her investigations. Her family members add a delightful layer of humor, relatability, and intrigue to the narrative, grounding the story and enhancing its authenticity. Each family member contributes to the overall dynamic, enriching the plot and providing moments of levity amidst the mystery's tension.

The novel's UK settings are vividly depicted, allowing readers to visualize the scenes clearly while leaving room for personal imagination. Hatcher-Smith's writing is engaging and detailed, creating an immersive world for readers. However, some of the dialogue may present challenges for younger readers, potentially requiring guidance from guardians to assist with language or conversational nuances. This aspect of the narrative offers a valuable opportunity for discussion and language exploration, fostering a deeper understanding of the text.

The plot is a delightful blend of entertainment, humor, and creativity. While some elements may be somewhat predictable, numerous twists and turns keep readers eager to solve the mystery alongside Mizzy. The book effectively maintains reader interest by allowing them to deduce clues with the protagonist, creating an immersive experience that gives them a sense of agency in the detective work. Additionally, the novel sensitively addresses significant topics such as Down Syndrome and Alzheimer's/memory loss, highlighting how perceived disadvantages can also manifest as strengths. This exploration challenges societal assumptions about disabilities, offering a nuanced and compassionate perspective on these important issues.

The narrative also explores the complexities of family relationships, illustrating how family secrets can lead to miscommunication, conflicts, and intriguing mysteries among loved ones. This emphasis on understanding all facts before making assumptions and the value of open communication resonates deeply with readers, encouraging them to reflect on their own relationships and family dynamics.

"A Skeleton in the Closet" by Claire Hatcher-Smith is not just an engaging middle-grade mystery; it is a multifaceted narrative that offers insights into living with Down Syndrome while inviting readers to join the detective journey alongside the main characters. Through Mizzy's adventures and the lessons learned, readers are encouraged to embrace curiosity, empathy, and the pursuit of truth, making this novel a meaningful addition to the genre that resonates with audiences of all ages. Stay tuned to the author's website to discover what mystery Mizzy will solve next in this series.