Setting: Hawaii
Time Period: Modern Day

What happens after friends have an argument? In the case of the Accidental Detectives, they find themselves in a sticky web of mystery when Mike wanders off after fighting with Ricky. In a business’s dumpster on the island of Hawaii, he discovers an old Asian looking doll that someone wants. And they won’t leave the kids alone until they get it.

“The Volcano of Doom” is the first book in the Accidental Detectives Series, a series geared for kids ages 10 – 12 years old. This story is set in Hawaii, when Ricky’s family is on vacation to attend a wedding of his Dad’s old friend, Joseph. Tagging along is Mike and Lisa; Lisa came to be a babysitter for Ricky’s baby sister.  I’ve come to really enjoy this chapter book series from Sigmund Brouwer. Though his characters are young, they act and say things just the way you would expect kids to, and I think that makes the books attractive for the age group they’re written for.

The story line is full of suspense as the kids dodge the mysterious men who keep trying to steal the Asian doll back. At one point, one guy even breaks into the house they’re staying at and threatens Ricky, who wakes from sleep to discover the intruder in his room. The kids are thrust into a dangerous adventure that keeps you on the edge of your seat. I enjoyed how much fun this short story was and think kids would enjoy it too. Highly recommended! Especially for boys.