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Bowling Alley Bandit


Synopsis


As Mr. Bing's new pet "doughnut dog," Arnie couldn't be happier. When Mr. Bing joins a bowling league, Arnie gets to go along to practices and competitions. But then Mr. Bing starts rolling gutter balls. Someone or something is behind the madness. Arnie, together with his team of goofball friends, must sort through the shenanigans and solve the mystery. Get ready for some sleuthing and even some magic.

Full of Laurie Keller's winning charm and silly humor, this chapter book--the first in the series--is sure to please her many fans. This title has Common Core connections.

Bowling Alley Bandit is a Kirkus Reviews Best Book of 2013

Keller, Laurie

Summary

Chapter 1: The Mystery Begins

* A young girl named Sara discovers a mysterious note hidden in her bowling alley locker.
* The note threatens to reveal a secret unless a large sum of money is paid.
* Sara and her friends, Johnny and Emily, decide to investigate the threat.

Chapter 2: The Suspects

* The trio begins their investigation by interviewing the bowling alley's colorful cast of characters.
* They encounter a suspicious bowling instructor, a disgruntled janitor, and a shady group of customers.
* Each suspect has their own motive for wanting to harm Sara.

Example: The bowling instructor, Mr. Sharp, has been seen arguing with Sara over her bowling technique.

Chapter 3: The Clues

* Sara and her friends uncover a series of clues that lead them closer to the truth.
* They find a hidden camera in the bowling alley's ceiling, a torn piece of clothing, and a cryptic message written on a bowling ball.
* Each clue provides a piece of the puzzle.

Chapter 4: The Narrowing Circle

* As the investigation progresses, the list of suspects shrinks.
* Sara and her friends eliminate the bowling instructor and the janitor based on their alibis.
* The shady group of customers, known as "The Pin Hunters," remain as the prime suspects.

Chapter 5: The Trap

* Sara and her friends decide to confront the Pin Hunters and unmask their true identity.
* They set a trap by leaving a money-filled briefcase in the bowling alley.
* The plan is to catch the culprit in the act.

Example: Sara and her friends hide behind a curtain and watch as the Pin Hunters enter the bowling alley.

Chapter 6: The Unmasking

* The mystery reaches its climax as the Pin Hunters fall into the trap.
* Sara and her friends unmask them, revealing two of their former bowling rivals.
* The rivals had been jealous of Sara's success and sought to sabotage her by sending the threatening note.

Chapter 7: The Resolution

* The police are called and the Pin Hunters are arrested.
* Sara and her friends are praised for their bravery and detective skills.
* The bowling alley returns to its peaceful atmosphere, and Sara continues her bowling with her friends.