The Cardinal Crime (The Mysteries of Just Another John Smith Book 2)
About
During the winter in Northern Arkansas, an elusive criminal is preying on the customers of an unlikely establishment. Teenage Detective John Smith of the Noble Detective Agency is assigned to take on this daunting case. Working alongside him is Detective Yang, a more experienced private investigator. The Cardinal, a five star restaurant in the Ozark Mountains, is a victim of an evil and deliberate scheme. It customers’ belongings are being stolen right under their noses and from right inside his restaurant. The publicity is threatening to close down the business and destroy the owner’s reputation. Accusations start to fly and suspicions grow as more and more robberies take place. All the while, perpetrator of these dastardly deeds, dubbed the Cardinal Criminal, continues unknown, unseen, and undetected. He is not caught on camera and no one witnesses any of the robberies despite the fact that the theft takes place in a room full of people. The more clues the detectives gather, the more complicated the case seems to be. If they don’t get to the bottom of this soon, the Cardinal will fall from the sky forever. Can the two investigators work together to solve the Cardinal Crime?
Praise for this book
“Simon Drayton's The Cardinal Crime has a flavor that seasoned crime fiction readers like me will appreciate. Yet, the author also makes this story interesting for a younger audience, crafting an exceptional main character. John is bright, honest, and resourceful. He is a man of principle, setting a good example for young adult readers. The author describes John as "a firm believer that all necessary work is equal." John is a true professional despite his young age. I like Simon's concise and straight-to-the-point writing style. The intrigue around The Cardinal grows with every chapter, and the events unfold quickly. While the author gives us some clues, the outcome of the story remains unpredictable. I hope to read more about John's fascinating investigations.“