Reviewed by Nino Lobiladze for Readers' Favorite

“The Cardinal Crime by Simon Drayton will appeal to young adult fans of mysteries, crime fiction, and detective novels. Eighteen-year-old John Smith is a detective for Noble Detective Agency, or NDA. John and his older colleague, Rebecca Young, start an investigation in the small town of Onyxville, Arkansas. Tourists love this town for a specific reason. One of its attractions is a five-star restaurant called The Cardinal. Its owner, Timothy Rossi, needs NDA's help in solving puzzling incidents that threaten to damage his business and reputation. Someone is stealing wallets, phones, and other personal items from Mr. Rossi's customers. Is the thief somehow connected to The Cardinal? When John narrows down the list of possible suspects, the case takes an unexpected turn.”

“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.”

The Cardinal Crime is available on Amazon, Audible, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and Apple Books.