Pepper's Rules for Secret Sleuthing

Briana McDonald

• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
• Year: 2020
• Print ISBN: 9781534453449
• eBook ISBN: 9781534453456

"Will delight middle grade readers craving suspense, mystery, and puzzles. A page-turner packed with wisdom and heart." —Barbara Dee, author of Star-Crossed Nancy Drew meets Harriet the Spy in this action-packed and heartfelt debut middle grade following an overzealous amateur sleuth as she investigates a shocking family secret—and unravels the mystery of her developing feelings for girls. Rule One: Your loyalty is to the case. Amateur detective Pepper Blouse has always held true to this rule, even if it meant pushing people away. But when the results of Pepper's latest case cost her any hope of the girl she likes returning her feelings, she decides that maybe she should lay low for a while.That is, until her Great Aunt Florence passes away under mysterious circumstances. And even though her dad insists there's nothing to investigate, Pepper can't just ignore rule fourteen: Trust your gut.But there's nothing in the rulebook that could've prepared her for the family secrets her investigation uncovers.Maybe it's time to stop playing by the rules.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title Page
• Dedication
• Rule One: Your loyalty is to the case. Those who are loyal to you will come around.
• Rule Two: Never be afraid to ask the right question, or you’ll end up with a lot of smaller ones later on.
• Rule Three: When your first lead fails, assume there are ten more you’re overlooking.
• Rule Four: Take note of everything, no matter how insignificant. We’re smart, but not that smart.
• Rule Five: Know the difference between an assumption and a hunch.
• Rule Six: All clues are created equal.
• Rule Seven: Always look for the omen in the omitted.
• Rule Eight: Don’t cause alarm; pretend you’re calm.
• Rule Nine: If someone tells you to stop looking, dig deeper.
• Rule Ten: Respond; don’t react.
• Rule Eleven: Sometimes the key is the enemy.
• Rule Twelve: Follow every lead and hunch. They’re trying to tell you something.
• Rule Thirteen: A calm mind is a smart one.
• Rule Fourteen: Trust your gut.
• Rule Fifteen: Don’t get caught.
• Rule Sixteen: Always know everyone’s weakness, whether friend or foe.
• Rule Seventeen: Your greatest ally is the truth.
• Rule Eighteen: When in doubt, dish it out.
• Rule Nineteen: When you think you’ve reached the end, push ten more yards.
• Rule Twenty: Never compromise a case for personal reasons.
• Rule Twenty-One: Everything you do, do it for the truth.
• Rule Twenty-Two: Always listen to what is around you, not the assumptions in your head.
• Rule Twenty-Three: Never, ever use the phrase “ ’Tis nothing but a flesh wound.” If you feel inclined to do so, seek immediate medical care.
• Rule Twenty-Four: You’re only as good as your partner.
• Warning: If you follow these rules and succeed, I will be immensely proud and love you all the more.
• Warning (cont.): If you follow these rules and fail, I will be immensely proud and love you all the more.
• Acknowledgments
• About the Author
• Copyright