Author Rachel Joel
A Thrilling and Fast-Paced Mystery for Young Readers
The Famous Miller and Smith Detective Agency is an exciting and engaging debut from young author Rachel Joel, promising to be the first in a series of mysteries featuring middle schoolers Dan and Jenny. When the duo starts a detective agency to crack a local murder case, their investigation spirals into unexpected danger, complete with a high-speed car chase and multiple threats to their lives. As the tension rises, so does the strain on their friendship and home lives, creating a gripping narrative that keeps readers guessing until the very end: Can Dan and Jenny solve the mystery and emerge unscathed?
With well-developed characters and a tightly woven plot, Joel’s storytelling transcends age groups. While clearly written with younger readers in mind, the dialogue and pacing make it a compelling read for adults as well. Dan and Jenny’s relatable struggles with friendship and growing up add depth to the story, capturing the essence of childhood challenges.
Although the ending leaves some ambiguity about how the perpetrator evaded capture for so long, the overall narrative is thoughtfully crafted and enjoyable. Suspenseful, fast-paced, and captivating, The Famous Miller and Smith Detective Agency is a delightful mystery that will have readers of all ages hooked until the final page.
Rachel Joel took to writing stories at the early age of 8. She loves to read adventure books and write action-filled stories. She wrote this book during her free time in sixth grade, publishing it a year later. Rachel has won several awards (such as an award in the Duke TIP writing contest conducted by Duke University, several times in the PTA Reflections contests, and the President’s Award for Educational Excellence) before reaching the seventh grade. She is a member of National Junior Honor Society.
Keywords: Detectives, Mystery, Adventure, Strategy, Police, Middle School, Fiction, Crime Investigation, Children’s Book, Friendship