The Hayley Mysteries

July 25, 2022
This light mystery, teen actor LeBlanc’s debut, offers a behind-the-scenes look at film production. Starring cued-white 13-year-old Hayley as a quick-witted amateur sleuth, the second season of hit program Sadie Solves It is about to begin production on Silver Screen Studios’ Stage Five. After filming at a soundstage in the Valley, Hayley and her two best friends and costars—adventurous Aubrey Rivera, who’s 13 and portrayed with brown skin, and kindhearted 12-year-old Cody Smith, who reads as white—are excited about their new shooting location, “right in the center of Hollywood.” They’re just as thrilled by the presence of an award-winning producer who’s consulting on set, and rumored to be scouting for a new film. But work has hardly begun when the studio lights go out, plunging everyone into darkness and precipitating a reveal: the stage is rumored to be haunted by the ghost of a teen starlet once allegedly killed by a rival actor. When a cast member spots an apparition and dangerous accidents befall others, Hayley, Aubrey, and Cody, like the level-headed characters they play, resolve to solve the mystery, searching for the culprit before they—and their show—are canceled. With its action-packed plot, mild thrills, and amiable leads, LeBlanc’s series opener offers an enjoyable Scooby-Doo vibe. Trunfio’s occasional b&w art spotlights character action. Ages 8–12.

November 1, 2022

Gr 4-8-A third series installment that is sure to be popular with new and returning readers. Hayley and her best friends are actors on the television series Sadie Solves It at Silver Screen Studios, where there is always plenty of friendship drama and preteen growing pains. The cast is preparing to film their Halloween episode when a mysterious actor, who plays a vampire and is rumored to sleep in a coffin, appears on set; bodies are being found on sound stages and then disappearing; a new personal assistant seems to be causing chaos; and things keep going missing. The team of sleuths realizes there is a prankster on the loose, and it is up to them to unmask the culprit. Young people interested in acting will find the writing particularly exciting, with a behind-the-scenes glance into things like table reads, call sheets, and craft services. VERDICT Young readers looking for their next mystery series, with a touch of TV glamor, will enjoy this story of friendship and growing up.-Peggy Henderson Murphy

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