If you like a mix of school drama, teenage sleuthing, and a bit of mystery set in the nostalgic 1960s, Mysteries at School might be your kind of book. This story follows Ryan Griffith, a middle-schooler who’s wrapping up his final year before high school. There’s something off about the school’s front office receptionist, Helen. Ryan’s curiosity gets the best of him, and he slowly starts connecting dots between her mysterious illness and the school’s science teacher, Carl. Along the way, he juggles friendships, his first real romance, and the pressure of choosing a high school. It’s got a Hardy Boys meets Stand By Me vibe, with a heavy dose of youthful anxiety about growing up.

Gilbert nails the feeling of being a kid at that weird in-between stage, excited about ruling the school but dreading the unknown future. I especially liked how he made school feel alive. The little details like the handmade crossword puzzle for the school newspaper or the secret thrill of sneaking into off-limits areas really brought back memories of being in a tight-knit class.

Ryan spends a lot of time thinking about his high school applications, which makes sense for his character, but I wanted more mystery. When things do get interesting, like when Ryan notices Carl hiding a confidential letter addressed to Helen, it’s exciting, but the suspense builds slowly.

Ryan is relatable. He’s not a perfect detective, just a curious kid who stumbles into a puzzle that might be bigger than him. His friendship with Barry feels real, and his crush on Rachel is adorable. Carl is intriguing. His mood swings make you wonder what he’s hiding. And Helen? She’s the biggest question mark in the book. Why does she get sick right after a lunch with Carl? Why does he seem so guilty? These are the questions that kept me turning pages.

I’d say this book is perfect for younger readers who love a slow-burn mystery or anyone who wants a nostalgic dive into 1960s school life. If you like the feeling of being there—biking to school, playing dodgeball, and passing secret notes in class—this book totally delivers.

Pages: 200 | ASIN: B0DYK4K7QQ