A Skeleton in the Closet - (The Mizzy Mysteries) by Claire Hatcher-Smith

About the Book

"Twelve-year-old Mizzy dreams of being a detective and she won't let anything stand in her way -- not her reputation for tall tales, or her embarrassing fear of escalators, and definitely not her Down syndrome. Dumped for the summer with cousins who've outgrown her, Mizzy feels even more sidelined than usual. But when she discovers Great Aunt Jane's diaries in a locked wardrobe in their spare room, and realizes her aunt didn't just die in her sleep but under suspicious circumstances, everything changes. What's more . one in the family appears to have been involved. Under the guise of a family tree project for school, and armed with a brand-new set of Pip-Squeaks markers, Mizzy grabs the chance to prove herself to her cousins -- and the world."--

Book Synopsis

Twelve-year-old Mizzy wants to prove to the world that she can solve mysteries just like Sherlock Holmes, despite a reputation for tall tales. A charming new mystery series for middle-grade readers, starring a girl with Down syndrome.

Twelve-year-old Mizzy dreams of being a detective and she won't let anything stand in her way -- not her reputation for tall tales, or her embarrassing fear of escalators, and definitely not her Down syndrome. Dumped for the summer with cousins who've outgrown her, Mizzy feels even more sidelined than usual. But when she discovers Great Aunt Jane's diaries in a locked wardrobe in their spare room, and realizes her aunt didn't just die in her sleep but under suspicious circumstances, everything changes. What's more . . . someone in the family appears to have been involved.

Under the guise of a family tree project for school, and armed with a brand-new set of Pip-Squeaks markers, Mizzy grabs the chance to prove herself to her cousins -- and the world.

Review Quotes

A New York Public Library Best Book for Kids of 2025

"[R]eaders will root for Mizzy as she uncovers family secrets and pieces together a surprisingly complex case. Mizzy -- whom debut author Hatcher-Smith, a speech-language pathologist, modeled on kids she's worked with -- is appealingly multifaceted. Her desire to be taken seriously will resonate, and her growth is poignant and satisfying. . . . This auspicious series opener will leave readers eager for the next case." --Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

CLAIRE HATCHER-SMITH is a speech and language pathologist who has worked with children with Down Syndrome for thirty-five years. Originally from the UK, she now lives surrounded by sea on Vancouver Island, with her husband, their teenage son and a Korean rescue dog. As well as writing, Claire runs groups for neurodivergent tweens and teens, focusing on self/other awareness, self-esteem and self-advocacy skills.