This is definitely a book you want to have in hard copy. In e-book form, it was tough to check my code-breaking skills with the keys at the back of the book.

I haven’t read others in this series, so I don’t know all the backstory of the characters, but this is a fun group of late-elementary-aged children.

It definitely gave me a “Scooby Doo” vibe—you know, those meddling kids! The bad guy was definitely reminiscent of a bad guy from that long-running cartoon series.

The kids worked well together and supported each other. What I didn’t like was the class outcast, “Matt the Brat.” I think he was a stereotype of the boy who can’t sit still and finds himself in trouble a lot. Yes, he was a bit of a braggart, but I think he was poorly handled. The Code Busters were very unsympathetic and cold toward him until near the end, when they actually come to like him a bit. I hope that is a trend that will continue in further volumes. The “troublemaking boy” is a trope that, as a teacher, I find rather harmful.

The most far-out part of the story? These kids get to go on overnight camping field trips. Must be nice to live in a district with that kind of money!

My third-grader loves cracking codes and I think she would really enjoy this if I had a hard copy of it.

Possible Objectionable Material:
Kids do things without adult permission. Some dangerous situations.

Who Might Like This Book:
Kids who like mysteries and enjoy learning about all kinds of codes. Scooby Doo fans. The suggested age range is appropriate, although I know a few second graders who could easily handle it, and many eighth graders who would feel they are above it.

This review also at http://biblioquacious.blogspot.com/2016/06/kid-crimebusters.html

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC. ( )