This is book #3 of the Brixton Brothers Mystery series. These books are so enjoyable for light reading and I love the innuendos and puns linking the series to the Hardy Boys series and also to important wealthy people in history.Twelve year-old Steve (who has no siblings, by the way, but thought that it sounded way cooler to call his detective agency Brixton Brothers) has given up being a detective after his disappointment in his last case. But trouble just seems to follow him. On a trip to San Diego by train to meet with a school group doing a mock-up UN delegation, and accompanied by his chum Dana and his mother's annoying boyfriend, Rick, he gets caught up with a rich couple in their own private train car. The couple are hauling their newest rare vintage car and have a private detective with them to ensure that it is not stolen like their previous 6 cars have been. The detective has a niece, Claire, with him and Steve doesn't understand girls at all. Soon the kids are on top of the train (per the cover illustration) chasing what Steve calls a "baddie". Much more danger occurs but of course, all ends well with the author, Mac Barnett, tying up loose ends, including something nearly forgotten that happened early in the story. "Danger is how sleuths know they're on the right track." As this third installment in the Brixton Brothers series begins, Steve has retired from the detective business. Feeling the sting from the realizations of the last case, he just doesn't have the heart to go on. He even agrees to participate in the Model UN at school which requires them to catch a train to San Diego. And, as the title infers, that's where it all begins. Steve runs into Claire on the train, has conversation with her and then she promptly disappears. As they look for the missing girl, Steve and Dana encounter more than they expected, including a train car with a secret panel entrance and an expensive sports car. Steve is recruited to help prevent the theft of this car and the danger gets turned up a notch.Characters are starting to develop in this novel as Dana takes on a girlfriend for the first time (Other Dana) and dabbles in fantasy reading. Even Steve starts having distracting thoughts about Claire. There's good action, plot twists and plenty of humor in this book. Students will enjoy the ride.
What do You think about It Happened On A Train (2011)?
Three books in, this series is just as hilarious.
—brina
