title: The Curse of the Ancient Mask and Other Case Files: Saxby Smart, Private Detective: Book 1
author:  Simon Cheshire 
description: Saxby Doyle Christie Chandler Ellin Allan Smart, whose father loves crime novels, has cut his literary teeth on great detective stories and developed a schoolyard reputation as a sleuth. In the first case related here, a classmate arrives at the door of Saxbys Crime Headquarters (backyard shed) and announces that her father is cursed by an ancient mask, accused of industrial espionage, and faced with losing his job. In the second, three students find their homework assignments sabotaged. In the third and final case, a girl is accused of stealing jewelry. Confident, though occasionally baffled, the young detective organizes the evidence methodically and, in each case, solves the mystery. Even better, careful readers can do the same. Expressive ink drawings help bring the occasionally quirky characters to life. After reading this well-paced and sometimes funny first-person narrative, young mystery fans will be looking for the second volume in the Saxby Smart Private Detective series. Grades 3-5. --Carolyn Phelan
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  Behind the Mask
  
  
  River View Series, Book Five
  
  
  
  
  
  Jeanette Taylor Ford
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Copywrite © Jeanette Taylor Ford 2020
  
  
  No part of this book may be copied in any way, except by prior consent from
  the author
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Cover by Dave Slaney
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ![](../images/00001.jpeg)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  For Michael
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. Any similarities to anyone, living or
  dead, is purely coincidental, with the exception of Ron Keyes, who was a
  police Inspector in Hereford and was a good friend to me when I needed one.
  This story is also in memory of him. I hope he won’t mind, wherever he is now
  in the afterlife, that I’ve promoted him to Detective Superintendent.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Chapter 1
  
  
  Norwich
  
  
  
  
  
  Gary Roper slammed the car door and stomped into the house.
  
  
  “Daisy! Where’s my dinner?”
  
  
  Daisy Roper appeared from the sitting-room; the sound of the television
  becoming slightly louder when she opened the door.
  
  
  “The table’s s