Barry Forbes

The Hunt for the Elusive Mastermind Barry Forbes

A wholesome family mystery series for tween and teens, 10-15 years

Wait a sec. I mean, how could that even happen? Who told the gang about the money? And those Bronx accents, that's another thing. Did the men really come all the way to little old Prescott... from New York City... to execute a perfect kidnapping?

Then there's the mystery man who arrives late to the party. Who is he and what's his role? Is he the elusive mastermind, or is it someone else? (Just the idea of it gives Kathy a headache.) Is he the one responsible for such an elaborate plan? If so, he must be one very smart individual, indeed - he manages to fool the FBI and Detective Ryan.

The mystery searchers take on one of their most dramatic cases ever. As usual, the foursome utilizes technology to break the case wide open, but Pete's impulsiveness gets him into a world of trouble. Then, finally, the car door opens and there sits the elusive mastermind! Who would have ever guessed his identity?



Interview with the author

Q - What makes The Mystery Searchers Family Book Series so special?

It's a mix of things, really. When I started the series, I wanted to integrate the things that I liked as a 10-15 year-old. . . from the 4th or 5th grade all the way into junior high school. I loved mystery books which lead, often, to mystery solving, crime and detective stories, and action and adventure. So I would devour books like the Hardy Boys, Nancy Drew, or Enid Blyton's The Famous Five series. I quickly realized that clean, wholesome books were important too, and I've integrated that concept in every Mystery Searchers installment.



Q - What order should I read the books in?

I've written the series so that you can read them in any order. By the time you finish any one of the books, all the threads will come together.



Q - Are there more installments coming in the series?

Yes! Currently I'm releasing three books every year.