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Description
In this sequel to A Study in Secrets that's Only Murders in the Building meets TheWesting Game, Meg must figure out the identity of the mysterious Mastermind to save her school and her friends.
After winning a scavenger hunt with her new friends--Tana, Zane, and Ryan--Meg Mizuno is looking forward to winter break and enjoying their grand prize of an all-expenses paid trip to California. But after learning that their boarding school, Leland Chase Academy (called Last Chance Academy by students), is in danger of shutting down, it's hard to enjoy the sun and surf.
When they return, the Head of School reminds the student body of their mandatory participation in the Student Showcase, with the goal of bringing in needed funds to the school. If that weren't enough pressure, Meg discovers a new note: the Mastermind wants her to help him with one more scavenger hunt. This time, though, she must work alone, or else the Mastermind will not only ruin the school, but also publicly reveal secrets about all her friends that would turn their lives upside down.
Well-drawn characters strengthen their bonds as they tackle another page-turning mystery.
School Library Journal
Gr 4-8--The Mastermind isn't done with Meg and her friends in this sequel to A Study in Secrets. Meg Mizuno is excited to enjoy the prize for winning the Mastermind's scavenger hunt: a vacation with her new friends Tana, Zane, and Ryan. The vacation though, is a little hard to enjoy when they are all waiting for the first clue for the next Scavenger Hunt. Meg receives the next clue after returning to Leland Academy, (also known as Last Chance Academy), but the Mastermind doesn't want her telling her friends even though they are supposed to be a team. If she asks them for help, the Mastermind threatens to expose secrets and made-up lies that could hurt them. Not willing to let those lies hurt her friends, Meg sets out to solve the scavenger hunt herself, but this one may prove more dangerous than the last. As with its predecessor, the book features short chapters, making it an easy read. The new scavenger hunt isn't as fun for readers to try and solve themselves, but following Meg is still an enjoyable journey. Meg is dealing with her grief over losing her mother, and the author wonderfully portrays how grief changes but doesn't go away. Readers will enjoy returning to Last Chance Academy, filled with a fabulous diverse cast, friendship, and mystery. The story sets up for a third installment with a new mystery to solve. Meg is Japanese American. VERDICT A page-turning sequel that will delight fans of the first book.--Amanda Borgia
Copyright 2026 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
Debbi Michiko Florence is the author of Keep It Together, Keiko Carter, a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection and New England Book Award finalist, Just Be Cool, Jenna Sakai, and the Jasmine Toguchi chapter books. A third-generation Japanese American and native Californian, Debbi lives in Connecticut with her husband, rescue dog, and rabbit. Visit her online at debbimichikoflorence.com.
