ALA Booklist

From the author of The Umbrella House (2023) comes an engaging chapter-book mystery. Elodie LaRue is the daughter of two detectives. When a neighbor in her NYC apartment building reaches out to her for help in finding a pair of missing earrings, Elodie sets out to solve a mystery, just like her parents. Joined by her dog, Carnegie, and new neighbor (and aspiring daredevil) Oscar, the trio goes on an adventure through the Biltmore, questioning eccentric neighbors l of whom have motive to steal the valuable earrings. Nelson's characters are funny and well-rounded, and she carefully drops clues throughout the story to help young readers solve the mystery on their own before reaching the end. Collins' full-color, cartoon illustrations capture each character's quirkiness and reflect the racial diversity of a New York City apartment complex. An author's note at the end is about the inspiration behind the story, including a building called the Apthorp in New York. A good choice for fans of Chris Riddell's Ottoline series.

Kirkus Reviews

Move over, Eloise at the Plaza: It's Elodie at the BiltmoreTen-year-old Elodie LaRue's art crime investigator parents leave her in the care of Miss Rosa and head off for the summer. Elodie, a resident of the exclusive Upper West Side Biltmore-a fictional building based on New York City's Apthorp-decides to prove her detecting chops in the hopes that her often-absent parents will let her join them next time. She begins looking into the disappearance of a valuable pair of earrings from the apartment of a Biltmore icon, famous landscape architect Mrs. Vanderhoff. Elodie meets a boy her age, new arrival Oscar Delgado, and enlists his help. They learn that last night, Mrs. Vanderhoff heard a strange voice in her apartment and suspects her housekeeper, Agnes, of letting an accomplice in to steal the jewelry, but Elodie heeds Miss Rosa's warnings that the hired help often unfairly comes under suspicion. Elodie questions Freddy the doorman; Mr. Ray, the flower deliveryman; Mr. Franklin, an orchid-fancying resident who's had a falling out with Mrs. Vanderhoff; another doorman; and aerialist Daniela Wallenda, who lives in #9A. Nelson draws out the mystery, planting clues and red herrings, explaining good reasoning, citing evidence, and providing a satisfying solution. The Biltmore staff and inhabitants are a whimsical bunch, and many colorful, mildly caricatured, detailed vignettes attractively highlight the action. Elodie is pale-skinned, while Oscar is olive-skinned; the supporting cast is diverse.An entertaining blend of quirky characters and locked-room puzzle. (author's note)(Fiction. 7-10)

Publishers Weekly

Elodie LaRue has been left behind once again while her globe-trotting art crime investigator parents pursue another case. The 10-year-old resolves to start her own detective agency in the Biltmore, her historic Upper West Side apartment building, and is quickly hired by resident Mrs. Vanderhoff to find her missing earrings. With assistance from her West Highland terrier Carnegie and new friend Oscar Delgado, a parkour aficionado, Elodie methodically works through the inquiry by studying the scene of the crime, extrapolating the possible motivations for the theft, and scrutinizing the usual—and very unusual—suspects who populate her building. This engaging mystery, a series starter for early readers by Nelson (The Umbrella House), charms from page one. Elodie is a delightful lead character who demonstrates logic and compassion as she investigates, all the while fighting through doubts that she’s too young to be a detective. Bright and whimsical full-color illustrations by Collins (The Only Lonely Fairy) set the tone, and an author’s note provides context regarding various story elements. Elodie is “pale-skinned,” and Oscar has olive skin. Ages 7–8. (Oct.)

School Library Journal (Sun Sep 01 00:00:00 CDT 2024)

Gr 3–5 —There's a new young detective in New York City, and her name is Elodie LaRue. The only daughter of an art detective couple, Elodie lives on the Upper West Side with her live-in nanny, at an old, glamorous building called the Biltmore. In this series debut, Elodie's first case concerns jewels stolen from a neighbor. Alongside new friend Oscar, Elodie embarks on a clue-finding mission all over the property. Can Elodie and Oscar crack their first case together before the police arrive? This fast-paced short story includes illustrated vignettes by award-winning artist Collins. Though the resolution is sudden and not all that satisfactory, the build-up is properly paced. The main character and those around her have mannerisms and language that scream "old money." Elodie is certainly self-aware as she navigates the case and checks herself for making assumptions about the people she speaks with while solving the mystery of the missing jewels. Overall, this book can find an audience with readers who want to see an independent and assertive main character. VERDICT A safe purchase for elementary school libraries in need of compelling female characters and where mysteries circulate well.—Carol Youssif