Horn Book (Mon Apr 01 00:00:00 CST 1996)

When Herculeah buys a secondhand coat, she finds a note stuffed in the lining begging for help--the writer fears she is about to be killed. Herculeah's sleuthing uncovers the original owner, who had indeed died several years earlier, and eventually the woman's killer. Although there are minor inconsistencies, the mystery is fast paced. Interestingly, the plot bears striking similarities to Dorothy Gilman's 'The Tightrope Walker'.

ALA Booklist (Sat Jun 01 00:00:00 CDT 1996)

In the latest installment in the series starring Herculeah Jones, the intrepid girl detective buys a coat in a used-clothing store, and because of a message she finds in the lining, she suspects the previous owner has been murdered. With some help from her friend, the timid, overweight Meat, Herculeah is able to crack the case, but not before her life is put in serious danger. Kids who have not read any of the previous books may find it a little hard to get up to speed, at least in background information. The mystery itself zooms along, but everything else is sketchy, especially details of Herculeah's home life. And although whodunit is not a big surprise, why the deed was done fits in well with the rest of the plot. The intriguing cover will attract readers. (Reviewed June 1 & 15, 1996)

School Library Journal

Gr 4-7--The mighty Herculeah Jones is back with her able accomplice Meat in their third mystery. This time, Herculeah finds a note in the lining of an electric blue coat that she bought at a second-hand store. The missive is from someone who is being held prisoner and is terrified of being murdered. Through careful detective work and a bit of luck, the girl learns the identity of the woman and that she has indeed died, and is determined to find her killer. In the process, Herculeah very nearly becomes the next victim. Like strong detectives in adult mysteries, Herculeah is feisty and foolhardy. She is also frightened when she is held captive and guarded by a killer Doberman, and humbled by her experiences. Meat, far more timid, struggles to keep up, rarely realizing how helpful he really is. Byars is in top form, providing cliffhanger after cliffhanger, laughter and chills, in this well-crafted thriller fraught with danger and true villains.--Ann Cook, Winter Park Public Library, FL