The Mizzy Mysteries: A Skeleton in the Closet

Brand new for 8- to 12-year-old murder-mystery readers in 2025, debut author Claire Hatcher-Smith’s unique detective heroine Mizzy will steal your heart! Perfect for fans of Robin Stevens and Sharna Jackson.

‘A brilliant debut’ The Bookseller

Twelve-year-old Mizzy dreams of being a detective and she won't let anything stand in her way — not her reputation for tall tales, or her embarrassing fear of escalators, and definitely not her Down syndrome. Dumped for the summer with cousins who've outgrown her, Mizzy feels even more sidelined than usual. But when she discovers Great Aunt Jane's diaries in a locked wardrobe in their spare room, and realises her aunt didn't die in her sleep but under suspicious circumstances, everything changes. What's more … someone in the family appears to have been involved.

Under the guise of a family-tree project for school, and armed with a brand new set of Pipsqueak markers, Mizzy grabs the chance to prove herself to her cousins — and the world.

Reviews

‘Genuinely brilliant neurodivergent representation … Hatcher-Smith has created a truly unique heroine in Mizzy, who is smart and brilliantly stubborn … The story is taut and twisting – peopled with a cast of fantastically English eccentrics – and the denouement is pleasingly unguessable. A brilliant debut.’ Charlotte Eyre, The Bookseller

‘A brave, funny and insightful character who you will love and root for from the very first page. Mizzy will inspire you to fight for what you believe in and reach for the stars, as she tries to crack the case and prove whodunnit! A fabulous story, with truly wonderful representation. We do need these books.’ Mel Darbon, multi-award-winning author of Rosie Loves Jack

'I relate to Mizzy in so many ways — our curiosity, our love for problem solving, and we both have big dreams. We also happen to have an extra chromosome in common, and I love that it's the least interesting thing about her! Mizzy knows who she is and she keeps following her path, even when others don't think she can. Mizzy IS marvellous!” Madison Tevlin, Host, Actor, Model & Advocate

“Young readers will adore this unique and endearing new sleuth” Kenneth Oppel

"I loved it. It was fast-paced, tightly plotted and kept me guessing till the last minute. In Mizzy, Claire has created an utterly unique and instantly lovable new detective. I was rooting for her every step of the way and I love that a character like her has been put front and centre, and with such compassion and believability” Tom Vaughan, author of Hercules, The Diary of a (Sort of) Hero

“A super detective story full of sleuthing, surprising twists, school projects, and shocking family secrets” Mel Taylor Bessent

“I absolutely loved Mizzy! … A page-turning romp with an irresistible, irrepressible narrator, Mizzy truly is marvellous” Joseph Elliott

"A fun read! Mizzy and her family are larger than life in this new mystery caper. Move over Sherlock! Mizzy is here!” Maisie Chan

About the author

Claire has worked with children for thirty years and never met a kid she didn’t like (even the sticky ones). She believes every child has the right to be seen and heard, even if, especially when, it makes other people uncomfortable.

Originally from the UK, Claire now lives surrounded by sea on Vancouver Island, with her partner, their son and a Korean rescue dog.