Reviewed by Shrabastee Chakraborty for Readers' Favorite

Polly decided to enjoy each day of summer vacation to the fullest. That involved playing with her friends Joey and Henry, eating chocolate chip cookies made by their elderly neighbor, and building their very own treehouse. Everything was going well until Polly met the town’s new resident, Reverend Bauer. Instantly apprehensive of the stranger, she decided to keep an eye on him. The mystery deepened when the trio of friends found Bauer inside the property of Mr. Tucker, a somewhat reclusive neighbor who tragically lost his daughter. Why would someone threaten Polly during the Fourth of July celebrations? Who was trying to hurt her inside the Scary House attraction? Can she solve the mysteries without getting harmed? To know more, read Tucker’s Lost Gold by Jill Thomas.

Jill Thomas transports readers into idyllic small-town life full of summertime fun and joy, showcasing a wholesome family with indulgent parents and teasing yet caring siblings. The never-ending banter between the three friends takes us back to our childhood days. At the same time, this cozy mystery offers us chilling adventures, including haunted house attractions and midnight trysts in a deserted graveyard. I loved that while Polly was the protagonist, Joey and Henry brought their unique abilities and proved themselves indispensable in solving the mystery. I admired their instinct, daring, and perseverance. I liked Polly’s spirited, headstrong stance and her family's support in all her endeavors. While primarily geared toward a young audience, Tucker’s Lost Gold will also appeal to adult readers.