The Parker Inheritance

Years ago, Candice's grandmother was run out of Lambert, South Carolina, after using city resources to destroy a tennis court.  It wasn't just pointless destruction, she was a quest to solve a set of clues that would lead to treasure.  No one else in Lambert believed the treasure was real, and the destruction of the tennis courts was the last straw.

Now Candice is twelve and staying with her mom in her grandmother's old house in Lambert for the summer while their home in Atlanta is being remodeled to go on the market.  Candice isn't happy about being away from her dad and her friends for the summer, she isn't happy about selling the house, and she certainly isn't happy about being stuck in Lambert.

But one day she finds a box in the attic with her name on it.  Inside is a letter full of clues.  Candice instantly realizes the letter is the same one that led to her grandmother's downfall, but she starts to investigate anyway.  What if she can solve the clues and find James Parker's money?  She could save her home in Atlanta and maybe bring her parents back together.

With the help of her neighbor, Brandon, Candice begins to unravel the clues and delve into Lambert's past to a time when schools were segregated.  They can't find James Parker at first, but they do discover the story of Siobhan Washingston, her father, and secret tennis match played at night with white and black high schools facing off against each other.

The more Candice and Brandon discover about the past, the stronger their friendship becomes, but will they run out of time before they can find the treasure!

Varian Johnson's new book reminds of Blue Balliet's mysteries and draws its own comparisons to The Westing Game.  It's a nice puzzle mystery, but it will take a smart and dedicated reader to follow this trail to the end.  Recommended.