MCKENNA, AGE 9
"I felt like I was in the story and that the characters were my friends."
PARKER, AGE 10
"It’s a fun adventure with real places and action! Five stars!"
JADEN, AGE 10
"I liked the book because every time I finish a chapter, I want to read on."
About the Waldameer Mystery Files series
Both boys and girls enjoy these wholesome, fast-paced mysteries that include real history about Waldameer, one of America's oldest amusement parks.
​
-
Summary: With the help of their friends, Seth and Julia Ambrose solve mysteries at Waldameer, the local amusement park. From investigating a ghost in the Whacky Shack to completing a gamemaster's secret mission in Water World, the kid detectives are always up to the challenge.
-
Reading level: 8-12 years old (3rd Grade and Up)
-
Themes: Friendship, Teamwork, Integrity, Empathy, Overcoming Fears, Perseverance​​
-
History: While the stories are fictional, each book includes real history about Waldameer, one of the country's oldest amusement parks.
-
Extras: Discussion Guide for teachers, found in the back of each book. Comprehension tests and fun worksheets can be found here.​
​
The Long-Lost Locket
Waldameer Mystery Files, Book 1
Reading Level: 8-12 (3rd Grade & up)
Also available in Audiobook!​
​
In the summer, Waldameer is like Seth and Julia’s second home. The amusement park provides an unexpected thrill when new construction unearths an old locket near the carousel. Armed with only the locket’s faded black-and-white photo of a young girl, Seth and Julia must track down its owner. Their investigation leads to new friends and new enemies. Like the greedy pickpockets eyeing the locket like hungry sharks.
Can Seth and Julia outsmart the bullies on their trail? Do they have the smarts and courage to solve their first case? Find out in this fast-paced mystery about forgiveness and second chances!​​
The Sneaky Sabotage
Waldameer Mystery Files, Book 2
Reading Level: 8-12 (3rd Grade & up)
​
Seth and Julia have ridden the Whacky Shack a million times, and the haunted house ride doesn’t scare them. Until someone--or something--begins terrifying guests with mean pranks. People say it’s an angry ghost out for revenge, but Seth and Julia aren’t convinced. There’s no shortage of suspects, from the ambitious journalist to the pushy salespeople. And with the Whacky Shack’s 50th anniversary event approaching, Seth and Julia need to act fast.
Who’s causing all the trouble? Can the detectives protect the Whacky Shack in time? Find out in this spooky whodunit mystery about teamwork and integrity!​​
The Curious Clues
Waldameer Mystery Files, Book 3
Reading Level: 8-12 (3rd Grade & up)
​
Seth and Julia have never received an invitation like this before. They’re intrigued when an eccentric man in disguise recruits them to solve a long-forgotten scavenger hunt at Waldameer. The hunt for the treasure sends them chasing clues all over the amusement park. But Seth and Julia aren’t alone. A team of rotten cheaters is hot on their trail, and no dirty trick is off limits.
Can the detectives find the treasure before the cheaters snatch it for themselves? What secret is the strange man hiding? Find out in this fast-paced mystery about showing kindness and overcoming fears!
The Arcade Absurdity
Waldameer Mystery Files, Book 4
Reading Level: 8-12 (3rd Grade & up)
​
What starts as a normal day at Waldameer ends with Seth and Julia falling down a bizarre rabbit hole. A social media star named Lux makes three wild claims: 1) Aliens are at Waldameer, 2) the Mega Vortex ride is their spaceship, and 3) they gave him Skee-ball superpowers. Lux has his skeptics, but no one can deny his uncanny arcade abilities. With Waldameer’s reputation at stake, Seth and Julia race to separate fact from fiction.
Could aliens really be at Waldameer? Does Lux have superpowers, or is he just a skilled cheater? Find out in this fast-paced mystery about using critical thinking!
The Water Park Wonder
Waldameer Mystery Files, Book 5
Reading Level: 8-12 (3rd Grade & up)
​
A sunny day at Water World takes a surprise turn for Seth and Julia. They’re thrust into a secret mission orchestrated by an anonymous gamemaster. Navigating a maze of puzzles and riddles in the water park will test their wit and the strength of their friendships. All the while, the detectives delve into the identity of the gamemaster. The clues reveal the gamemaster’s connection to a shocking project called Operation Neptune.
What does Operation Neptune have to do with the water park? Does the gamemaster work for a top-secret government agency? Find out in this fast-paced mystery about letting everyone’s gifts shine!
The Jumbled Jewels
Waldameer Mystery Files, Book 6
Reading Level: 8-12 (3rd Grade & up)
​
When Julia orders ice cream at Waldameer, she doesn’t expect to find a ruby on top. She’s shocked to learn it’s part of a stolen collection worth $12 million. Julia and her friends race to locate the six remaining jewels, turning the concession stands upside down. The pressure is on as Julia confronts her biggest mystery yet without her big brother. Time is ticking because the dangerous thieves who stole the jewels are coming to claim their lost loot.
Can the detectives outwit the thieves before it’s too late? Does Julia have what it takes to lead the team? Find out in this exciting all-girls mystery about believing in yourself!
The Hidden Heirloom
Waldameer Mystery Files, Book 7
Reading Level: 8-12 (3rd Grade & up)
​
On her twelfth birthday, Naomi sets out on a quest to locate the heirloom her late father hid at Waldameer. Luckily, she has help from detective duo Seth and Julia, who know the amusement park inside and out. Or so they think. The cryptic clues left by Naomi’s dad spell out a shocking revelation: his heirloom is stashed with Ali Baba’s gold. The detectives wonder if there’s more to the Ali Baba ride than meets the eye.
Where is the gold hidden at Waldameer? Will finding the heirloom help Naomi heal from the past? Find out in this fast-paced mystery about the strength of family and friendship!
​
*COMING IN MARCH! Subscribe to David's biweekly newsletter, so you're notified when it's released!*