The North Star

by Shepherd

  Evie put her arms around the other three. “We make a pretty good team the four of us, don’t you think? With a little more practice, I bet we’d be unstoppable. I hereby declare that the Gemini Detective Agency is officially in business!” She let out a whoop, and the others joined her. Fascinated by the sound, the gibbons leaped to the front of their enclosure. One of the gibbons let out a cautious hoot, and soon its mate joined in. The song of the gibbons drifted out into the afternoon air, enchanting the crowd of visitors.

  A tour guide stood in front of the exhibit. “Gibbons are known as ‘the singing apes,’ and now you can see why. With the help of zoos, conservation groups, and caring people like you, we will keep working to protect these animals and make sure their beautiful song will still be heard in the wild for generations to come.” She pointed into the enclosure. “And as you can see, we’re already off to a good start!”

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  I wrote this book in the midst of moving to a completely new city and a house that had sat vacant for ten years before we bought it. I don’t know what I was thinking, but I do know that I simply could not have pulled it off without the love and support of some truly extraordinary people. First and foremost, massive love to Kristin Hollander and Amanda Copeland, the truest, bluest friends a gal could ask for. Thank you for the big and the small and everything in between. I am also deeply indebted to the very kind and generous Dave Copeland and Jeff Hollander, who are almost as much fun as their wives. Heaps of gratitude to the gracious and welcoming Twin City kid-lit community, especially Heather Bouwman and Trisha Speed Shaskan. I love your books almost as much as I love the two of you. The writing scene here really is dreamy, and part of that is also due to wonderful places like the Loft and Red Balloon Bookshop. They do so much to celebrate writers, and I am deeply grateful for all of their support. To my locals, the Lowry and Liquor Lyle’s, I don’t think I could have finished this book without your quiet corners, free Wi-Fi, and BOGOs.

  Much love to the Doran family for sharing your time and your country club with me. To the mahj crew, thank you for your spare change and for all the winds you keep giving me during the Charleston. This city has seriously been the loveliest, and I have felt absolutely embraced and welcomed by so many new friends and wonderful humans. Lucy Vilankulu invited me to every party, taught me to salsa dance, and introduced me to the divine Tami Lee. Ben and Lindsay Graves gathered me right into the fold and made sure I was part of the mix. Mary Grimstad-Ben Ari and Eylon Ben Ari always made my face light up. So psyched that our block has dear friends and neighbors like Katie Severt, Kim Cadieux, and Kevin Shannon. Sid Larson, Eric Van Oss, Matt Maland, Tony Dobek, Ji Cho, and Pam Liss have all been wonderful and gracious, and huge hugs to the embracing congregation of St. Paul’s.

  Many thanks to my former students and the other terrific people who inspired these characters, most notably Emmie, Lev, Matthew, Vishal, Tara, Brooke, Bella, Henry, Ana, Mareva, and Luz. I adore you all. And to all the teachers, librarians, parents, and caregivers who encourage, inspire, and support the children in your lives, you have my deepest admiration and gratitude. To my phenomenal editor, Sonali Fry, and the whole team at Yellow Jacket, thank you for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to write this mystery series. Working with you is a dream, and I have loved every minute of it. And Kevin Hong and Jomike Tejido, when I heard you would be illustrating this book, I felt like I’d died and gone to heaven. Your beautiful artwork is beyond anything I could have hoped for. To my wonderful agent, Erin Murphy, and my literary family at EMLA, I love and thank you one million percent. Enormous hugs to Elly Swartz, who continues to be the best of the best. To Mom and Dad, thanks for pretending not to notice all those times when I skipped swim team practice to read mystery books behind a tree. To the Fanueles, my deepest thanks and love for a friendship that has transcended even family. How lucky am I to hold you in my heart. And to Edward Gamarra, my dearest one, my gratitude for you knows no bounds. You are the compass that guides me home.