Rookie detectives Lark and Connor Ba are back on the case! When a pair of diamond earrings goes missing from the neighborhood general store, Lark and Connor just happen to be in the right place at the right time. Carefully mining the adults for clues, the twin sleuths work together to solve the mystery. Lark and the Diamond Caper is the second title in the Lark Ba Detective series. The epub edition of this title is fully accessible. Gr 1–3—The twin brother and sister detective team of Lark and Connor Ba are at it again in this second book in the series. For a dollar per case, the Ba private detective team will solve any mystery, big or small. Their latest challenge falls into their laps when they walk into the general store just as a theft has taken place. A pair of diamond earrings is missing. Through careful questioning and observation, they work steadily to recover the jewelry, much to the relief of the store owners. Using the same stylistic tools of the previous title, this short chapter book offers vocabulary for beginning readers with lengthier explanations in the back matter. VERDICT A lively read for young mystery enthusiasts.—Vivian Ho, Port Washington Public Library, NY "Deen's heroine reflects an underrepresented reader group and is as successful as any other lead character in early chapter books…Diamond theft is a serious crime, but Lark and Connor are organized, perceptive, and thorough, undeterred by adults who dismiss them…Lark's sparkly presence on the chapter-book shelves will be welcomed by many." ― Kirkus Reviews "A lively read for young mystery enthusiasts." ― School Library Journal (SLJ) " Lark and the Diamond Caper combines problem solving and social development issues into an appealing, funny mystery. Young readers will be waiting for the next title in the series. Highly Recommended." ― CM: Canadian Review of Materials "Engaging sequel to Lark Holds the Key …Lark's candid narration features crossed-out words she misspells, as well as other misunderstandings and malapropisms, that reflect her tricky relationship with language (she's dyslexic), and Cutler's digital illustrations bring the children's multicultural community to life." ― Publishers Weekly "Lark's quirkiness is in good form here, and the target audience will find her quite humorous. In particular, Lark, who has dyslexia and explains it quite well, makes amusing vocabulary mistakes, and kids will be learning from them without even realizing it. There are illustrations scattered throughout the chapters that are very appealing, and that perfectly enhance the story with descriptive facial expressions on all of the characters. This offering in the Orca Echoes Series of beginning chapter books is one that most libraries should see gain the interest of younger grades." ― Resource Links Who made the diamonds disappear? private eye, twins, siblings, dyslexia, magic, mystery private eye, twins, siblings, dyslexia, magic, mystery Natasha Deen loves stories: exciting ones, scary ones and, especially, funny ones! As a kid of two countries (Guyana and Canada), she feels extra lucky because she gets a double dose of stories. Natasha is the author of many books including the Lark Ba Detective series in the Orca Echoes line, Depth of Field in the Orca Soundings line and In the Key of Nira Ghani which won the Amy Mathers Book Award and was nominated for the Red Maple, MYRCA and R. Ross Arnett Awards. She is also a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee medal. Natasha lives in Edmonton. Marcus Cutler is a freelance children's illustrator whose work has appeared in magazines, books, apps and more. He has worked with a variety of clients, including chickaDEE Magazine , OWL Magazine , Macmillan Publishers and Parks Canada, and he is the illustrator of the Lark Ba Detective series, The Owl and the Two Rabbits and The Walrus and the Caribou . Marcus lives in Tecumseh, Ontario.