A hidden backpack. A crooked deal. Three kids who have to choose between staying safe… or telling the truth. Noah Costa just wants a fun, normal summer weekend—bike rides with his friends and little sister Liv, hanging out at the arcade, and trying not to fight with his prickly cousin Tyler. But when the three of them stumble on a hidden backpack stuffed with cash and mysterious blueprints near a construction site, “normal” disappears fast. The money points back to Evergreen Development Group, the company building half of their town. The blueprints don’t match the public plans at City Hall. And a black sedan with tinted windows keeps turning up everywhere they go. As Noah, Liv, and Tyler dig deeper, they uncover whispers of bribes, missing reports, and a powerful city official who will do anything to keep his secrets buried. When a new friend, Sam, reveals his own connection to the conspiracy, the kids are thrown into a dangerous game of lies, fake “investigators,” and late-night chases through the woods. Now the Mystery Club has a choice: hand everything over and hope the adults do the right thing… or risk becoming targets themselves to make sure the truth comes out. Mystery Club Chronicles: The Honest Thief is a fast-paced mystery for readers who love: – Clever kids outsmarting corrupt adults – High-speed chases , secret meetings, and dark alleys with just the right amount of danger – Tough questions about honesty, courage, and doing what’s right when it’s costly Perfect for advanced 4th graders through 8th graders—and anyone who enjoys middle-grade mysteries with heart—this series starter will have readers asking: If I found that backpack… what would I do