Belly Up

Stuart Gibb’s entertaining mystery, Belly Up, is on the Texas Lone Star Reading List 2012-13. Teddy Fitzroy is your typical mischievous boy who lives in a trailer on the grounds of a new African-modeled zoo and amusement park in Texas called Fun Jungle. Both of his parents work for the rich owner, J.J. McCracken. Although it has only been open for a few months, their popular mascot – an ornery hippo named Henry – is found dead in his water hole. How beloved was Henry? Think about what Mickey Mouse is to Disney…you get the picture. The visitors of the busy attraction are saddened over Henry’s death. Those that worked behind the scenes at the money-making amusement park were not going to miss Henry’s disturbing behavior especially his poop slinging. In fact, any one of them could be his murderer? But why kill him? While spying on Henry’s autopsy, Teddy hears Doc say that someone caused Henry’s death. He teams up with J.J.’s daughter, Summer, to conduct their own investigation and the two find themselves in dangerous situations. Twists throughout the book will keep the reader guessing all the way to the end! If you like this one, read Gibbs’ newest book, Spy School.