Another winner by an amazing author.

Cliff Hanger shows us Maggies helping Renée Alvarez organize her property management office. Though the condominium complex boasts a prime location on the shores of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, the ageing buildings and the high-maintenance tenants have Renée running ragged.

However, Maggie’s efforts are complicated when her son attempts to rescue a badly injured man who crashed his ultra-light on the coastal cliffs. Unfortunately, the man dies and her family become the prime suspects.

A delightful read and one I highly recommend.

Cliff Hanger

by Mary Feliz

As Maggie McDonald and her family look forward to a working vacation at Monterey Bay, California, they could not imagine that it would turn into a nightmare. Sons David and Brian help rescue a crashed ultralight pilot, but their quick thinking and heroic actions could backfire in a legal maelstrom.

In Mary Feliz’s Cliff Hanger, Maggie tries to protect her sons and accomplish her organizing job at the resort that hired her, but there are complications at every turn with farmers in conflict, possible drug running, and alien deportation. It’s hard to know who to trust so the family enlists the help of crime fighting friends from their hometown, Orchard View. Their pet golden retriever, Belle, and their friend Stephen’s service dog, Munchkin, a drooling mastiff, have large supporting roles and are a welcome addition to the character list.

I would like to extend my thanks to netgalley.com and to Kensington Books (Lyrical Underground) for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 5/5

Category: Mystery

Notes: 1. #5 in the Maggie McDonald Mystery Series, but works as a standalone.
2. Each chapter begins with a tip for vacationing families from Maggie’s organizing notebook. Many of the ideas are helpful for daily car use or for those who live on the beach.
3. In addition to formal tips for making life easier, the author weaves handy ideas into the body of the story as well as showing how a family can respond to stresses in a healthy way.

Publication: July 16, 2019—Lyrical Underground (Kensington Books)

Memorable Lines:

“The tricky part will be managing the news outlets and social media. Their attacks can be swifter, harsher, and more reactionary than the law. Lucky for you, we’ve just hired two people who are experts in that arena. We all need to become adept at fending off slings and arrows in cyberspace.”

I shuddered, both in fear of the tales I’d heard of exploding methamphetamine labs and in sympathy for the people for whom near-slavery in the United States meant a better life than staying in the countries in which they’d been born. My skin prickled as my thoughts traveled from the desperate to those who preyed upon them.

Max placed a plate of warm cookies on the table. The fragrance lured David from his room, and we had a moment of silent appreciation of the stress-busting properties of chocolate and refined carbohydrates.

Maggie had an interesting summer! I love Maggie and her family and was glad to see them had some time at the beach.

The characters are remaining 'true' to themselves from past book with their relationships continuing to develop.

This was another well-written and easy to read book in the series. It was perfect for reading while traveling. I stayed up way too late to finish this one.

It seemed like the perfect mix of vacation and work for Maggie McDonald. Maggie’s best friend, Tess Olmos, recommended Maggie’s professional organizer services to Tess’ cousin, Renée Alvarez, for help with organizing a property management company on the beautiful coast of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. A third-floor ocean view condo was promised as part of the deal, but things quickly turn south when the promised condo isn’t on the third floor and is reminiscent of a crime scene both in odor and looks. Worse yet, her sons discover a downed ultralight aircraft and help rescue the pilot. Unfortunately, the pilot dies and now Maggie and her sons, Brian and David, are in the spotlight of a murder investigation where their innocence is being questioned. Can Maggie and her husband, Max, rely on their friends to visit them in Monterey Bay and help solve another murder?

CLIFF HANGER hits hard emotionally as we watch Brian and David endure scrutiny from law enforcement and the news media. Mary Feliz does a marvelous job at showing us the kind of anguish that misdirected grief and the news media can cause. I love seeing how Maggie and Max work together as a family with Brian and David, allowing them room to grow and mature. I have to admit that it did surprise me just a little bit, however, when Maggie let Brian and David camp out overnight considering the concerns the family had about what was going on at the condo resort.

The descriptions of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary are breath-taking! I want to stroll along the beach and watch the whales right along with the McDonald family (although admittedly without all the criminal drama they endure!). I love the enthusiasm Brian and David in particular have for the joy and beauty they get to experience.

CLIFF HANGER is the fifth book in the <i>Maggie McDonald</i> series and wow, this series just gets better and better with each installment! New readers can easily jump right in and enjoy CLIFF HANGER as Mary Feliz provides readers with some information on Maggie and Max’s group of friends, but I suspect readers will be intrigued by the oh so mysterious Rocket! If you haven’t read a book by Mary Feliz, CLIFF HANGER is the perfect story to dive into and see what you think!

*review is in the editing queue at Fresh Fiction*

One of the things I really like about this series is how Maggie juggles her organizational business with her family. When the opportunity to spend a chunk of the summer up the coast near Monterey arises, Maggie jumps at the chance to help Renee Alvarez organize the offices of her property office. Maggie's boys, David and Brian are excited to spend the summer there as well, with husband Max joining them on the weekends. Naturally something so perfect doesn't last long and a man flying an ultralight hang glider crashes into the cliffs by the ocean. The boys are both witnesses and first responders, help arrives quickly but in the aftermath, many doubts are raised. The whole family gets into the game this time, with everyone playing a part to find out more about organic farming, flying and immigration. Another great story by Feliz.

A good cozy mystery I read in one sitting. With an interesting story and engaging characters it's perfect for mystery fans

Cliff Hanger: A Maggie McDonald Mystery
By Mary Feliz
Lyrical Underground
July 2019

Review by Cynthia Chow

Professional organizer Maggie McDonald should have known that a “working vacation” in Santa Cruz County was too good to be true. Hired by Renee Alvarez to organize the condo association manager’s office and record keeping system, Maggie was to receive and stipend as well as the free use of a luxurious beach resort condo for her family. The signs that this may not be the perfect vacation occur immediately, when Renee goes incommunicado and their promised housing not available. As Maggie was busy checking out what she hoped would not be their home for the next few months, she received a frantic call from teenaged sons. The pilot of an Ultralight engine-powered hang glider had into the beach cliffs, and Brian and David were desperately trying to help him despite the sketchy cell phone service. After First Responders take the young man to the hospital, word quickly spread throughout the small beach town of the teenaged boys’ heroism. The sentiment turned just as quickly when Jake Peterson does not survive, and his distraught parents look for someone to blame. Faced with a lawsuit and even possible criminal charges, Maggie was determined to protect her family and discover the truth and behind the promising young man’s death.

The last words uttered by Jake to the boys had them suspicious that his glider may have been tampered with, and they wondered if his flights above the coastal lands may have allowed him to see something he shouldn’t have. Threats texted to Maggie’s phone alarm her husband back home in Orchard View, and soon the cavalry would arrive in the form of their family friends Stephen Laird and Jason Mueller. The married men have vast amounts of military and police experience between them, and their skills will help protect the McDonald family while also tracking down a cowardly killer.

Each chapter is headed by organizing and vacation planning advice from the Notebook of Maggie’s Organizing Services, and her logistical skills prove instrumental in solving yet another criminal puzzle faced by the family. The realistic depiction of the McDonald family is one of the highlights of this series, and despite the occasional bickering one never doubts the love and support they have for one another. It’s easy to see that the teenaged boys will eventually grow into becoming admirable men, especially if they follow the role models of their caring parents. Raising two boys has given Maggie the ability to roll with the punches and battle chaos with humor, two traits she uses daily as she practices her job helping her overwhelmed and defeated clients. The timely topics of environmental preservation and immigration are tackled in empathetic and even-handed manners, with the fallout shown to affect so many lives. This fifth in the series explores not just the relationships of the McDonald family, but the unique challenges and trait of Northern California. While this feels like the conclusion of an entertaining and compelling mystery series, readers will be secure in knowing that wherever the future takes them, the McDonald family will be together.

Mary Feliz
Cliff hanger.
This is the first time I have read a book by this author.
Maggie a professional organiser takes her family to Monterey Bay in California. Loved the description of Monterey.
Enjoyed the storyline ,plenty of suspects to keep you entertained.
The ending was a surprise, never saw that coming.
Great read.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for advance copy for my honest opinion.

Cliff Hanger by Mary Feliz is the fifth A Mary McDonald Mystery. I have read the entire series and its is one of my favorite cozy series. .I highly recommend this next in series which can be read as a stand alone.
Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity. My opinions are my own.

Maggie McDonald along with her two boys, Brian and David are heading to Monterey Bay for the summer. I live on Monterey Bay so i was thrilled that the author featured our beautiful marine sanctuary as the location for this next in series.
Maggie is a professional organizer Maggie has been hired by the management of the Heron Beach Resort to help the new complex manager, Renee organize the office and aging resort buildings.. The job includes a free condo for her family for the summer. Her husband plans on joining them on weekends. Maggie and her boys are very close as a family unit and Maggie teaches them the utmost in responsibility.
Right after they arrive her sons help a pilot that was in a ultralight plane crash they come across but he dies. His family right away sues Maggie and her boys. This throws suspicion on them for their actions and the pol.ice soon are building a investigation against her sons ! Maggie is determined to clear her sons and prove they were only acting as good Samaritans., Maggie begins to investigate amid her day time responsibilities and soon she is finding suspicious activities and clues that lead to murder. She has her own theories and soon the clues are building . Maggie finds that the small town is key in dealing with solving the sleuth and enlists the help of townspeople who she befriends.
This book has so much interesting direction with the sleuth. I enjoyed all the varied aspects of subjects, the ultra light plane, the marine life, the organizing on her job . The author so richly described our Monterey Bay marine life for the reader that it is authentically brought to life.
I enjoyed Maggie’s handy tips at the beginning of reach chapter for trip preparation. I loved this book location, descriptions of our sea life, the organization skills of Maggie and the well crafted sleuth .I highly recommend this book for all who enjoy cozy mysteries featuring a coastal location and a fun sleuth.

Was the ultralight crash an accident or murder?
Cliff Hanger by Mary Felix is a fast-paced mystery with lots of moving parts. Set in a Monterey Bay resort on the California coast. The mystery, characters, and setting are superb.

The McDonald Family
Maggie and her boys head to the Monterey Bay where they are will be on a working vacation. At first, it seems that the vacation is doomed with one issue after another, but with the help of their friends, they might have a good summer vacation after.

Maggie is a professional organizer. Can you imagine? I think it would be fun, not that I am an organizational whiz; my closet is proof of that. Seriously, Maggie seems really good at her job. My mom should hire to go through our basement.

Mystery
There is a young man killed in an ultralight (it’s like a hang glider with a lawnmower engine but more), and Maggie’s sons find the crash, call 9-1-1 to help the young man. The young man’s family blame the boys and are suing them for negligence. So, Maggie calls in the Calvary, and they figure out what is going on.

Things about the book that I liked:
• There are little things at the beginning of each chapter to keep you organized.
• Included is a recipe to get help get rid of skunk odor. If you have ever had a dog, you understand that tomato juice doesn’t always work.
• I love the way that Maggie and her husband parent their boys.
• Maggie’s boys are exceptionally well behaved and caring individuals.
• The McDonald family helps the police investigate crimes.

5 Stars for Cliff Hanger by Mary Felix
My rating for Cliff Hanger by Mary Felix is five stars. The story, characters, setting, and mystery are well written. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this fabulous book. If I can fit the previous books into my schedule, I will. I highly recommend this book to all cozy fans.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Great Escapes Book Tours. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Cliffhanger by Mary Felix.

Anyways, until next time,
Karen the Baroness
Happy Reading

If you would like to see other reviews like this one, check out BaronessBookTrove.com.

What could be better than a working vacation that includes her family and a beachfront condo in Marin County? Maggie has accepted a summer client as a favor to her friend as her cousin, Renee is a bit in over her head with a previously badly managed condo. Maggie will try to get things organized and on the right track. While she sorts out files her two sons will be enjoying sun and surf and her husband will join them on the weekends. Even the family dog comes along. Sounds awesome but things start to fall apart from the moment they arrive. Renee isn't there to meet them, the security guard wont let them in with the dog (that's a deal breaker right there). The boys go off with the dog, the condo unit is an absolute toxic dump and still no sign of Renee. At this point they should all have turned tail and headed home. Maggie is the sort to give Renee the benefit of the doubt and they stay. Now Maggie has much more to deal with than a mess of a condo complex. A death by ultralight joins them when her sons witness its crash and are hailed as heroes for alerting the emergency services.
Her sons are young teenagers and did exactly what needed to be done under the circumstances. Sadly, the distraught parents of the now dead ultralight pilot need to lay blame on somebody and they focus on Maggie's sons, talking lawsuit and changing the attitude of the local authorities. Though that may seem like a stretch, in this day and age, law suits are all too common - against just about anybody who happens to be handy. Maggie goes into Mama Bear mode and marshals her family and friends to track down the killer. Nobody messes with the people Maggie holds dear. Nobody.
I have read the entire series and have enjoyed seeing the family growth and the friends that are part of Maggie's world. Each mystery can stand on its own and each one comes chock full of twists, turns, red herrings and multi layers. It all comes together to make for a satisfying read.
My thanks to the publisher Lyrical Underground and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

Cliff Hanger is the fifth book in Mary Feliz’s Maggie McDonald Mystery series. The author’s writing is descriptive, making me feel as if I was enjoying the beautiful beach setting along with the characters. This storyline is well plotted, with well-developed characters, and flows smoothly at a steady pace, with plenty of red herrings to keep the reader engaged.

Maggie McDonald is a professional organizer who lives with her husband, Max, and their two teenage sons, David and Brian, in the small town of Orchard View, California located in the hills above Silicon Valley. They have a Golden Retriever named Belle and two cats named Holmes and Watson. Maggie accepts an organizing job that will allow her and the boys to stay in a condo on the beach in Monterrey Bay for the summer, with Max joining them on the weekends. Things start going wrong when they arrive. The security guard tells them there is a problem with Belle staying there without special permission, and then the condo isn’t a three-bedroom on the third floor as promised and even worse, it’s full of garbage, rotting food, and flies, and Renee Alvarez, the manager Maggie is supposed to be working with, is temporarily unreachable. While Maggie is trying to sort things out, she receives a frantic call from David and Brian telling her an ultralight has crashed and the pilot needs medical assistance. Everyone praises the boys for their quick thinking and actions in helping to save Jake Peterson, but despite everyone’s efforts, Jake doesn’t survive. His grieving parents imply the boys did something wrong that harmed their son and caused his death. The entire McDonald family believes there is more going on than just an unfortunate accident and that Jake may have stumbled on some illegal activities that caused his death and they, along with some of their friends and resources from home, get involved in trying to make sense of what happened.

I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.

Cliff Hanger by Mary Feliz is the fifth A Maggie McDonald Mystery. Maggie McDonald along with her two boys, Brian and David are heading to Monterey Bay for the summer. Maggie has been hired by the management of the Heron Beach Resort to help the new complex manager, Renee Alvarez organize the office and the payment includes a condo for the summer. David and Brian notice a downed ultralight aircraft pilot and quickly contact emergency services. The distraught family lashes out by filing a lawsuit against the boys and has them the target of an investigation by local law enforcement. The family rallies their resources and begins a deep dive into the victim’s life. After noticing some suspicious activity at night, Maggie believes there is some foul play afoot. I thought Cliff Hanger was nicely written, moves along at a steady rate and is just the right length. While Cliff Hanger is the fifth book in the series, it can easily be read alone. The characters are established, and I find them relatable. Maggie has a good relationship with her two kids, and they have gotten the sleuthing bug from her. The complex crime was not what you typically find in a cozy mystery (I do not want to share too much and spoil it for you). It is multifaceted with a handful suspects and misdirection. The family certainly came up with some unique theories regarding the crime. The action kept the story moving forward toward the conclusion. There is a good wrap-up that ties up the loose threads. I enjoyed the authors vivid descriptions especially those of Monterey Bay and the sea life (a blue whale and dolphins). It was interesting to learn about ultralight aircraft and the regulations for them. I enjoyed Maggie’s handy tips at the beginning of reach chapter to help people prepare for trips. I thought they were clever, helpful and easy to implement. Cliff Hanger has an uplifting adventure with two teenage sleuths, stunning sea life, a malodorous condo, disorganized records, and one weary and worried woman.

Synopsis:

When a hang-gliding stranger is found fatally injured in the cliffs above Monterey Bay, the investigation into his death becomes a cluttered mess. Professional organizer Maggie McDonald must sort the clues to catch a coastal killer before her family becomes a target . . .

Maggie has her work cut out for her helping Renée Alvarez organize her property management office. Though the condominium complex boasts a prime location on the shores of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, aging buildings and the high-maintenance tenants have Renée run ragged. But Maggie’s efforts are complicated when her sons attempt to rescue a badly injured man who crashed his ultra-light on the coastal cliffs.

Despite their efforts to save him, the man dies. Maggie's family members become the prime suspects in a murder investigation and the target of a lawsuit. Her instincts say something’s out of place, but solving a murder won’t be easy. Maggie still needs to manage her business, the pushy press, and unwanted interest from criminal elements. Controlling chaos is her specialty, but with this killer’s crime wave, Maggie may be left hanging . . .

“A skillful amateur detective with an impressive to-do list.”
—Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW, Address to Die For (Goodreads)


Review:

The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and those descriptions pulled me into the story right away. I loved the descriptions of the Monterey Bay area and I enjoyed reading about all of the marine life that they saw. And I really liked all the tips that the author supplied at the beginning of each chapter, they were varied and useful ideas.

I have read all the books in this series and I have enjoyed them all. I did enjoy this book but it seemed a little unbelievable to me. I found it hard to believe that Maggie’s sons would be held responsible for the man’s death, all they did was call for help and stay with the victim. And the boys were portrayed as much older than they really are (they acted like college kids to me). And the fact that this family has such close ties to law enforcement that any theory they came up with, and there were some outlandish ones, could be checked out by someone the family knew. That is only my opinion and others may not agree with me.

I do enjoy the fact that the protagonist has a family, because so many of the cozies I read have single heroines that have friends for support. The family group is refreshing and I really like that. It made it more realistic to me, Maggie having a family and having the responsibilities of all parents.

The mystery was well plotted and complex. There were enough clues to sift through and suspects to consider and it was not easily solved. There were enough red herrings thrown in and twists and turns that sometimes I felt like I was on a rollercoaster, which is a good thing.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy. I will definitely read the next one in the series when it is released. Whenever I see there is a new book in the series, I know I am in for a treat.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.

Even if I read and liked the other books in this series I couldn't connect to this one.
I had trouble in being interested in the story and the book fell flat.
Many thanks to Kensington Books and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

Another enjoyable time spent with Maggie the organizer and her extracurricular activity of sleuthing. Her entire family, including the dog is involved. Some of the involvement in solving the mystery did require one to stretch reality. Too close to possible danger for all, especially young boys. That certainly didn't stop me from being entertained by the tale. Always enjoy the organizational tips at the beginning of each chapter.

Political Dissertation is Not a Cozy Mystery
This author captured the California mindset perfectly. I grew weary of the continual Grandstanding about the environment, traditional vs organic farming methods and the problems of immigrant farmworkers. I don't read political dissertations for entertainment. Which is too bad. The plot of the story was very good and so was the rest of the book. But, I had to put it down because half of every chapter was political. I read half of the book. I won't read any more off this author's work. I received this ARC book for free from Net Galley and this is my honest review.

Cliff Hanger is the very welcome 5th novel in the Maggie McDonald Mystery series. We see the unique world of ultralights as well as property management and professional organizing. Maggie, as a professional organizer, gives clear and helpful guidance, with each chapter opening with a tip on vacationing on the California coast. Maggie, her family, and friends are a very likeable, close-knit group who help each other even as they enjoy each other’s company. The mystery is very challenging and the setting of Monterrey Bay is absolutely gorgeous!

Maggie’s best friend, Tess, introduces her to her cousin Renee, whose new office is in desperate need of organizing. She is managing a beach resort/ condo group. She is next in a series of managers over a two-year period. This one has been way out-of-hand, with dusty cartons of files everywhere and long-delayed maintenance needed. Maggie will have a condo in this beautiful waterfront complex to live in with her two sons for the summer and her hubby will visit on weekends.

The first condo she is given the key to reeks. It is full of garbage, rotting food, and bugs. While she finds that mess, her sons go exploring and are horrified to see the crash of an ultralight and its pilot, Jake Peterson, a local researcher and grad student. They go up the cliffs to see if they could help and called Maggie to call 911 as Jake is badly hurt. The EMT’s at the scene are very complimentary of Brian and David, her teen-age sons, and how they stay with Jake. They are curious about something Jake said, trying to understand his words about the propeller and a possible name.

The next morning, the boys’ pictures are in the paper as having helped rescue a local hero. Unfortunately, Jake died that morning after what was thought to be successful surgery. They are curious about what caused the crash, as they heard how meticulous Jake was when inspecting his ultralight or any of the planes he worked on. They explore the area and see something that leads them to wonder if Jake saw something he shouldn’t have. It takes them on an adventure that includes the possibility of local drug dealers, the cartel, and farmers who may be hiding more than seeds and berries in their buildings. When Maggie and the boys are threatened, she calls in the troops – their friends at home in Orchard View with excellent police and military experience.

Their friends are good as gold, taking Maggie, husband Max, and the boys seriously. They work well with local law enforcement. Maggie encourages herself through these trying circumstances with such cues as how to stay in the moment. This is the first time I recall reading about ultralights in a cozy mystery.

Plot twists confounded me, and it was hard to know who could be trusted. There are several suspects. There is also concern that Jake’s parents want to take Maggie’s sons to court, as they feel the boys must have injured Jake further when trying to help him and caused his death. While there is humor, there is also serious investigation. This complex cozy includes several surprises, including who the bad guy(s) might be. I highly recommend Cliff Hanger to all who enjoy well-written cozy mysteries, interesting careers, goldens, and good friends.

From a thankful heart: I received a copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley, and this is my honest review.

Cliff Hanger by Mary Feliz is the fifth book in A Maggie McDonald Mystery series. Maggie and her boys are heading to Monterey Bay for a job. Maggie is helping to organize a resort and in exchanged they get a three bedroom unit on the beach along with a small salary. This is a working vacation that started off badly, then went from bad to worse. With the boys assisting a young man who crashed his Ultra-Light, and calling 911, they are temporary heroes. When the young man dies, they are being questioned and possibly sued by the family for causing his death. Everyday of this job brings another disaster.

Cliff Hanger was a well-written story that moves at a good pace. It is the fifth book in the series, but can easily be read as a standalone. I have read all the books in this series and have enjoyed the development of the characters as well as the fact that the boys have grown up with the stories. They are older and actively involved in the investigations. Because this book was not in their hometown, some of the characters that I have enjoyed in previous books were not in this one, but others did make a guest appearance. This story has a complicated storyline with multiple suspects, many red herrings and lots of questions. I love all the scenarios that the boys come up with while trying to figure out what is happening. Although there appear to be many smaller crimes, the main one is the death of Jake, the ultra-light pilot. The action kept the story moving forward to a satisfactory conclusion that ties up all the loose ends.

I enjoy Mary Feliz’s descriptive writing. I could almost visualize the animals and sea life that were seeing from the beach. I like Maggie’s handy tips at the beginning of each chapter. Being a professional organizer, you would expect these to be organizing tips, but they are more than that. Based on the setting and situation in each book they vary, with these ones all about preparing for a beach vacation. Overall, this was a fun cozy mystery with a bit more adventure and complications. It took the whole family to solve this one and I look forward to seeing what is next for Maggie and her family. I definitely recommend this book and series to those who enjoy a good, clean, yet intriguing mystery.

Maggie McDonald has scored job that will allow her family to enjoy summer at the beach. Her teenage sons are looking forward to learning to surf and having fun while Mom helps the property manager organize the office and business. But things don’t quite work out as planned when they arrive and are not permitted on the property until the boss, who can’t be reached, approves their dog being on the grounds.

While waiting for an update, Maggie and the boys head to the local state park beach to kill some time. While Maggie goes to check out the property, the boys find a local man who has crashed is motorized hang glider. The boys call 911 but lose the connection and call Maggie. The rescue team arrives and praise the buys for their actions and take the man to the hospital. When the man dies, his family accuses the boys of causing his death, so Maggie calls in her friends from home to help find out what happened and who truly caused the accident.

This is the first book in the series I have read and, while there were references to working with their friends on past issues, the story works well as a stand-alone. I truly enjoyed the solid whodunnit and the well developed characters. I will be adding the previous books to my reading list.