If you haven’t read Davey & Derek Junior Detectives Series yet, you are in for a delightful surprise. These books have won multiple awards and 5-star reviews on Amazon, Goodreads and from Readers’ Favorite Book Awards! Maybe it’s time to check them out!
When I began this series I dedicated it to my two middle grandsons who love to read and solve mysteries. It was so much fun to write that I felt like a kid again! I wrote them thinking like a MG/PT/YA boy which I have never done before. In the words of Davey and Derek – ‘It was way cool!’
These books carry valuable life lessons that encourage MG/PT/YA to be kind and caring to others, respect each other and parents and elders, bullying is never tolerated or accepted, and friends and family matter. As a grandmother I know the importance of good wholesome reading for our children and grandchildren. We don’t want to worry about what they are reading. Davey & Derek Series offers good values in reading and freeing parents of any worries. Have fun reading!

Here is the link to purchase on Amazon or you can click on covers to the right of this post. You can begin at the beginning of the series with Book 1 below. Each book is a stand alone story so you can read in any order that you want. I recommend beginning at Book 1. The boys are growing up and in Book 1 they are 10 and grow to 12 in Book 6.
Here are some Amazon reviews for the series:
BOOK 1
Mrs.D.5.0 out of 5 stars Think! Learn! Imagine!Reviewed in the United States on January 22, 2018Format: Kindle Edition“The Case of the Missing Cell Phone” is the first in the Davey and Derek junior detective series, where two twin boys are trying to solve the mystery of a missing expensive cell phone. I love the fact that this story is for both boys and girls. It makes readers think, act, and discover. It’s also very engaging and entertaining, with an emphasis on teaching superb life lessons in a very delicate way. While reading this story, children are encouraged to communicate and learn how to crack problems and develop their creativity.
David and Derek are two twins, but they are very different from each other. David is a logical kid and Derek is all action. Supervised by their assistant named Cat, the two young detectives are off to discover the mystery behind Christine’s cell phone. As they untangle the mystery of the missing phone, they realize that the job of a detective is very tough and sometimes uncomfortable, such as when they question their classmates and the people they know.
This is a very interesting read for middle school-age students that will keep them tickled and predicting. I love that the author touched on a few very important issues that accrue in every school: the bullying, stealing, and credulity. These are very important subjects for children who are that age. In her book, Janice Spina nicely conveyed these very important messages. Her story sparked some needed discussion about theft, bullying, and teamwork. It is full of interesting twists and turns, details and clues. It really keeps young readers’ attention as they turn page after page.
It is also a fantastic acknowledgment of friendship and what is all right and wrong, which is extremely important for that age, when children know that they’re all different and should be treated equally. Their own unique personality would shine if you gave them the chance.
“Davey & Derek, Junior Detectives” is intriguing for my taste, and I am sure that young readers will agree with me. The exciting story line will leave them wanting to know more and to see what happens next in this engaging series. A great mystery read for middle-school children!
BOOK 2
5.0 out of 5 stars Great StoryReviewed in the United States on September 1, 2015Format: Kindle EditionVerified PurchaseBeing a grandparent and an avid reader I am always on the lookout for good clean books for my grandkids. Davey and Derek’s Aunt and Uncle settle in town after years of worldly travel, but there is something different about the Aunt that sets her apart from most Aunts – she is a good witch blessed with the gift of magic – one of which is her long deceased cat whoes aura lives on in a crystal ball and still tries to help people. Davey and Derek learn they to have a few magical powers of their own one of which is the cat trying to communicate with them and warn them one of their friends is going to get into serious trouble. The question is can they use this magic and prevent a catastrophy? Cute story – clean- refreshing – and not preachy. The Case of the Mysterious Black Cat will keep a young mind intrigued and reading way past their bedtime.
BOOK 3
Robbie Cheadle5.0 out of 5 stars An action packed magical adventureReviewed in the United States on February 24, 2018Format: Kindle EditionVerified PurchaseThis is book 3 in the Davey & Derek junior detective series and it is the best one we have read to date. Michael loves these two adventurous boys and the addition of some real magic in their lives really added to his enjoyment of the tale. Magic wands and books in the hands of 11-year old boys really captivated him and my Dad has made him a wand out of wood, painted metallic blue, so that he could have one too.
Davey and Derek learn the history and story of Aunt Gigi’s ivory elephant and discover some of this figurines magic. They are concerned for the safety of this figurine when they hear that a similar type of figurine has been stolen from the local museum. Certain local boys seem to be implicated in the crime and when a school peer asks the twins to help solve the case, Davey and Derek are thrilled to oblige. The boys embark on an exciting adventure to unwind the clues relating to the case, with some help and some confusion being provided by their magic books birthday gifts.
BOOK 4
Mrs.D.5.0 out of 5 stars Share the Magic!Reviewed in the United States on February 8, 2018Format: PaperbackIn her fourth book, “The Case of the Brown Scraggly Dog: Davey and Derek Junior Detectives Series,” Janice Spina has created an impressive mystery story that carries on the thrilling adventures of two brothers, Davey and Derek. The friendly leading characters and thrilling adventures provide plenty of excitement and magic to young readers.
Davey and Derek are now experienced young detectives who have a few solved mysteries under their belts. But this new mystery about the scraggly dog would be not so easy to solve if not for Aunt Gigi and her crystal ball and her magical way of teaching boys how to travel.
What the boys discovered at the end of the story surprised me the most. Well-executed ending of the gripping mystery!
As in her previous books, the author provided plenty of life lessons for children. Janice completed her goal with the most valuable teachings about respect, compassion, and understanding. She wisely underlined the purpose of her series, lessons that are very needed for middle school children.
BOOK 5
5.0 out of 5 stars Another Winner!Reviewed in the United States on August 9, 2017Format: Kindle EditionThe wonderful and prolific author, Janice Spina, continues to entertain children with another terrific installment in the Davey and Derek Junior Detectives series, “The Case of the Sad Mischievous Ghost.” In this, the latest installment, Ms. Spina introduces the twins’ new cousins, Abby and Holly, who moved into a neighboring house that is haunted by ghosts. The frightened girls entreat the help of the now famous junior detectives. The twins, Davey and Derek, are not only excited about their new assignment but are also happy for the friendships developing between themselves and the lovely cousins. The story is most engaging and will entertain young readers going along for the ride, as the junior detectives, helped by their fabulous Aunt Gigi, tackle this new adventure.
Highly recommended!!
BOOK 6:
Michelle Clements James5.0 out of 5 stars I love the way the author portrayed the love and concern between the brothers.Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2019Format: Kindle EditionI’ve read every book in the Davey & Derek Junior Detectives series and enjoyed each one. The Case of the Mystery of the Bells is my favorite so far. As with all of Janice Spina’s children’s books, this book teaches children positive values. The twins are always respectful to others and use good manners. One of the things that stood out for me in book 6 is when Davey had a bad dream, Derek jumped right in and offered his brother reassurance and then fixed him a cup of hot cocoa to calm him down. They always have each other’s back and are friends as much as twin brothers.
The boys Great Aunt Gigi, as we learn from earlier books, has special powers that Laura, Davey and Derek’s mother has inherited to some degree, but Davey and Derek to a much greater degree. The boys are learning how to handle these powers in a positive way and never misuse them. Aunt Gigi is their tutor in these mystical matters.
The characters are depicted in a way that makes them believable, including their powers. I especially love reading about Aunt Gigi. I can picture her greeting the children and inviting them in while bestowing her love upon them as she provides wonderful snacks and mystical experiences.
In Book 6 of the series we are introduced to Aunt Gigi’s twin sister Auriana and various other relatives from the realm of magic.
If you have middle grade children, I highly recommend this and any of the other books in the series, as well as those in the new Abby & Holly series. I can’t say enough about Janice Spina and her books.
As a Beta reader for Janice Spina, I was given an ARC by the author to read and comment back to her. I have voluntarily reviewed this book without compensation. The thoughts presented in this review are my honest evaluation of the book.
If you are looking for the perfect series for your MG/PT/YA, this is the series for him/her. Please check it out today on Amazon or Barnes & Noble.
Thank you for stopping by to read this post. I would love to hear what you think of this series. You can contact me at jjspina(at)comcast(dot)net. I love to receive reviews on Amazon or anywhere you purchased my books. Thank you!
Blessings & Hugs!
Janice
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