A Mystery at Lili Villa Book Review

A Mystery at Lili Villa

By Arathi Menon

Published by Yali Books, July 31, 2021

Review
There is so much that makes A Mystery at Lili Villa an awesome book, but where to start? The exciting mystery of stolen jewels? The surprising discoveries the children make? Or perhaps the example the children set? The flowing narrative sweeps readers along with Tam and her cousins Mira and Arj as they spend summer vacation together in Mira and Arj's village: Elathoor. Small enough where everyone knows Tam's aunt and uncle, the local doctors, but big enough to get lost in, Elathoor holds a summer of mystery for the budding detectives.

First, I'll note that T was exceptionally engaged with this story – more so than with recent middle grade and early chapter books. He talked about what decisions he agreed with, what sounded delicious (or not), and which characters he liked the most. At times, he had so much to say that I couldn't get through a page without an interruption. I love how much he related to Tam, Mira, and Arj, and how interested he was in the investigation!

I also appreciate the relationship between Tam, Mira, and Arj. Tam and Arj are the oldest at 10 and 11, while Mira has the least seniority at 9. The age difference plays some role with who gets to be the Chief Detective and who is only in training, but more often than not the trio cooperates and has fun together as a naturally cohesive unit. If your cousins were your constant companions, you know just how these kids feel. The depiction is authentic, with realistically imperfect children who can't always agree, but ultimately look out for each other and make sure they each have a place in the group. I wonder if T's favorite character was Mira because they are closest in age. He didn't say.

As Tam, Mira, and Arj bike around investigating, they uncover multiple neighbors' secrets that lead them to reassess their impression of people they thought they knew. They call one character "DoubleMean," but wind up spending a whole day with her in the course of the investigation and find out that the moniker doesn't really fit. And that precisely – the acknowledgement of their wrong assumptions and the change in their attitudes based on what they learn – is one of my favorite aspects of the book.

A Mystery at Lili Villa is a must-read for the young chapter-book audience. Between the mystery (jewelry theft), the investigation (3 cousins on bikes with a notebook and pencil), and the characters (realistic, relatable, and admirable), and the writing itself, this has it all. I'm adding it to my go-to list for gifts.

Back matter includes two glossaries: one for foods from Kerala and one for words in Malayalam and Hindi.

Note: A review copy was provided by Yali Books for the purpose of this honest review.