The Shocking Case of
Mystery Manor

AN ALL-GIRL MYSTERY FOR 10-13 YEAR OLDS by Andrew West. This mystery is a hit around the world for birthday parties and special kids celebrations. Minnie Maxson is so frightened at her 13th birthday party that she is frozen in fear. Can you figure out what happened?

                                     8 Girls are suspects
                                     MANY MORE can investigate the case

As the clock struck midnight, early this morning, an explosion woke the people staying in Mystery Manor. Moments later came a horrible scream, and everybody ran to the main ballroom where they saw Minerva (everyone calls her Minnie) Maxson, illuminated by a shaft of moonlight, completely frozen in fear.

A big hole was discovered in the glass roof of the huge conservatory with its many large trees and plants. Several windows were also broken. Small droplets of blood led into the yard.

Minnie's 13^th birthday party should have been the highlight of her year. Her parents had booked Mystery Manor on this night before the big birthday dance. As a present, her Aunt Teresa had paid for the event and was there to chaperone the party. Magician Penny Vanish, owner of the Manor and daughter of the late Merlin Vanish, was also scheduled to give a special performance at the big birthday dance.

Minnie remained silent, her eyes seemingly fixed open. Nobody was able to attract her attention.

The big birthday dance is due to take place tonight, but it cannot possibly go ahead until the mystery is solved. There are rumors of arguments among the guests. Some say the adults are hiding more than a few secrets.

What happened to Minnie? Somebody knows. How is it linked to the incident in the conservatory? Minnie's parents have called in a team of investigators. Moments after their arrival, Penny revealed that she had seen a girl in the yard, just moments after the explosion. A girl covered in scratches . . .

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One of these suspects is responsible for shocking Minnie:

TERESA LEAFY, Minnie's Aunt - She paid a lot of money to rent the Manor. Why would she want to leave a day early?

PENNY VANISH, Owner of the Manor and Magician - She has a spectacular trick planned for the big dance.

DUSTY SHELVES, Maid and Cook at the Manor - Just because she and Penny had an argument, would she want to sabotage the party?

DESTINIA WAITS, Editor of the School Paper - She needs a big story to get more students to read the paper.

ABBY TYPIN, A Classmate of Minnie's - As of last week, she and Minnie work on the school paper together with Destinia. ALITA and JUDIE MANGO, Classmates - They plot and plan everything together.

ONA PONY, Minnie's Former Best Friend - She wanted the job with the school paper, but Minnie got it instead.