The Mastermind's Trap: Volume 2
Published on 17. March 2026
Book
Hardback
288 pages
978-1-6659-5050-3 (ISBN)
Description
Meg's new challenge from the Mastermind has the fate of her school and her friends hanging in the balance in this "page-turning" (Kirkus Reviews) sequel to the Edgar Award-nominated A Study in Secrets that's Only Murders in the Building meets The Westing Game.
After winning a scavenger hunt with her new friends-Tana, Zane, and Ryan-Meg Mizuno is looking forward to winter break and enjoying their grand prize of an all-expenses paid trip to California. But after learning that their boarding school, Leland Chase Academy (called Last Chance Academy by students), is in danger of shutting down, it's hard to enjoy the sun and surf.
When they return, the Head of School reminds the student body of their mandatory participation in the Student Showcase, with the goal of bringing in needed funds to the school. If that weren't enough pressure, Meg discovers a new note: the Mastermind wants her to help him with one more scavenger hunt. This time, though, she must work alone, or else the Mastermind will not only ruin the school, but also publicly reveal secrets about all her friends that would turn their lives upside down.
After winning a scavenger hunt with her new friends-Tana, Zane, and Ryan-Meg Mizuno is looking forward to winter break and enjoying their grand prize of an all-expenses paid trip to California. But after learning that their boarding school, Leland Chase Academy (called Last Chance Academy by students), is in danger of shutting down, it's hard to enjoy the sun and surf.
When they return, the Head of School reminds the student body of their mandatory participation in the Student Showcase, with the goal of bringing in needed funds to the school. If that weren't enough pressure, Meg discovers a new note: the Mastermind wants her to help him with one more scavenger hunt. This time, though, she must work alone, or else the Mastermind will not only ruin the school, but also publicly reveal secrets about all her friends that would turn their lives upside down.
Reviews / Votes
"Readers will enjoy returning to Last Chance Academy, filled with a fabulous diverse cast, friendship, and mystery." * <I>School Library Journal</I> * "Well-drawn characters strengthen their bonds as they tackle another page-turning mystery." * <I>Kirkus </I> *More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
New York, NY
United States
Publishing group
Simon & Schuster
Target group
Children/juvenile
US School Grade: From Third Grade to Seventh Grade, Interest Age: From 8 to 12 years
Product notice
sewn/stitched
Cloth over boards
Illustrations
f-c scuff-proof matte lam jacket w- foil stamping, deboss & spot uv
Dimensions
Height: 217 mm
Width: 150 mm
Thickness: 30 mm
Weight
368 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-6659-5050-3 (9781665950503)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Person
A third-generation Japanese American, Debbi Michiko Florence is the acclaimed author of more than twenty books for children and tweens. Her books have received starred reviews, Junior Library Guild Selections, and inclusion on lists such as Amazon Best Books and the Chicago Public Library Best of the Best. She loves to write stories about friendship and family. Her middle grade novels include Sweet and Sour, This Is How I Roll, A Study in Secrets, and Just Be Cool, Jenna Sakai. She is also the author of the award-winning Jasmine Toguchi chapter book series. A native Californian, Debbi now lives in Connecticut.