Disappearance at Hangman's Bluff by J.E. Thompson

This book is the sequel to The Girl From Felony Bay. Abbey and Bee are best friends and neighbors, and they've formed a detective agency. They're trying to find out who dog-napped a neighbor's valuable Boykin spaniel, Yemassee, and they later discover the same men are armed robbers. The girls search around town for the dog and finally find one of the dog-nappers murdered in a stolen truck. Of course, the parents of both girls are angry and forbid them from doing any more searching for the dog. And, of course, the girls find a way to disobey their parents and continue trying to solve the mystery. Their adventure brings more danger, and a familiar enemy from book one reappears seeking revenge.

It always amazes me when kid characters disobey their parents and take on dangerous criminals. The relationship between Abbey and Bee is very unique, because Abbey's relatives used to own Bee's family as slaves. Bee's family bought Abbey's old home after her dad racks up medical bills recovering from a coma. The plot describes a nice mystery that should be easily followed by readers. The author includes just enough action and suspense to keep readers wanting to reach the climax.