Ballpark Mysteries Collection Books 6-10 The Wrigley Riddle; The San Francisco Splash; The Missing Marlin; The Philly...

If you’re looking for a series that combines the thrill of baseball with the intrigue of a good mystery, David A. Kelly’s Ballpark Mysteries Collection: Books 6-10 is a home run. This middle-grade series follows cousins Mike and Kate as they solve puzzling crimes in some of America’s most iconic ballparks. With The Wrigley Riddle, The San Francisco Splash, The Missing Marlin, The Philly Fake, and The Rookie Blue Jay bundled together, this collection is perfect for young readers who love sports, adventure, and detective work.

Kelly’s writing is fast-paced, engaging, and packed with enough baseball trivia to satisfy even the most die-hard fans. But beyond the diamond, these books offer clever mysteries, well-developed characters, and themes of teamwork and perseverance. Whether you’re a kid who dreams of playing in the majors or just someone who enjoys a good whodunit, this collection delivers.

Each book in this collection takes place in a different Major League Baseball stadium, blending real-world ballpark history with fictional mysteries. Here’s a quick rundown of the five adventures:

• The Wrigley Riddle (Book 6): Mike and Kate visit Chicago’s Wrigley Field, where a mysterious note hidden in the ivy-covered walls leads them to uncover a long-lost baseball treasure.
• The San Francisco Splash (Book 7): At Oracle Park, home of the Giants, a splash hit into McCovey Cove turns into a clue for a puzzling theft.
• The Missing Marlin (Book 8): In Miami, a prized marlin statue disappears from the Marlins’ stadium, and the cousins must track it down before the big game.
• The Philly Fake (Book 9): Philadelphia’s Citizens Bank Park is the scene of a counterfeit merchandise scam, and Mike and Kate must separate the real from the fake.
• The Rookie Blue Jay (Book 10): In Toronto, a rookie player’s lucky bat goes missing, threatening his big-league debut—unless Mike and Kate can find it in time.

Each mystery is self-contained, but the series builds on the dynamic between Mike and Kate, making it rewarding to read in order.

Mike Walsh and Kate Hopkins make a fantastic detective duo. Mike is the baseball expert—quick with stats and trivia—while Kate is the analytical thinker, always spotting details others miss. Their friendship feels genuine, with playful banter and mutual respect.

What makes them stand out is how Kelly avoids making them one-dimensional. Mike isn’t just a sports fanatic; he’s also brave and resourceful. Kate isn’t just book-smart; she’s adventurous and quick on her feet. Their teamwork mirrors the best parts of baseball—relying on each other’s strengths to win the game (or solve the case).

Secondary characters, like stadium staff, players, and even quirky locals, add flavor to each setting. Kelly does a great job making each ballpark feel alive, with its own personality and history.

Kelly’s writing is accessible without being simplistic. The chapters are short, keeping the momentum going, and the dialogue feels natural for kids. He weaves in baseball facts seamlessly, making the stories educational without feeling like a textbook.

One standout technique is how Kelly uses real ballpark quirks as part of the mysteries. For example, in The Wrigley Riddle, the ivy on the outfield walls isn’t just scenery—it’s a hiding spot for clues. This makes the settings feel integral to the plot rather than just backdrops.

While the series is undeniably fun, it also touches on deeper themes:

• Teamwork: Mike and Kate’s success hinges on collaboration, showing young readers the value of working together.
• Perseverance: The mysteries aren’t solved easily—there are setbacks, red herrings, and moments of doubt, reinforcing the idea that persistence pays off.
• History & Legacy: Each book highlights the unique traditions of its ballpark, subtly teaching kids about baseball’s cultural significance.

As someone who grew up loving both mysteries and baseball, this series was a nostalgic treat. The mysteries are clever enough to keep adults guessing, but the pacing and humor make them perfect for younger readers. My favorite was The San Francisco Splash—the idea of a home run ball holding a secret was just too cool.

The emotional impact comes from seeing Mike and Kate grow with each book. They’re not just solving cases; they’re learning about responsibility, friendship, and the joy of discovery.

Fans of The Hardy Boys or Nancy Drew will enjoy the detective elements, while Magic Tree House readers will appreciate the mix of history and adventure. What sets Ballpark Mysteries apart is its deep connection to baseball—it’s a love letter to the sport while still being a great mystery series.

Strengths:
✔ Engaging, fast-paced mysteries
✔ Well-developed, relatable protagonists
✔ Clever integration of real baseball history
✔ Great for reluctant readers (short chapters, high interest)

Minor Weaknesses:
❌ Some mysteries are simpler than others (The Philly Fake felt a bit predictable)
❌ Adults might crave deeper character arcs (but that’s not the target audience)

• Ages 7-12 (perfect for middle-grade readers)
• Baseball fans (any kid who loves the sport will adore these books)
• Mystery lovers (if they enjoy puzzles and clues, they’ll be hooked)
• Teachers & parents (great for encouraging reading and teaching problem-solving)

"The ivy at Wrigley Field isn’t just for looks—it’s hiding secrets." (The Wrigley Riddle)

"A splash hit isn’t just a home run—it’s a message in a bottle." (The San Francisco Splash)

These lines capture the series’ blend of baseball lore and mystery.

Each book dives into the history of its ballpark, from Wrigley’s ivy to the Marlins’ home run sculpture. Kelly makes learning fun, sneaking in facts about legendary players and stadium quirks.

Ballpark Mysteries Collection: Books 6-10 is a fantastic addition to any young reader’s shelf. With engaging mysteries, lovable characters, and a deep love for baseball, David A. Kelly has created a series that’s both entertaining and enriching. Whether your child is a sports fanatic or just loves a good puzzle, this collection is a grand slam.

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Discussion Questions for Readers:

• Which ballpark would you most want to visit after reading these books?
• Do you think Mike or Kate is the better detective? Why?
• If you could write a Ballpark Mystery, which stadium would you choose and what would the mystery be?

Let me know your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear which book was your favorite! ⚾📚

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