Case Closed #3: Haunting at the Hotel
#3 of 4 in Case Closed Series
on Goodreads (141)
What’s inside...
Pick-your-own-path and puzzle-packed mystery collide in the third book in Lauren Magaziner’s hilarious and interactive middle grade series. In the Case Closed books, the reader helps Carlos and his friends hunt ghosts at a haunted hotel. In this wildly entertaining adventure, YOU pick which suspects to interview, which questions to ask, and which clues to follow. You pick the path—you crack the case! Carlos Serrano is now officially an apprentice detective at Las Pistas Detective Agency. He finally earned his mom’s trust, but his next case will be his most difficult one yet. Guests at a creepy mountain hotel are complaining of weird disturbances, threatening messages, and hair-raising howls! Carlos, along with his best friend, Eliza, and her wacky little brother, Frank, arrive on the scene to investigate a ghost. What secrets is this haunted hotel hiding? With tricky puzzles, ghoulish secrets, ectoplasmic enemies, and dozens of impossible choices, these junior detectives need your sleuthing skills! Can you help Carlos and his friends unravel the mystery before it’s too late? Or will it be case closed? Middle grade readers will enjoy all four books in this favorite series: Mystery in the Mansion (#1), Stolen from the Studio (#2), Haunting at the Hotel (#3), and Danger on the Dig (#4).
Character compass
Carlos Serrano
Frank
Eliza
Discussion points
Why do you think Vincent turned out to be the one haunting the hotel?
How did the friendship between Carlos, Eliza, and Tawny change throughout their adventure?
What would you have done differently if you were solving the haunted hotel mystery?
How did the characters use their unique skills to solve the mystery? Which skill did you find the most useful?
How do you think the guests felt when they found out the hotel was haunted? How would you feel in that situation?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they think about haunted stories and if they have ever felt scared of something unknown.
Encourage your child to predict the plot and the mystery's resolution before it is revealed in the book.
As you discuss the book, relate the problem-solving techniques used by the characters to real-life situations your child might encounter.
Highlight the importance of teamwork as seen in the book, and discuss with your child times when they had to work with others to achieve a common goal.
After finishing the book, ask your child to draw their favorite scene or character, and explain why they chose that particular one.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Throughout 'Haunting at the Hotel', the young detectives face numerous puzzles and challenges that they must solve to advance their investigation.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of thinking critically and creatively when faced with problems, helping them manage everyday challenges and school tasks more effectively.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and cooperation
Explanation: The characters in the book often work together, pooling their individual strengths to solve the mysteries they encounter.
Real-World Application: This story highlights the benefits of collaboration, teaching children how to work well with others in group projects or team sports.
Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: The young detectives must confront spooky and unexpected situations in the haunted hotel, demonstrating bravery.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of facing their fears, whether it's trying new activities, meeting new people, or dealing with difficult situations at school.
Example Lesson: Importance of curiosity
Explanation: The protagonist's curiosity drives them to ask questions and explore the unknown, which is crucial in solving the mystery.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be inquisitive about the world around them, enhancing their learning and understanding of different subjects.
Example Lesson: Ethical decision-making
Explanation: The detectives face several moral dilemmas where they have to choose between easy solutions and doing the right thing.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to think about integrity and the impact of their choices, helping them develop a strong moral compass in real-life situations.