Coop Knows the Scoop, Taryn Souders (Book Review)

Summary: Coop Knows the Scoop

When a dead body is found in Coop’s small town, he and his best friends Justice and Liberty are intrigued and want to help solve the mystery. But the stakes get even higher when Coop’s grandfather is accused of murdering the victim (who turned out to be Coop’s missing grandma!). Can Coop get the scoop on this mystery and save his grandfather before it’s too late?

The Good

I really liked this mystery. I had a paperback copy but could not get into the writing style until I listened to the audiobook (audiobooks for the win!), which is narrated in the perfect Southern accent that brings life to the small-town drama. Coop and his friends are fun to hang out with, and the mystery feels really high-stakes, which I think more tweens are looking for.

This book also explores a few other themes such the grief of losing a parent (although gentler since Coop’s dad died years ago), a potential blended family as Coop’s mother seems interested in a family friend, and a nice easy-going friendship. I figured out the murderer a beat before the reveal but there are so many twists and turns to keep readers engaged throughout this one.

Overall: Coop Knows the Scoop

Coop Knows the Scoop is a thrilling middle grade mystery with a rollercoaster of a narrative and seriously high stakes. Filled with serious small-town vibes, including a close-knit community, plenty of gossip, and a cafe that’s also a bookstore (this delighted me to no end). If you’re looking for an engaging audiobook or middle grade mystery, this should be on your list!