The Mighty Muskrats are back in The Case of the Rigged Race by Michael Hutchinson.

Sam, Otter, Atim and Chickadee are back, this time they are on the case of a sabateur. When the Trapper’s Festival dog sled race is threatened by a sabateur, the Mighty Muskrats are eager to solve the case because Atim is a victim of a nefarious plot to stop the race.

Michael Hutchinson weaves a story of mystery and intrigue and leaves readers guessing throughout the whole story. When the crime is solved, there is still more learning to do, for everyone in the story. I really love the different paths this book takes.

I really love this series, it has a real Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew feel but more inclusive. Not only do the cousins work together to solve the crimes they also learn very important lessons about their community, life, and growing up Cree. I also appreciate how the perpetrator is never the most obvious person. Michael Hutchinson shares many different perspectives in his writing and passes along valuable life lessons to readers about how to live in community and listen to each other, even when our perspectives differ from one another. He also includes Cree teachings throughout to give readers a greater appreciation and understanding of the land we live on.

The Mighty Muskrats Series is an excellent series for middle grade readers.