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Ben Zackheim
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Shirley Link & The Safe Case Kindle Edition

by Ben Graham (Author), Robin Hoffman (Illustrator) Format: Kindle Edition
4.2 out of 5 stars 961 ratings
Emily Neuburger, Parents Magazine (online)
"Shirley Link is a new girl detective series that my daughter is crazy about. This is an amazing series, my friends! Your kids will be hooked and you'll feel really good about it." Shirley Link is a 14-year old detective, but she doesn't want anyone to know about her sleuthing skills. Whenever she uses her powers of observation she gets into trouble. An example? She wrote a school paper about a tough case she'd solved over summer vacation. “It’s not a creative writing assignment, Shirley," the teacher scolded. "You were supposed to write about what actually happened.” “I did,” she said, louder than she meant to. But he gave her a D anyway. So when the school principal needs Shirley's help to catch a thief she tries to do it quietly. Can she track down a criminal who's clever enough to steal $35,000 and the one-ton safe it was kept in? Can she do it without the whole world finding out about her detective skills? Hint: the answer to one of those questions is, no. A great read for kids (and their adults).
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  1. Reading age
    9 - 13 years, from customers
  2. Book 1 of 5
    Shirley Link
  3. Print length
    103 pages
  4. Language
    English
  5. Accessibility
    Learn more
  6. Publication date
    January 3, 2014
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Shirley Link is a new girl detective series that my daughter is crazy about. This is an amazing series, my friends! Your kids will be hooked and you'll feel really good about it." - Parents.com
"This Veronica Mars for the tween-set is funny, smart, and full of preternatural wisdom. A 13 year old gumshoe with crazy perception skills, Shirley Link sets out to solve the mystery of a missing school safe while at the same time juggling jealous best friends, boys, and homework. She does this with aplomb and the occasional, hilarious zinger." - Edward Hemingway, Author, Bad Apple

About the Author

Shirley Link, a Mystery series for kids 8-12 years old, has been my focus since 2012. Shirley's fun because she knows what she's doing. There's no stumbling across victory. She plans eight moves ahead. I could write her forever, and plan to. 

I live in Massachusetts, surrounded by the Forbidden Forest, with my wife and son. I started teaching classes in digital publishing and marketing at New York's School of Visual Arts MFA Visual Narrative program in 2015.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B008HSH89I
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Self Published
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 3, 2014
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.2 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 103 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 5 ‏ : ‎ Shirley Link
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 9 - 13 years, from customers
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 out of 5 stars 961 ratings

About the author

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Ben Zackheim

Ben Zackheim

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Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Sign up for Ben's newsletter and enjoy discounts, perks and peeks at his upcoming releases at http://www.benzackheim.com

Ben's storytelling adventures started as a Production Assistant on the set of the film, A River Runs Throught It. After forgetting to bring the crew's walkie talkies on the first day of shooting, losing Robert Redford's jacket on a freezing morning, and asking Brad Pitt if he was related to Paul Newman (in front of Paul Newman) he decided that film production didn't "speak" to him. Since no one else on the set would speak to him either, he knew he needed to find work that required minimal human contact.

Writing. That did the trick.

His Relics series has earned praise from readers and author-readers alike. Joseph Nassise, New York Times bestselling author of the Templar Chronicles says, "The action and hilarity are non-stop in this rip-roaring thrill ride of an adventure. Ben Zackheim delivers!"

Author, John P. Logsdon (ononokin and Ian Dex) says, "Zackheim's tomes are a never-ending rollercoaster ride...the kind you want to go forwards and backwards on, even after downing a pound of pizza and ice cream. Relentlessly entertaining and often hilarious..."

Stephen King says, "I'm not providing blurbs at this time," but Ben is chipping away at King's resolve.

Ben has taken up the writerly life in the Forbidden Forest at 42.5098° N, 72.6995° W.

Sign up for his newsletter and enjoy peeks at upcoming releases at http://www.benzackheim.com

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
961 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be a fun, fast-paced mystery that's perfect for young readers, particularly ages 7-10. The story features an engaging heroine with memorable characters, and customers appreciate its humorous, up-tempo writing style. They praise the writing quality, with one customer noting how the protagonist uses brilliant deductive reasoning to solve crimes.

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42 customers mention "Readability"42 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy and fun to read, particularly enjoying it as a short read on a lazy afternoon.

"...After all, it's the detail that always catches the crooks. Reading Shirley was easy...." Read more

"...of the TV series Veronica Mars, so when I found this book I was absolutely delighted. Shirley is the middle grade equivalent...." Read more

"...novel, “Shirley Link & the Safe Case,” is a quick read that holds your interest. Shirley Link is an 8th grader who has definite crime solving skills...." Read more

"4.5*. This is a really amusing and cute story, especially for kids and young teens...." Read more

33 customers mention "Story quality"29 positive4 negative

Customers enjoy the story of this mystery book, finding it entertaining and fast-paced, with one customer noting its strong plot.

"...I felt the style flowed and the mystery was revealed at a good pace...." Read more

"...Just another great example of a very cool middle grade mystery which I think reluctant and avid readers would really enjoy...." Read more

"...It is a really short book and would do wonders with kids. The concept is captivating and story is crisp without any scope of mind wandering...." Read more

"...So, you have an engaging personality in your hero, a decent mystery, solid writing craftsmanship, better than average dialogue, and a bit of..." Read more

16 customers mention "Ages"16 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate that the book is well-suited for young readers, particularly ages 7-10, with one customer noting its suitability for reading teachers.

"...Recommended for kids ages 8 to 11." Read more

"...It is a really short book and would do wonders with kids. The concept is captivating and story is crisp without any scope of mind wandering...." Read more

"...-hard-boiled dialogue really is very funny, and very well aimed at the middle grade sensibility...." Read more

"4.5*. This is a really amusing and cute story, especially for kids and young teens...." Read more

16 customers mention "Likability"14 positive2 negative

Customers enjoy the characters in the book, particularly the engaging heroine and memorable personalities.

"...Cue the start of a series. Along with her endearing personality, Shirley has an incredible eye for detail that is her strongest weapon...." Read more

"...Shirley Link is an instantly likable kid detective, who is very intelligent but a very normal teenager...." Read more

"...So, you have an engaging personality in your hero, a decent mystery, solid writing craftsmanship, better than average dialogue, and a bit of..." Read more

"...Shirley and her friends were likeable, and she reminds me of a younger Nancy Drew, which is the girl detective I grew up with. Over all, enjoyed!..." Read more

12 customers mention "Writing quality"12 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, finding it well-crafted, with one customer specifically noting it as part of a detective series.

"..."bad guy" wasn't so obvious, but overall this was a good series introduction...." Read more

"...The mystery was fast paced, funny and very cleverly done, but I can't go any further without offering spoilers...." Read more

"...an engaging personality in your hero, a decent mystery, solid writing craftsmanship, better than average dialogue, and a bit of attitude...." Read more

"...That's what makes this a brilliant novel: it could go up or down, age-wise. Reading teachers will find it very useful." Read more

11 customers mention "Intelligence"10 positive1 negative

Customers appreciate the intelligence in the book, noting its detailed descriptions and clever plotting, with one customer highlighting the brilliant deductive reasoning used to solve crimes.

"...Along with her endearing personality, Shirley has an incredible eye for detail that is her strongest weapon...." Read more

"...uses brilliant deductive reasoning to solve crimes...." Read more

"...Shirley is the middle grade equivalent. She is smart, witty and has awesome observation skills, but of course is completely and utterly..." Read more

"...Shirley Link is an 8th grader who has definite crime solving skills. She isn’t shy about claiming her detective talents and uses her skills for good...." Read more

9 customers mention "Humor"9 positive0 negative

Customers find the book humorous, with its up-tempo writing and clever dialogue.

"...Simple as that. It's written with such a good sense of humour and Shirley herself is absolutely likable, clever, and friendly...." Read more

"...Shirley is the middle grade equivalent. She is smart, witty and has awesome observation skills, but of course is completely and utterly..." Read more

"...There’s humor and tongue in cheek. Kids will recognize their teachers, friends, and principals in the story...." Read more

"...And, some of the middle-grade-hard-boiled dialogue really is very funny, and very well aimed at the middle grade sensibility...." Read more

4 customers mention "Heart"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the heart of the book, with one review noting how it involves relationships and feelings.

"...Although she has such great skills, I like that she remains grounded and kind." Read more

"...are interesting, spark imagination and curiosity, and even involve relationships/feelings. And most of all,they are FUN! Don't miss them!" Read more

"I love it,the author took time and put love in it its like reading twenty different mystery books beautiful so beautiful" Read more

"This YA caper has a lot of heart!..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • SJJM
    5.0 out of 5 stars Shirley Link is a really good book. Simple as that.
    Reviewed in the United States on June 17, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Shirley Link is a really good book. Simple as that. It's written with such a good sense of humour and Shirley herself is absolutely likable, clever, and friendly. She seems to be making quite a name for herself in her hometown as mystery solver, a future Miss Marple or Jessica Fletcher, perhaps. Cue the start of a series.

    Along with her endearing personality, Shirley has an incredible eye for detail that is her strongest weapon. After all, it's the detail that always catches the crooks. Reading Shirley was easy. I felt the style flowed and the mystery was revealed at a good pace.

    In a Nutshell | Shirley Link is a Miss Marple of the future, but perhaps not so old and stodgy. Although she has such great skills, I like that she remains grounded and kind.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Alysa H.
    4.0 out of 5 stars Fun Middle Grade Mystery
    Reviewed in the United States on February 11, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    I don't read a lot of mysteries, but I've started to actively look for books that I'll be able to read with my young daughter within the next few years. This story -- and it really is a story, not a novel -- fits the bill nicely.

    Like a young Sherlock, Shirley Link (love the name!) uses brilliant deductive reasoning to solve crimes. Also like Sherlock, or more specifically the current BBC version of Sherlock, Shirley has to fight against using her powers for evil.

    I wish the whole thing was longer, the other characters were a bit more developed, and the "bad guy" wasn't so obvious, but overall this was a good series introduction. One caveat is that Shirley and her friends read younger than their stated age. This is Middle Grade skewing towards children, not YA.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Jujuberry37
    5.0 out of 5 stars Veronica Mars for Middle Grade, loved it
    Reviewed in the United States on June 19, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    Well, to preface this review I must tell you of my absolute love of the TV series Veronica Mars, so when I found this book I was absolutely delighted. Shirley is the middle grade equivalent. She is smart, witty and has awesome observation skills, but of course is completely and utterly misunderstood by most of her teachers. Her friends totally get her though and I loved the way the author portrayed Shirley and her friends accepting each others quirks and working to their strengths.

    The mystery was fast paced, funny and very cleverly done, but I can't go any further without offering spoilers. I liked Shirley from the get go, along with her crazy cop mum and eccentric dad.

    This was a quick clean read, with a dash of unrequited love and a smidgen of mild violence. Just another great example of a very cool middle grade mystery which I think reluctant and avid readers would really enjoy. I recommend if for children aged 10+
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Gabriel Legend
    3.0 out of 5 stars Mediocre Middle-Grade Mystery
    Reviewed in the United States on July 12, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Books that I read (especially Kindle self-published books) can be divided into two broad categories: books that I was able to finish and books that I had to discard somewhere in the first few chapters. While this book fell into the former category, it was a close call.

    The main issue was that Shirley just wasn't likable. She was vain, preening and had no redeeming qualities to balance those things out. Her two "assistants. I mean, friends," were little more than her personal studio audience, marveling at her crime-solving abilities and applauding like sycophantic puppets at every little thing she did. In addition, the other characters acted unrealistically, enlisting a kid to help them solve a potentially dangerous crime, especially one that needed to be kept secret and that the police were already working on. Of course, Shirley already knew about the secret stash of money, and why not; she knew everything else there was to know.

    The plot was also flimsy. There was no mention of checking security cameras, and the internet was used as a font of endless information, telling Shirley not only that her principal was having financial problems (seriously? she gets emailed whenever someone files for bankruptcy?), that the librarian's house was in foreclosure and that the assistant principal was independently wealthy. Sorry, but it doesn't work like that. There were no clues, no following the clues and none of those magic moments when the main character figures something out and the reader goes back and reads the last few scenes trying to do the same. The Three Investigators mystery series was a master of this.

    However, there is no denying that Mr. Zackheim has talent and hopefully, I will try another mystery series by him in the near future that satisfies me like a good middle-grade mystery should.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • PACole
    5.0 out of 5 stars Shirley is the Link to solving the case of the principal's missing safe.
    Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Ben Zackheim's middle grade novel, “Shirley Link & the Safe Case,” is a quick read that holds your interest. Shirley Link is an 8th grader who has definite crime solving skills. She isn’t shy about claiming her detective talents and uses her skills for good. In this story, a huge safe is stolen from the principal’s office with $30,000 saved for a new library. How the thief took the whole safe, when it wouldn’t even fit through the doorway is what Shirley has to figure out. The principal asks Shirley to clear his name and find out who took the money and how. And she does just that with the help of her friend, Wylie.

    Mr. Zackheim introduces all of the characters in believable fashion and this detective story in a school setting moves along at a good pace. There’s humor and tongue in cheek. Kids will recognize their teachers, friends, and principals in the story. There are several more Shirley Link detective cases for kids to enjoy.

    Recommended for kids ages 8 to 11.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Devi Nair
    5.0 out of 5 stars Shirley Link - a very cute but intelligent detective
    Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    This is one of the cutest books I have read. Shirley Link is an instantly likable kid detective, who is very intelligent but a very normal teenager. She has this adorable couple of friends, Marie and Wylie, who like each other but do not accept it. Shirley, however, has her head strong on her shoulders, at least that is what she thinks.

    There is absolutely nothing I did not like about this book. It is a really short book and would do wonders with kids. The concept is captivating and story is crisp without any scope of mind wandering. I would love to read more of Shirley and her friends. They are definitely here to stay.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Amelie
    5.0 out of 5 stars Case Closed!
    Reviewed in Australia on January 8, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    A very very good book with an magnificent plot. It kept me guessing right untill the end! This book is a must read! :)
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  • Kayleigh Lacerda
    5.0 out of 5 stars Cool
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 7, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    excellent book , I would totally recommend it to all the other mystery loving girls like me. really epic, awesome
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  • Kiran
    1.0 out of 5 stars boring
    Reviewed in India on September 30, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    absolutely boring and bad didnt like this book ben graham this is the worst book doesnt make sense and i dont like the name shirley link bad book
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  • bookworm
    2.0 out of 5 stars Shirley link and the safe case
    Reviewed in Australia on December 25, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    It was a bit weird and strange but it was a different type of book so I put in two stars
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  • Mustafa
    4.0 out of 5 stars A bit to obvious!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 12, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    I think that this book was alright but the thing that I didn't like was that it was obvious. I felt that it was easy to figure out the criminal. Overall this book was interesting and I enjoyed it a lot.
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