THE CASE OF THE FOREST FINGERS

A group of ambitious youngsters take on their first case.

Drawn in manga style, this graphic novel introduces the Mystery Science Club: Kihan Shin, the black-haired, energetic leader; Hannah Kang, a red-haired photographer with a black belt in Taekwondo; and Terry, the blond-haired scientist and drone expert. A black-and-white cat named Kkami rounds out the group and is the team mascot. Though the kids have taken on a few minor mysteries, mainly involving slight misunderstandings, they finally have the opportunity to solve a real case when Yunjin Ryu rushes to a club meeting. He explains that he was playing baseball with friends when one of them hit his autographed ball into the woods. Searching for his ball alone, he skidded down a cliff, ended up in a seemingly haunted cabin, and then was attacked by zombie hands popping up from the ground. He hightailed it home, leaving his ball behind. Intrigued, the club members take their tools and retrace Ryu’s steps to retrieve the ball. Various puzzles and challenges related to the clues are interspersed between chapters. Each seemingly supernatural occurrence is debunked by scientific explanations, mixed with plenty of expressive comedy. The narrative is well paced, with sharp dialogue and deftly shaded full-color panels. A case report offers more information on the mold and fungi at the heart of the story. A sequel is strongly hinted at. Names imply Asian ancestry for most characters.

Slightly spooky and brimming with action, this mystery is definitely a crowd-pleaser.