Ernestine Jones, aka Eagle-Eye Ernie, became a detective after she and her parents moved from Newport News, Virginia, to White Bear Lake, Minnesota.  She solves mysteries at her school and around her new town with the help of her friends: William, Michael, and R.T. (Rachel).  They call themselves “the Martians” because Michael is interested in outer space and likes calling everyone a Martian.

This is a good mystery series for early elementary school students who are just beginning to get into chapter books.  It’s pretty easy reading, and all of the books have nice black-and-white drawings.

Books in the Series:

Eagle-Eye Ernie Comes to Town (1990)

When Ernie first moves to her new town, the other kids suspect her of being a thief because someone has started stealing things from lunches at their school.  Can Ernie find the real thief and prove her innocence?

The Bogeyman Caper (1990)

Ernie and her friends investigate a spooky old house and its mysterious inhabitant.  Is it really the Bogeyman?

The Campfire Ghosts (1990)

When things start disappearing on a Thanksgiving camping trip, the others suspect that it could be ghosts until Ernie finds the real thief.

The Tap Dance Mystery (1990)

Marcie’s tap shoes disappear while the kids are practicing their act for the Parents’ Night talent show.  Ernie tries to find them before Parents’ Night and to clear the name of an innocent person.

The Spooky Sleepover (1991)

Ernie holds a sleepover for her friends shortly before Halloween, and one of them insists that her house is haunted by an old witch and her cats.

The Spy Code Caper (1991)

On a rainy day, the kids are bored until they see a mysterious stranger lurking around an empty house on Ernie’s street, leaving behind what appears to be a coded message. Could the stranger be a spy?

The Green Magician Puzzle (1991)

The kids’ teacher is holding a riddle contest to decide who will get to play the roles of the Green Magicians in their class play for Earth Day. With Ernie’s reputation for solving mysteries, will she be able to solve all of the riddles?

The 123 Zoo Mystery (1991)

Strange things are happening in Room 123 at school.  Who is letting all these animals loose and why?