In Absolutely Truly, author Heather Vogel Frederick creates the fictional town of Pumpkin Falls, New Hampshire, and her story provides the perfect introduction to cozy mysteries for young readers. The main character, Truly Lovejoy, and her family move to quaint little Pumpkin Falls to help out her family’s book store. While at the store, Truly finds a long lost love letter inside the pages of a valuable first edition copy of Charlotte’s Web. When the book goes missing, the future of the family book store is put at risk, so with her friends Cha Cha and Lucas, Truly forms the Pumpkin Falls Private Eyes to solve the mystery.

Vogel Frederick does a great job establishing the cozy town of Pumpkin Falls as well as its historic background, and soon you’ll think you’re a resident, knowing exactly where the school, hair salon, Earl’s Coins and Stamps, and Lou’s Diner are all located. The wintry setting will even encourage you to curl up with the book on a cold evening. Also, the story features characters going through many things that teens and tweens can relate to, such as watching parents deal with grief and loss, moving to a new place, trying to make new friends, bullying, and staying in touch with your old friends.

The book even has a recipe for the mini pumpkin whoopie pies Truly’s aunt keeps offering to people throughout the story. Folks should pick up this book if they are looking for a light-hearted cozy mystery to read on a chilly winter’s evening. Also, check out the follow up to the book, Yours Truly, as well.