Seeking the Perfect Sleuth

Here on Sleuths, Spies and Alibis ,we are focusing on our favorite characters (sleuths!) for the month of February. As authors of mystery fiction we need to be especially careful to equip our sleuths with the qualities and talents they need to succeed on their mission. I submit to you, then, my help wanted ad for the next great YA sleuth.

Looking for a young adult sleuth to solve a fictional mystery, ages 14-18. Must be curious, very curious. So curious that it’s almost a problem. Must be extremely courageous and willing to work under difficult, even life-threatening conditions to solve a case. Must be observant and able to keep focus on the tiniest of details amid chaotic circumstances. Creativity and ingenuity are key to good problem-solving A strong memory—or where needed, a good video camera—can be especially helpful on the job. Candidates should be relatively sassy and unafraid to buck authority when necessary. Persistence, a strong moral center and the ability to be a team player or at least work in tandem with partners are essential to this post. The following talents are recommended but not required: an interest in forensics; a cursory understanding of the criminal mind; a knack for blending in or disguising one’s self; techniques for breaking into locked buildings, safes, etc,; the ability to keep a straight face and the ability to detect a lie on another person’s face. A driver’s license is preferred but not required. Patience and a sense of humor a plus, as is a cute animal companion and a good pair of running shoes. All interested, please inquire within.

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Elisa Ludwig's debut young adult novel PRETTY CROOKED (Katherine Tegen/HarperCollins), will be released next month. It's the story of Willa Fox, a teen girl who goes Robin Hood on her rich classmates, and it's the first of a trilogy. Even though she had to extensively research pickpocketing techniques to write it, she remains a law-abiding citizen. Elisa lives in Philadelphia with her husband Jesse.