The Absent Author summary (A to Z Mysteries) by Ron Roy includes insights into each chapter, book analytics, and its educational value. It provides the book summary and information about the book publication, the author, the book’s rating, and details regarding various editions. Last updated in February 2024, the summary ensures current and relevant information for readers.
The Absent Author Book Introduction
“The Absent Author: A to Z Mysteries” is a captivating mystery book written by Ron Roy. The book comprises 10 chapters and spans 96 pages, with a total word count of 24,000 words. It is presented in the English language and is part of the first edition.
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers, “The Absent Author: A to Z Mysteries” was released on September 23, 1997. The book has received positive acclaim, reflected in its high rating of 4.6. It has become immensely popular, with a remarkable 15.3 million copies sold, making it a bestseller. This engaging mystery has found its greatest appeal in the United States, where it has gained widespread recognition and popularity among readers.
The Absent Author Summary
In the book the Absent Author Summary Dink writes a letter to his beloved mystery author, Wallis Wallace, inviting him to Green Lawn. To Dink’s surprise, Wallace agrees to come, but he’s nowhere to be found on the scheduled day. While the police think he simply missed his flight, Dink suspects something more sinister. Alongside his friends Josh and Ruth Rose, Dink sets out to find the famous writer before it’s too late.
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In this installment, “A” stands for “author.” When Dink hears that Wallis Wallace is visiting Green Lawn, he rushes to the bookstore to meet his favorite writer and get his books signed. But Wallace never shows up! What happened to him? Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose embark on a mission to track him down.
Dink, whose real name is Donald David Dunkin, sends a letter to Wallis Wallace, sharing his excitement about the author’s visit and even sending a photo of himself. Wallace confirms his plans to visit but doesn’t provide a photo in return.
Plot
In the summary of the book, The Absent Author, The story kicks off on the day of Wallis’s book signing at the local bookstore in Dink’s town. Accompanied by his pals, Josh Pinto and Ruth Rose, Dink eagerly heads to the bustling bookshop. However, Wallis fails to show up, leading to the cancellation of the event by the owner, Mr. Paskey. Dink isn’t just disappointed; he’s worried. According to a letter from Wallis, he wouldn’t attend the signing unless he was kidnapped.
In the book the Absent Author Summary, during their discussion about Wallis’s absence, a woman named Mavis Green approaches Dink. Claiming to be a fan of Wallis, she reveals a letter from the author expressing concerns about being followed. Determined to uncover the truth, Dink, Mavis, and his friends team up to investigate.
Thinking about Wallis’s itinerary, Dink checks if he’s on his scheduled flight and talks to the cab driver and motel receptionist. Suspicious noises near Wallis’s room prompt the kids to investigate further. They find a man tied up inside the room, claiming to be Wallis. However, Ruth Rose remains skeptical and shares clues she noticed while with Mavis.
To their surprise, Mavis reveals that she is Wallis Wallace, using a pen name. The man in the room is her brother, part of her plan along with Mr. Paskey and Mr. Linkletter. Mavis explains that she’s researching for her new mystery novel about children solving a missing author case and plans to dedicate it to Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose.
Characters of the Book
These are the main character of the book the Absent Author Summary.
Donald David “Dink” Duncan:
- Dink is a central figure in the The Absent Author: A to Z Mysteries series, known for his sharp humor and wit.
- He is a third-grader, eight years old, with a memorable nickname stemming from his childhood attempt to say his full name, Donald David Duncan.
- Dink forms strong bonds with his classmates Josh Pinto and Ruth Rose Hathaway, with whom he embarks on thrilling adventures.
- His family includes his father, Mr. Duncan, mother, Mrs. Duncan, and cousin Lucy Duncan.
- Dink’s beloved pet guinea pig, Loretta, adds warmth and charm to his household.
Joshua “Josh” Pinto:
- Josh is another key protagonist in the series, renowned for his bravery and loyalty.
- He is an integral part of the trio alongside Dink and Ruth Rose.
- Josh resides near Dink and Ruth Rose on Woody Street, close to Green Lawn Elementary School.
- Known for his readiness to assist friends in solving mysteries, Josh brings courage and determination to their endeavors.
Ruth Rose Hathaway:
- Ruth Rose is a pivotal character in the book The Absent Author summary, contributing her intelligence and fearlessness to the group.
- Living in proximity to Dink and Josh, Ruth Rose is known for her adventurous spirit and willingness to tackle challenges head-on.
- Her name is derived from the Rose garden at Green Lawn, symbolizing her connection to her neighborhood.
- Ruth Rose’s unwavering support and resourcefulness make her an invaluable member of the trio.
Other Major Characters:
- Wallis Wallace: A central figure whose mysterious disappearance sets the stage for the story’s unfolding mystery in the Absent Author Summary.
- Mr. Linkletter: Involved in the investigation surrounding Wallis Wallace’s disappearance, Mr. Linkletter adds intrigue to the storyline.
- Mavis Green: Playing a significant role in connecting with Dink and his friends, Mavis contributes to unraveling the mystery surrounding Wallis Wallace.
- Livia Nugent: Another key character whose involvement adds depth to the plot, Livia’s presence adds layers of complexity to the narrative.
Conflict and Solution:
Conflict: The central conflict in this charming children’s In the book the Absent Author Summary revolves around the disappearance of the famous author, Wallis Wallace. Set in the summer in the town of Green Lawn, the story unfolds over just two days. Ruth Rose, who loves the color purple, and Josh, a timid youngster who follows Dink and Ruth, join Dink, the group’s leader, in unraveling the mystery.
Solution: As the children investigate, they uncover that Mavis Green is actually Wallis Wallace, and her brother was the man found in the room. Mavis staged her disappearance to gather inspiration for a new novel, intrigued by how children would approach solving a kidnapping. With their discovery, the mystery is solved, highlighting the resourcefulness and bravery of the young protagonists. This book is written at a level perfect for young readers.