Cam and Eric solve the mystery of the stolen school computers using clues (footprints in the snow) and inductive and deductive reasoning. ( )

Cam Jansen, the fifth-grader with a photographic memory and a penchant for solving crimes, returns in this twenty-fourth chapter-book devoted to her adventures. When three computers go missing from their classroom one snowy day, Cam and her best friend Eric swing into gear, determined to catch the thieves...

As I mentioned in my review of the previous installment of this series, Cam Jansen and the Tennis Trophy Mystery, I tend to find the earlier Cam Jansen books more engaging than the later ones. This is owing, no doubt, to some nostalgia, as I have fond memories of reading those earlier Cam Jansen books when I was in primary school. That said, I also think that author David A. Adler's choice to set his earlier stories outside of school hours may have been a factor, as I struggle to suspend my disbelief, when it comes to the permissive attitude of Cam and Eric's teachers and school principle, when it comes to them running around school during class time, questioning staff and conducting their investigations. This unlikely scenario struck me in the previous book, and it struck me here, in Cam Jansen and the Snowy Day Mystery. Of course, it's entirely possible that this will not be a stumbling block for young readers, who may accept the premise with no question. Leaving that aside, although there isn't much to this one, I would still recommend it to fans of the character and her adventures, and to beginning chapter-book readers who enjoy mysteries. ( )

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Cam and her pal Eric help the school solve the mystery of who stole three computers on a snowy day. After investigation, thought and memories, the mystery is solved and the thieves are arrested.