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by Elizabeth Arthur (Author), Steven Bauer (Author)
A killer hides in the shadows - and the shadows take many forms.
Step into mysteries that demand courage, discernment, and the will to seek the truth. Conceived and co-written by the daughter of Robert Arthur - the creator of the Three Investigators universe - this restoration of the classic series takes its iconic characters into a new age, with gripping contemporary adventures for young readers who crave meaning, want to share in the growth of characters they admire, and seek a world they can return to again and again.
In the nineteenth book of a 26-book story arc, Jupiter, Pete, and Bob are thrilled to reconnect with their old friend Chang Green, who they haven't seen in years. Chang and his Aunt Lydia are in Los Angeles, seeking the Investigators' help with a mystery surrounding Big Dragon Labs, a powerful pharmaceutical company. Henry Lui, a top chemist, has died under strange circumstances, and his mysterious death seems connected to a dangerous drug he had created and that he was attempting to destroy - a drug that turns people first into docile sheep and then into violent beasts. Was he murdered to prevent the drug's destruction?
As the investigation deepens, the team uncovers more questions. Min Bao, a scientist who recently defected from China, has taken over Henry's lab. But is the drug safe with her? The Dragon Boat Festival in L.A.'s Chinatown seems to be the perfect cover for criminals trying to sell the dangerous compound to the highest bidder. With attendees dressed as the five poisonous creatures - spiders, snakes, centipedes, scorpions, and toads - disguises are easy to come by.
A crucial clue emerges in the form of a butterfly tattoo on Min Bao's wrist, but it's Bob Andrews's growing interest in his Chinese ancestry that unlocks a deeper connection to the mystery. His grandmother, once part of a Chinese shadow puppet troupe, knew a man named Killian Kwan, who became famous for his accidental killing of his taekwondo instructor before going on to star in kung fu films like Iron Tiger. Could Kwan's appearance at a performance of the shadow puppet troupe be more than coincidence?
What secrets are hidden behind Big Dragon Labs' elaborate security? Why was Henry Lui intent on destroying his own creation? Who stands to profit from the drug's release, and what dangers does the drug pose to the world?
Join Jupiter, Pete, Bob, Mallory, and Chang as they race to uncover the truth about a deadly drug, face a villain disguised as a toad, and unspool a string of greed, lies, and deceit. Can they stop a global disaster before it's unleashed? The clock is ticking - and every second counts!
