Stanley Family Series by Zilpha Keatley Snyder

When the four Stanley children meet Amanda, their new stepsister, they're amazed to learn she studies witchcraft. When she shares her secrets, strange things start happening in their old house. They suspect Amanda until they learn the house was long ago haunted by a ghost that cut off the head of a wooden cupid on the stairway. A Newbery Honor Book.

One by one, dogs are disappearing from thirteen-year-old David Stanley's neighborhood. Who could be taking people's pets? David's eight-year-old sister Janie has just founded the J.V. Stanley detective agency and she's determined to find out. It looks like a case of dognapping, and neighbors are accusing her friends the Trans, a Vietnamese family new to the area. In no time at all David fins himself, Thuy and Huy Tran, and the rest of the Stanley family involved in a search for a missing poodle... moreOne by one, dogs are disappearing from thirteen-year-old David Stanley's neighborhood. Who could be taking people's pets? David's eight-year-old sister Janie has just founded the J.V. Stanley detective agency and she's determined to find out. It looks like a case of dognapping, and neighbors are accusing her friends the Trans, a Vietnamese family new to the area. In no time at all David fins himself, Thuy and Huy Tran, and the rest of the Stanley family involved in a search for a missing poodle. But solving crimes can be dangerous, even deadly. Before long, Janie's private eyes are up to their necks in danger and it's up to David to get them out of it!"This fourth book about the eccentric but believable Stanleys and their madcap adventures stands well on its own. . . . Funny and fast-paced."--Kirkus Reviews"The mystery is credibly solved in a nicely crafted story that has suspense, humor, and natural dialogue."--Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books"A funny and quick read that fans of the Stanley family will enjoy. . . ."--School Library Journal less