WALDAMEER MYSTERY FILES
CHILDREN'S BOOKS
Exciting mysteries with heart, for readers 8-12
In the Waldameer Mystery Files children's books, siblings Seth and Julia solve mysteries at Waldameer & Water World in Erie, Pennsylvania. The kid detectives follow clues, outsmart bullies, and make unexpected friendships--all while learning real Waldameer history.
The Waldameer Mystery Files series is written by David Gorman, whose family owns and operates Waldameer.
THE LONG-LOST LOCKET
Waldameer Mystery Files, Book 1
Summary: Seth and Julia Ambrose practically live at Waldameer, the local amusement park. While showing their friends Tyren and Anh around, they find an old locket near the carousel. Where did the locket come from? How long has it been lost? But most importantly, whose is it? Follow Seth, Julia, Tyren, and Anh as they search for clues, outsmart bullies, and make unexpected friendships in their first Waldameer mystery!
Ages: 8-12
Themes: Friendship, Second Chances
Featured Ride: Carousel
"I liked the book because every time I finish a chapter, I want to read on."
- Jayden, age 10
"(The author) is wonderful at keeping you wondering what will happen next. This is a great book for upper elementary school children!"
- Alysabeth, teacher
THE SNEAKY SABOTAGE
Waldameer Mystery Files, Book 2
Summary: After a masked figure scares Seth and Julia in the Whacky Shack, strange things start happening. Some say the ride is haunted by an angry ghost. Who is causing all the trouble? Is this related to the award ceremony happening in a few days? From the ambitious journalist to the pushy salespeople, there is no shortage of suspects. Join Seth, Julia, Tyren, and Semira as they race to protect one of Waldameer's most beloved rides!
Ages: 8-12
Themes: Teamwork, Integrity
Featured Ride: Whacky Shack
"I felt like I was in the story and that the characters were my friends."
- McKenna, age 9
"No objectionable material whatsoever. Clean and fun!"
- Sue, parent
THE CURIOUS CLUES
Waldameer Mystery Files, Book 3
Summary: When Seth and Julia are approached by a secretive man and asked to solve a decades-old scavenger hunt, they accept. But they're not the only detectives the man has recruited for this Waldameer mystery. Can Seth and Julia find the treasure before the team of cheaters? Who is the mystery man and why does he always wear a disguise? The latest Waldameer mystery sends Seth, Julia, Bek, and Semira on a puzzling race as they compete to solve the curious clues!
Ages: 8-12
Themes: Empathy, Overcoming Fears
Featured Ride: L. Ruth Express train
"I liked that series! There was so much adventure and mystery."
- Jackson, age 8
"My daughters and I had a lot of fun reading these Waldameer Mystery Files books together...We also loved that Seth and Julia had such a diversity of friends."
- Melissa, parent
THE ARCADE ABSURDITY
Waldameer Mystery Files, Book 4
Summary: When a social media star named Lux claims the Mega Vortex ride is actually an alien spaceship, people believe him and stop riding it. He also says the aliens gave him superpowers to use in the Waldameer arcade. Seth and Julia are doubtful, but Lux proves it by playing countless perfect games of Skee-ball. Does Lux have Skee-ball superpowers, or is he cheating? Aliens can’t really be at Waldameer, can they? The detectives need to figure out what’s fact and what’s fake. Join Seth, Julia, Anh, and Omar as they search for evidence of aliens!
Ages: 8-12
Themes: Critical Thinking, Internet Smarts
Featured Ride: Mega Vortex
"It's a fun adventure with real places and action! There are exciting stories and awesome details about the amusement park. Five stars!"
- Parker, age 10
"This fun mystery will keep readers engaged to the very end! Highly recommended for upper elementary and middle students.”
- Donna, librarian
THE WATER PARK WONDER
Waldameer Mystery Files, Book 5
Summary: "Danger!" says the ominous message written on a water park locker. Seth and Julia can’t pass up a mystery, and they accept a secret mission from an unknown gamemaster. While the mission has them solving riddles and decoding hidden messages, Seth and Julia investigate the gamemaster, including something called Operation Neptune. Does the gamemaster work for a top-secret agency? What’s Operation Neptune, and what does it have to do with Water World? Join Seth, Julia, Tyren, and Gabriela as they follow the gamemaster’s secret mission to its shocking conclusion!
Ages: 8-12
Themes: Forgiveness, Family
Featured Ride: Water World slides
