Sammy Keyes and the Hotel Thief

Sammy Keyes and the Hotel Thief is the first book in Wendelin Van Draanen’s 18-part Sammy Keyes series. The 1998 novel introduces readers to amateur sleuth Sammy Keyes. She serves as both the protagonist and narrator, and her spunky attitude, mischievous sense of humor, and insatiable curiosity give her a distinctive narrative voice and propel her on a series of adventures. Sammy begins seventh grade in the first book, and she finishes eighth grade in the final book, Sammy Keyes and the Kiss Goodbye (2014). Sammy Keyes and the Hotel Thief introduces other staple characters in the series, including Sammy’s loving and fretful guardian, Grams, and her best friend, Marissa McKenze, who acts as a supportive sidekick. The first book begins a year after Sammy’s mother, Lana, leaves her daughter with Grams. The mother-daughter relationship remains fraught for most of the series due to Lana’s selfish and deceitful choices. Out of all the foes Sammy faces, her archnemesis is a bully named Heather Acosta. Her attempt to turn William Rose Junior High School against Sammy by claiming that she broke her nose is only the first of many attempts to ruin Sammy’s reputation. However, the two ultimately reconcile when they must work together to find their parents in the 16th book, Sammy Keyes and the Showdown in Sin City.

This first novel sets the tone for the rest of the Sammy Keyes series. Most of the books, including Sammy’s debut, take place in the fictional town of Santa Martina, California, although the setting doesn’t receive this name until the second book, Sammy Keyes and the Skeleton Man. Some of the plot points in Sammy Keyes and the Hotel Thief have implications for the rest of the books. Sammy’s unlawful presence in the Senior Highrise leads to ongoing tension, and the protagonist must evade interfering neighbors like Mrs. Graybill so that she and Grams won’t be evicted. On a more positive note, Grams and Sammy’s mentor figure, Hudson Graham, meet and begin to express feelings for one another in the first book, and they get married later in the series. Additionally, the first installment presents themes that Van Draanen continues to explore in her later works. For example, observational skills and critical thinking remain the hallmarks of Sammy’s detective skills. As a mystery series, the books also examine the complexity of crime and justice. The series maintains the first book’s pattern of presenting a mystery alongside Sammy’s personal struggles with life and relationships. The young detective thwarts thieves, bullies, blackmailers, dog-nappers, gang leaders, poachers, and more while dealing with her own illegal living situation and getting into trouble at school. Sammy’s stories also celebrate The Importance of Family and Friendship. The young detective gains new friends as the series continues, including a softball player named Dot who is introduced in Sammy Keyes and the Skeleton Man and an unhoused girl named Holly who first appears in the third book, Sammy Keyes and the Sisters of Mercy. The Sammy Keyes series offers young mystery fans an abundance of adventure, humor, and lessons about life.