Ciao EJ! by Susannah McFarlane

EJ12 bk 18. LemonFizz Media, 2014. ISBN 9781921931666.
Recommended for readers from 8-10 years of age. Emma Jack's eighteenth mystery adventure takes the SHINE Stars off to Italy. Famous statues are mysteriously being targeted, stained with black paint and the combined skills of the team are needed to investigate the problem.
This novel has all the elements the fans love. There's EJ12's expertise in cracking codes, new charms for their bracelets with special powers, an evil mastermind with a wicked plan and a team of talented girls whose goal is to defeat the enemy.
EJ12's charm bracelet equips her for a variety of challenges, she confidently rides a Vespa scooter through Roman traffic, guides her gondola through the canals of Venice and uses special treats to befriend some angry animals. Contessa Carini and her evil Shadow agents cause havoc in the major Italian cities of Rome, Venice and Florence as they search for the five special keys needed to open the treasure. Emma's friends are also keeping a secret from her and collaborating with her enemy Nema.
Susannah McFarlane continues the excitement and adventure with this great addition to the EJ12 series.
Rhyllis Bignell