Savvy investigative work and scientific knowledge combine to answer perplexing questions and to uncover long-unknown truths. Using a trail of evidence clues, careful observation, laboratories and new testing protocols scientists reveal intriguing answers to such questions as: What really killed Beethoven? Are the Hitler diaries real or fakes?

The stories and sidebars show how scientists collect clues, analyse them, test theories, and arrive at solutions or gather enough evidence to support further investigation. The cases involve branches of science as wide-ranging as astronomy and biochemistry to geology and physics.

These are gripping high-interest stories for middle-grade non-fiction lovers, with Canadian content throughout. A helpful index and glossary are also provided.