By Colleen Nelson & Peggy Collins
With a 100% success rate, it is no wonder why The LaRue Detective Agency has become the investigators to call at The Biltmore. But could the recipe robbery become Elodie’s own recipe for disaster?
Biltmore resident, Chef Phillipe, plans to open a new pastry shop where he will unveil his pièce de resistance—the cruffin (part muffin, part croissant, entirely delicious). That is until all of Chef’s recipes are stolen from his apartment. With a 100% success rate, it is no wonder why The LaRue Detective Agency is hired to solve the recipe robbery, but when the mystery appears as layered as a French croissant—one may wonder: is a mystery this complicated worth risking a perfect reputation?
Colored illustrations by award-winning artist, Peggy Collins, are scattered throughout the story, bringing additional humor to the cast of quirky characters.
From the award-winning author of The Umbrella House, Colleen Nelson brings another New York apartment building to life in Mystery at the Biltmore #3: A Recipe for Robbery. Written with charm and wit, Mystery at The Biltmore is Only Murders in the Building meets Harriet the Spy.
Praise for Mystery at the Biltmore #3: A Recipe for Robbery
2025 Children’s Book Center “September Hot Off the Press” Feature
CCBC Best Book Spring 2026 Selection
“Author Colleen Nelson has written another romp of a mystery, perfect for young middle-graders, reluctant readers, and emerging readers.”—Los Angeles Book Review
“Nelson’s lively writing and expert pacing sustain just-right tension while adding… sprinklings of wisdom [to] flavor the text.”—Kirkus Reviews
“An engaging trio of detectives in a stylish New York City setting make this delectable mystery 100% successful.”—Alison Hughes, author of Watch Out
“A pawsitively delicious sleuthing!”—Sylvia McNicoll, author of The Great Mistake Mystery Series
“Just like previous installments of the Biltmore series, Nelson’s latest mystery is a clever caper full of quirky characters and surprising twists. Readers are sure to fall in love with the Biltmore, its residents, and even New York City as they join the LaRue Detective Agency to solve yet another riveting mystery!”—Christyne Morrell, author of The Curse of the Dead Man’s Diamond
“Recipe for Robbery’s absorbing blend of humor and “whodunnit” makes it an ideal story for early readers.”—Laura Segal Stegman, author of The Chambered Nautilus
“(…) brings readers on a third detective adventure with Elodie LaRue. I love this series and the note at the end about the real New York locations that inspire the book are chef’s kiss!” —Picturebook Playdate IG
“Mystery At The Biltmore: A Recipe For Robbery; recommended for ages 7-10 is a fun, lighthearted, mysterious, and delightful story! This is the third book in this phenomenal series and I have loved each one! When Eloise is faced with a challenging case she must decide whether it is more important to keep a spotless reputation or help someone in need.”—Murray’s Miraculous Mission IG
“This is such a fun mystery! I loved the cute characters, and all the varied personalities of the neighbors. The mystery takes many twists and turns as Elodie tries to investigate every possible avenue of inquiry. Most of the time she hits a dead end, until one clue finally becomes clear. The writing is simple (just right for this age group), but it also has a charm and warmth that draws the reader into the story. Even reading as an adult, I really enjoyed it!”—Luminous Libro
“This book is wonderful for emerging readers, especially those with an interest in solving mysteries. The plot isn’t overly complicated, and Elodie clearly explains her detecting methods. I highly recommend younger readers give this book a shot!”—YA Book Central
