In Three Times Lucky by Sheila Turnage, sixth grader and amateur detective Moses "Mo" LoBeau lives in Tupelo Landing, North Carolina, where she helps run a café with her adoptive parents, the Colonel and Miss Lana. When a murder and kidnapping shake their small town, Mo and her friend Dale form the Desperado Detective Agency to solve the crimes, uncovering a web of secrets and danger. The novel includes references to violence, alcohol misuse, and kidnapping.

Sheila Turnage's Three Times Lucky is widely celebrated for its quirky characters, Southern charm, and engaging mystery, appealing strongly to middle-grade readers. Its humor and strong sense of place are praised, though some critics feel the plot occasionally meanders. Overall, it provides an enjoyable and heartwarming read with a solid blend of adventure and emotion.

Readers who enjoy heartwarming, quirky mysteries with a touch of humor and adventure will love Sheila Turnage's Three Times Lucky. Fans of Kate DiCamillo's Because of Winn-Dixie and Ingrid Law's Savvy will appreciate the colorful characters and small-town charm. Ideal for middle-grade readers who revel in tales of friendship and self-discovery.

Tupelo Landing, North Carolina / Contemporary

Humorous / Mysterious / Adventurous / Nostalgic / Heartwarming

- Three Times Lucky by Sheila Turnage was a Newbery Honor book in 2013, highlighting its significance and recognition in the realm of children's literature.
- The book is set in the fictional town of Tupelo Landing, North Carolina, incorporating local southern charm and quirks that give readers a unique cultural setting.
- Sheila Turnage drew inspiration for the book's setting and characters from her own experiences growing up in a small town in North Carolina, adding authenticity to the narrative.

Sheila Turnage

Middle grade

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Three Times Lucky reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Three Times Lucky | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Three Times Lucky and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Three Times Lucky Summary

Background

Three Times Lucky Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-5

Three Times Lucky Chapters 1-5 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 6-15

Three Times Lucky Chapters 6-15 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 16-21

Three Times Lucky Chapters 16-21 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 22-29

Three Times Lucky Chapters 22-29 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Three Times Lucky Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Three Times Lucky Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Three Times Lucky Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

Three Times Lucky Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

Three Times Lucky Essay Topics

Three Times Lucky

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Three Times Lucky?

Reading Age

Book Details