The+Mystery+of+the+Missing+Spider


 * We read mystery stories as part of a language arts unit. Students became familiar with this genre and then wrote their own mysteries. Some of the stories the students produced were dark and serious while others were and light and funny. The characters and settings were varied. All the students worked to produce a story that built suspense with a mighty middle. Check out this one full of suspects and clues. Be sure to comment so the author can improve her piece based on feedback from readers! **

The Mystery of the Missing Spider By: Jessica T. “Bring.” “Bring.” “Hello is this detective Jupiter Ants?”

“Yes,” Jupiter said in a soft voice. “It’s an emergency,” yelled professor Bugeyes. As the professor waited for Jupiter to arrive he paced his science lab. He still couldn’t believe his eyes, the lab was a disaster and his Red Spider was missing? The door of the lab flew open and in walked Pluto, Professor Bugeyes number one assistant. “Whoa, what happened here?” “Good question,” groaned Bugeyes. “I was hoping you’d know something.” “I wanted you to walk in and say that you had the Red Spider.”

“What the Spider is missing,” gasped Pluto. “One bite from that thing and you’re dead!” “It’s a good thing you have the antidote professor.” Before the professor could answer Jupiter Ants walked through the door. Detective Jupiter was wearing his checkered detective hat and long trench coat. He went right to work taking notes and looking for clues.

“Hey, hey, I found a clue,” said Pluto excitedly. Jupiter rushed over with magnifying glass. “These are great fingerprints on this broken glass. Someone was in a hurry.” As Jupiter continued his search he found muddy footprints leading from the door to the spot where the spider’s cage had been. Jupiter checked the shoes of Professor Bugeyes and Pluto. They did not match the muddy foot prints. Jupiter noticed that there were no signs of someone breaking in. He asked Bugeyes and Pluto, Who else would have a key to the lab?” There were only two people they could think of, Mr. Uranus the professor’s old assistant and Mr. Neptune the janitor.

Jupiter went to the Janitor’s room. There were muddy footprints that looked awfully suspicious. Just as Jupiter was about to knock, the janitors door flew opened and the Janitor stood there looking furious. “Are you responsible for these muddy footprints?” yelled Mr. Neptune.

“I am here to ask you the same thing.” Detective Jupiter replied calmly. “Are you nuts I just got back this morning from my holiday in Alaska.” All I’ve been doing is wiping up muddy footprints.” “Mercury Moon the janitor that took my place is nowhere to be found.” “She was supposed to meet here at 10:00, she has my keys.” Detective Jupiter walked slowly up the stairs. This case was getting very interesting now there was a missing janitor and a killer spider to be found. He could eliminate Neptune from his suspect list but needed to add Mercury Moon. Jupiter was just about back to the lab when noise caught his attention. He heard a loud bang coming from the furnace room. Slowly opening the creaking door he saw a woman with duct tape around her mouth, feet and hands. She was banging the furnace with her legs. Jupiter ran to the woman and quickly ripped the duct tape off her mouth.

“Thank goodness I’ve been here for hours,” gasped the woman.

“Who are you,” asked a confused Jupiter.

“I’m Mercury Moon the temporary Janitor, cried Mercury. I tried to stop a man running from Professor Bugeyes laboratory. The next thing I remember is waking up in the furnace room.” Jupiter was down to one suspect Mr. Uranus! Jupiter tracked Uranus to his apartment. The door was open just a crack. Jupiter quietly pushed on the door. Inside Uranus was being attacked by the Red Spider. Leather gloves were on the floor. Jupiter quickly picked them up and put them on. He snatched the spider off of Uranus and put it back in his cage. Jupiter was so glad that Professor Bugeyes had given him the antidote. He gave Uranus some antidote.

Mr. Uranus recovered from his bites and went to jail. Professor Bugeyes got his precious Red Spider back and Mercury Moon never worked as a temporary Janitor again!