“MIDNIGHT AT THE Barclay Hotel,” Penny went on to read from the book, “is when all spirits are drawn out and the grandfather clock plays ‘Ode to Joy.’”

Just then, the clock chimed, making both Penny and JJ jump.

They looked at the grandfather clock. JJ said, “That one?”

“I guess we’ll find out at midnight,” Penny said. “Spooky.” She flipped the pages. “There’s also a whole section about Mr. Barclay’s family. Says here he has a daughter named Constance.”

“Why don’t we go check out the hotel instead of reading about it?” JJ said.

Penny nodded and closed the book.

JJ took the book from Penny, who was reluctant to let it go. She could have it as far as JJ was concerned, but his dad probably wouldn’t agree. He’d given the book to JJ, after all.

Just then, Penny’s grandpa walked over, looking grumpy. “There is no spa.”

Penny said, “Oh, bummer. But there’s a hot tub, right?”

“That hot tub better be good,” Detective Walker grumbled.

“That’s what I said,” JJ’s mom said. She handed JJ a room key. “I wonder what this welcome party is about. All they said was that there will be a big announcement. Do I really have to go?”

“Sounds ominous,” Detective Walker said. “I guess we’ll find out. And yes, I think you do.”

The butler was motioning for them to come to the dining room. “You can check your rooms out later. Right through these doors, please.”

“What about me? I’m just a kid, right? So I shouldn’t have to go,” JJ said to his mom. “I think checking out the hotel would be a better use of my time. Don’t you?”

“No wandering children,” the butler said in a no-nonsense voice from behind them.

“You heard the man,” his mom said, pointing in the direction of the dining room. “Maybe they’ll have some hot cocoa for you.”

Once inside the dining room, JJ locked eyes with the finger food. He suddenly realized how hungry he was—must be all that high altitude—so he started to fix himself a plate.

“Young man, get away from the hors d’oeuvres,” Mr. Clark said as he swatted at JJ’s hand.

“The what?” JJ said with a puzzled look on his face.

“First, the announcements. Then the food.”

JJ sighed and moved closer to his mom. They all stood there, looking lost. JJ’s mom kept checking her phone for no reason, and moving around the room to see if she got any reception.

Penny said behind him, “Your mom really likes her phone, huh?”

“It’s because it’s how she keeps up with her business,” JJ said, slightly defensive. “She’s the CEO of PB&JJ.”

Now he had to give the usual speech, the one he always gave when people asked.

When he was a little toddler, JJ was a very picky eater. His mom realized he liked peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, so she became an expert at making them. But because she was worried JJ would get bored, she started adding fun stuff to the sandwiches, like marshmallow fluff, fried potatoes, and even carrots. JJ loved it, and so did everyone who ever came over. His mom decided to start a restaurant. It was so super successful, she added another restaurant, then another.

“And the rest is PB&JJ history,” JJ said, finishing the story with the famous company line from the commercials.

Penny said, “There’s a PB&JJ in my town. I loooove the PB and banana sandwich.”

JJ liked Penny a little better already. “That is one of my favorites too. Maybe my mom can make them for us if the kitchen has the ingredients.”

Before Penny could agree with this brilliant idea, two women walked into the dining room: the librarian Ms. Chelsea and another young lady in a floral dress, wearing high heels that almost made her trip. That was actress Fiona Fleming. The cowboy followed close behind and sat at a table in the back, eyeing the pile of little sandwiches.

“Excuse me, everyone.” Mr. Clark waited a moment. “If I can have your attention for this evening’s announcement.”

He let the silence echo around the room. Mr. Clark clearly liked a bit of drama.

“I’m pleased to welcome our esteemed guests to the Barclay Hotel for the weekend.” He glanced at JJ and Penny. “Plus, a straggler or two, it seems.”

JJ smiled. He didn’t mind being called a straggler—it made the whole weekend seem more adventurous somehow.

Penny frowned. She didn’t like how Mr. Clark made her feel like an annoying little kid.

Mr. Clark continued with his boring speech. “Most of you invited guests have had business with Mr. Barclay. Which is why each of you is here.”

The room got so quiet when he paused, you could hear the guests’ pulses quicken. Mr. Clark was milking this dramatic moment for all it was worth.

“These dealings were not always pleasant, or to your liking.” Mr. Clark made a point of looking at every person in the room. “Which is why, exactly a week ago, one of you in this room killed Mr. Barclay. And this weekend, we will find out who the murderer is.”