Cam Jansen (real name: Jennifer Jansen) and her best friend Eric Shelton return in this seventh chapter-book mystery devoted to their crime-solving adventures. Taken to the circus by Cam's Aunt Molly, the pair discover that one of the clowns has been picking pockets, after Aunt Molly's wallet goes missing. How will they find the thief though, when he has taken off his makeup and costume...?

Originally published in 1983, Cam Jansen and the Mystery of the Circus Clown is part of an extended series of simple mysteries intended for the beginning chapter-book reader. The eponymous Cam, so nicknamed because her photographic memory is reminiscent of a camera, once again uses her special skills to track down the guilty party. I read quite a few of these books as a girl, and am revisiting the series as part of a project to familiarize myself with fiction aimed at young readers just getting going with longer chapter-books, as opposed to early readers. Although I have fond memories of these books, and think that this one is as engagingly told as its predecessors, I was put off by the circus theme during my reread, and the mention of the animal acts. I may have been unaware of the fact when a child, but I now know that tigers jumping through flame and bears riding on roller-skates - both mentioned in the text - are feats that can only be produced through the application of grossly inhumane treatment. Given that this is so, I simply couldn't enjoy this installment of the series as I did the others. ( )

This book is about how a little girl named Cam, Eric, and aunt Molly go to the circus but Aunt Molly's wallet gets stolen. When Cam and Eric try to solve the mystery, they realize that other people's wallets have also gone missing. After using their great memories, they find the 2 clowns that were stealing from everyone. I could use this book in my classroom to teach students that stealing is bad and that you will always get caught.

Cam, Eric, and Aunt Molly all go to the circus for the day looking to have a great time but Aunt Molly's wallet comes up missing so Cam and Eric take an adventure to find it! Cam has an amazing memory, and with just a "click" she can remember pictures and thats how she finds people. Cam and Eric discover that not only is Aunt Molly's wallet missing but other peoples as well. On their adventure they discover two clowns and soon realize they are the pickpockets. They are rewarded to passes to the next show of the circus. This is a great pleasure reading book for 1st and 2nd grade students. It is a great mystery book. ( )

I liked this book because it had a mystery I could try to solve. I did'nt rate this a 5 star because I know that that book wasent the book I thought was the best. I did'nt like this book alot because it was not very hard. It is an AR book for 1 point and it is level 3.7.It took me 40-50 min to finsh. ( )

This short novel is an easy read for elementary students. The plot is formulaic, which makes it easier for younger readers to comprehend. It follows a basic mystery plot that Cam solves in the end. ( )