Vincent Ventura and the Mystery of the Chupacabras / Vincent Ventura Y El Misterio del Chupacabras

When stray dogs start disappearing from the neighborhood, Vincent's dad thinks that maybe the Animal Control Department is finally doing its job. But then, Mrs. Rangel's celebrity chihuahua Chato, who appeared in television commercials promoting tacos, disappears. And Mrs. Garca's weiner dog and Mrs. West's poodle go missing. Everyone in the neighborhood is puzzled, but Vincent Ventura has a theory. The disappearances started when Mr. Calaveras moved into the house at 666 Duende Street, which is rumored to be haunted. Vincent knows he's not the harmless but grumpy guy that everyone else sees. He's convinced the old man is behind the rash of missing dogs. In fact, Vincent is sure he's a monster, a blood-sucking beast known as el chupacabras! Vincent enlists the aid of his cousin Michelle, the smartest student at their school, and her twin brother Bobby to spy on the suspected killer. Vincent Ventura, monster fighter extraordinaire, is determined to catch him in the act, even if it puts them all in danger! This first installment in Garza's exciting new Monster Fighter Mystery series contains the author's dramatic black and white illustrations. This spine-tingling short novel for ages 8-12 will introduce Latino creepy creatures to a new generation of readers.