Laugh Till You Cry — Joan Lowery Nixon

For fans of Gillian Flynn, Caroline Cooney, and R.L. Stine comes Laugh Till You Cry from four-time Edgar Allen Poe Young Adult Mystery Award winner Joan Lowery Nixon.
 
        Thirteen-year-old Cody doesn't like Texas. He and his mom were only supposed to spend the summer there, helping out his grandmother. But Cody's grandmother is sick and needs them to stay. Now he's the new kid at the local middle school and all his friends are back in California. You'd think Cody's cousin Hayden would show him the ropes. Not only is Hayden in the same grade; he lives next door. But Hayden doesn't want anything to do with Cody.
        Cody's luck begins to change when he befriends Officer Ramsey, a policeman and aspiring stand-up comic. Officer Ramsey appreciates Cody's jokes so much, he pays Cody for the material! But it's no laughing matter when a crime is committed at school and Cody becomes a suspect. Cody is going to need more than jokes to solve this mystery -- and clear his name.
 
“Nixon has crafted a lively, fast-paced tale with an intelligent young hero who is creative, courageous, and compassionate.” �"Kirkus Reviews
 
“Cody's humorous side…and the book's length make this mystery ideal.” �"School Library Journal
 
“A fast-paced and fun read.” �"VOYA