The White Elephant Mystery — Ellery Queen Jr.

Under the big top, Djuna tangles with an unscrupulous gang of con men

The circus is coming to Riverton! And even better, Djuna's friend the carpenter has four free passes -- which means Djuna gets to see the show every night it's in town.
 
The circus is more fun than Djuna ever imagined, but there is something rotten behind the scenes. The house of the former circus owner has been empty for years -- so why does Djuna see an acrobat swinging through the trees in the front yard? And at the circus itself, a crew of grifters have set up shop ringside and are swindling honest audience members out of their money. Djuna will do anything to save the circus, even if it means walking a tightrope -- or leaping right into the lion's den.
 
Ellery Queen is one of the world's finest detectives, but his adventures are nothing compared to the Ellery Queen Jr. Mystery Stories. Join Queen's apprentice, Djuna, and his trusty Scottie, Champ, on adventures filled with danger, suspense, and thrills.
 
The White Elephant Mystery is the sixth book in the Ellery Queen Jr. Mystery Stories, but you may enjoy reading the series in any order.