Imagine if Central Park was your backyard — and your first adventure began with a mystery hidden among its winding trails and secret corners. That’s the thrilling setup for The Central Park Irregulars, the latest middle-grade novel from bestselling author Paul Cicchini, which blends friendship, history, and suspense into a captivating coming-of-age story.
Set in New York City’s iconic Central Park, the book follows siblings Harper and Bohdi Jensen, whose family relocates from rural Pennsylvania after their mother takes a curator position at a Manhattan museum. Adjusting to city life is difficult, but Harper soon finds an escape in Central Park, where she befriends an unlikely group of fellow explorers — Addy, Eli, Gabriel, and Zara.
Their adventures take a dark turn when they stumble upon the body of a saxophonist named Zoots Morgan. What begins as a shocking discovery quickly transforms into a dangerous investigation involving stolen artifacts, hidden histories, and a desperate race to clear Harper’s mother’s name before time runs out.
Early reviews have praised Cicchini’s skillful storytelling and attention to emotional depth. The Children’s Book Review called it “exciting and heartwarming,” while Readers’ Favorite awarded it five stars, noting that “Cicchini’s writing is sharp, with organic dialogue and genuinely suspenseful scenes.” BookLife Reviews compared it to The Sherlock Society and Greenglass House, commending its “well-plotted surprises” and “authentic friendships.”
Drawing comparisons to Dan Brown’s thrillers, Cicchini weaves real Central Park landmarks — from its bridges and statues to its hidden tunnels — into a mystery that keeps readers guessing. Along the way, themes of teamwork, inclusivity, and courage shine through, making it an engaging read for ages 10–14.
“I hope young readers come away from this story with a sense of adventure that stays with them long after the book is closed,” Cicchini said.
In addition to his success as an author, Cicchini is a nationally certified school psychologist specializing in character education and social-emotional learning. His previous works include the Amazon bestseller Young Cyrano and The Essentialz, which won an International Impact Book Award in 2024.