Description
Uncover the secrets buried in Wildermere Hollow with this set of 5 mystery reading passages designed for high school students. These crime scene investigation-inspired stories place students in the role of investigator, encouraging them to read closely, interpret clues, and develop forensic-based theories using logical reasoning and textual evidence.
Each passage blends fictional mystery with real-world thinking — perfect for ELA classrooms, cross-curricular projects, and critical thinking units.
What’s Included:
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5 original crime scene investigation mystery passages (500–520 words each)
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5 open-ended comprehension questions per passage
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1 bonus critical thinking question per passage
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3 vocabulary words per episode with definitions
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1 discussion prompt for extended engagement
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Printable lined student response sheets
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Full Teacher Guide with case resolution summaries and model answers
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Common Core aligned: RI.9-10.1, RI.9-10.3, RI.9-10.8, W.9-10.1, W.9-10.9
Included Case Files:
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The Hollow Grave – A bicycle found in the forest leads to a shallow grave. But the bones don’t match the story.
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The Orchard Pact – A childhood vow turns into a missing person case — and no one is talking.
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The Locked Door Diary – A college student dies behind a locked door. Her diary and a missing letter hold the key.
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Midnight on Tolliver Bridge – A man vanishes from a bridge. There’s no body, just a scarf and a voicemail.
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Harvest Moon Argument – A barn party ends with a death no one admits to seeing. The only witness? A barking dog.
Why Teachers Love It:
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Engages students in reading, logic, and writing
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Encourages critical thinking through layered narrative cases
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Provides full support with model answers and interpretive teacher notes
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No-prep format with flexible classroom use
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Ideal for ELA, Forensics, and enrichment
How It Helps Students:
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Strengthens close reading and inferencing
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Builds real-world writing skills through evidence-based analysis
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Appeals to mystery lovers, reluctant readers, and logical thinkers
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Encourages deeper reflection and problem-solving
Perfect For:
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English Language Arts
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Critical Thinking
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Forensic Science Themes
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High-Interest Reading
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Cross-Curricular Projects
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Substitute Lessons
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Enrichment & Extension
Ready to let your students investigate, question, and solve? These five cases from Murder in Wildermere Hollow will keep them thinking long after the final clue.
