Description
Step into the shadowy corners of Wildermere Hollow in this high-interest set of mystery-based reading passages. Echoes in the Evidence invites high school students to analyze unusual cases where the facts don’t add up: a disconnected landline that dials 911, a boy with red fibers under his nails, and a barn fire that uncovers a long-buried photograph.
This set includes five original forensic case stories, each paired with comprehension questions, writing prompts, and vocabulary tasks—all fully aligned to Common Core standards. Whether used in ELA, enrichment, or forensic science electives, these engaging cases are designed to sharpen close reading, critical thinking, and logical reasoning skills.
What’s Included
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5 original mystery reading passages (500–520 words each)
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5 complete worksheets with:
• Comprehension questions (written-response format)
• Bonus critical thinking prompt
• Vocabulary section and discussion question -
Answer Key with sample responses
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Printable lined answer sheet for each episode
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Full Teacher Guide with interpretive summaries and suggested case resolutions
Episode Summaries
1. Footsteps in the Cellar
A retired couple hears footsteps during a storm, but cameras show no intruder. The only clue: muddy footprints that only go one way.
2. The Gasoline Ledger
A shed fire destroys property, but GPS shows the owner wasn’t nearby. A missing fuel log and digital silence lead detectives to doubt the timeline.
3. The Burned Barn Photograph
A photo found in the ashes shows people no one admits knowing. The barn’s past holds secrets—and someone wants them uncovered.
4. The Red Thread Clue
A young boy is found unconscious with red fibers under his nails. They trace to a boutique scarf—but the suspect says they’ve never met.
5. The Signal from Oak Hill
A 911 call drops mid-sentence. When responders arrive, the house is quiet—too quiet. The phone was disconnected two years ago.
Why It Works
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Every episode is structured like a forensic case file: students must draw inferences, evaluate contradictions, and build logical conclusions
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Promotes deep reading and clear written expression
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Encourages collaborative discussion and independent analysis
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Ideal for classroom instruction, test prep, or independent enrichment
Common Core Alignment
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RI.9-10.1 – Citing textual evidence
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RI.9-10.3 – Analyzing event development
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RI.9-10.8 – Evaluating arguments and claims
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W.9-10.1 – Writing arguments with evidence
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W.9-10.9 – Drawing evidence from text to support claims
For Teachers
This resource includes everything you need to guide students through complex cases with minimal prep time. The Teacher Guide provides interpretive summaries and sample reasoning for each mystery, making classroom discussion richer and more focused.
All worksheets include lined answer sheets for students and complete answer keys with CCSS-aligned sample responses.
Want the full collection?
This set is part of a multi-volume series. For the first volume, visit:
Murder in Wildermere Hollow – High School Mystery Reading Passages with Crime Scene Investigations
That set includes the original 5 cases that introduced teachers and students to Wildermere Hollow—where every fact hides a question.
