In the heart of Brooklyn, New York, there is an alley that is the most beautiful place to live in the whole wide world. Or so Connie Ives believes. The alley is the perfect location to sharpen Connie's swinging skills, hold practices for the Alley Conservatory of Music, and convict a burglar by trial. From the bestselling author of Ginger Pye comes the story of a little girl whose eyes are always open to the beauty of the world that surrounds her. This beloved middle grade novel is filled with the unforgettable details of a classic childhood adventure: A Unique Brooklyn Setting: Ten-year-old Connie and her best friend Billy live in The Alley, a cozy, tight-knit community of brick houses and gardens hidden away from the bustle of the city. An Intriguing Children’s Mystery: When Connie’s house is burglarized, she and Billy turn into investigators, collecting clues from suspicious policemen and a mysterious man with a bullet-shaped head. A Heartwarming Friendship Story: Follow Connie and Billy as they hold trials in the Circle, create their own conservatory of music, and prove that the greatest adventures can happen right in your own backyard. From a Newbery Medalist: A timeless story of community and courage from Eleanor Estes, the celebrated author of the Newbery Medal winner Ginger Pye and the classic Moffat series.