Oakland Burglar Escapes Western Pennitentiary
When Zoe's DAD, a policeman, is killed in a shoot-out, Zoe and her Mom move from their country home to the college town of Oakland (a suburb of Pittsburgh, PA). Shortly after they settle into their apartment, Zoe sees the newspaper photo of the Oakland burglar and she recognizes the escapee. To add to the drama, Zoe's Mom is working night turn and Zoe is facing her home alone fears.
Zoe receives Paki, a plucky African Gray parrot, for her 13th birthday and he helps her set aside her fears and meet new friends.
Toby, a blue-eyed charmer, shows Zoe around Oakland and is her sidekick through some spine-tingling adventures. With her first kiss, Toby is her first love.
Miss Jahari, Zoe's upstairs neighbor, is a professor of African Studies at PITT and invites Zoe, Paki and Toby to one of her classes at the Cathedral of Learning.
Because their apartment house is painted a pukey pea soup color, Zoe names it Green Gables. The burglar breaks into their apartment and Mom is ready to pack up and move; however, Zoe wants to stay and solve the mystery.
Toby and Miss Jahari help Zoe put together pieces of the puzzle and a curious crew, including Paki the parrot, a Siamese cat and a bevy of crows help Zoe face her foes. BUT, will Zoe be able to solve the Green Gable's mystery?
