The Secret of the Goldfish | Catholic Middle-Grade Mystery Novel

Vineyard rows under leafy foreground frame a Tuscan villa on a misty hill

Baking at sunset. Hands press dough on floured board, dust rising. Golden light streams through window.

Stone kitchen with cabinets, exposed beam ceiling, terracotta floors.

Dirt road flanked by vineyards and cypress trees, rolling hills, mist, and distant town in Tuscany.

The Secret of the Goldfish is a mystery tale about ten-year-old Gloria Treddle. She’s a budding scientist, fearless fifth-grade detective, and one of those people around whom mysterious things just seem to happen.

So when her classmate’s goldfish, Pokey, turns up mysteriously ill right before the St. Anthony School science fair, Gloria is sure something fishy is going on.

With her cheerful sidekick Olly, a notebook full of clues, and an unstoppable sense of justice, Gloria hunts for answers. But the deeper she digs, the more trouble she finds.

Meet the Author

Mark Guiney

Man in apron stands in rustic kitchen, hands dusted with flour.

Mark Guiney is a writer, storyteller, and filmmaker. A veteran of teaching Catholic school and professional youth ministry, he strives to spin tales that reflect truth, goodness, and beauty. He lives in West Virginia with his family.

From a Trusted Voice

For over 100 years, Our Sunday Visitor has championed the Catholic Church, bringing trusted content to families that need it. As the publisher of The Secret of the Goldfish, it continues this proud tradition.