Previously used. Overview Chasing Vermeer, a 2004 children's mystery novel by Blue Balliett, follows classmates Petra Andalee and Calder Pillay as they investigate the theft of a Vermeer painting. The story takes place in Chicago's Hyde Park near the University of Chicago. When Petra finds and loses a mysterious letter, and Calder receives messages from a set of pentominoes, they believe they can solve the case.