Reviewed by Olivia (but my mom just started reading it, because I got her excited about it!)
Rating: High Four 1/2
Who I'd Recommend to: Fans of Elise Broach's Masterpiece; if you're an adult, the Da Vinci Code (I don't think most kids my age have read it); and page-turning, amazing, suspenseful, creative mysteries.
Synopsis (from amazon):
When a book of unexplainable occurences brings Petra and Calder together, strange things start to happen: Seemingly unrelated events connect; an eccentric old woman seeks their company; an invaluable Vermeer painting disappears. Before they know it, the two find themselves at the center of an international art scandal, where no one is spared from suspicion. As Petra and Calder are drawn clue by clue into a mysterious labyrinth, they must draw on their powers of intuition, their problem solving skills, and their knowledge of Vermeer. Can they decipher a crime that has stumped even the FBI?
Rating: High Four 1/2
Who I'd Recommend to: Fans of Elise Broach's Masterpiece; if you're an adult, the Da Vinci Code (I don't think most kids my age have read it); and page-turning, amazing, suspenseful, creative mysteries.
Synopsis (from amazon):
When a book of unexplainable occurences brings Petra and Calder together, strange things start to happen: Seemingly unrelated events connect; an eccentric old woman seeks their company; an invaluable Vermeer painting disappears. Before they know it, the two find themselves at the center of an international art scandal, where no one is spared from suspicion. As Petra and Calder are drawn clue by clue into a mysterious labyrinth, they must draw on their powers of intuition, their problem solving skills, and their knowledge of Vermeer. Can they decipher a crime that has stumped even the FBI?
My Thoughts: I silently cheered to myself when I discovered this book in my teacher's "library." I haven't picked up a good mystery in a long time, which I honestly don't know why, because it's one of my favorite genres. I came into this book expecting an everyday-stolen-art-two-kids-solve-the-mystery type of story, which is OK, as long as it had that suspenseful page-turning feeling I like. I was extremely delighted when I discovered the intricate layer of coincidences and patterns.... by about page 100, I couldn't put it down! I loved the twist near the end and the ominous tone, especially when (spoiler) Calder disappears. I don't have much to say about the writing, except that it was easy to read and moved the mystery along nicely. The first chapter was so well done, because it introduced the mystery, and kept the reader going. It also served the purpose of making you curious and intrigued... plus, I just love the feeling of reading a good mystery and guessing who the criminal is. Petra and Calder where great main characters, and I liked the nice touch of humor that was added once and a while. Ms. Hussey and Mrs. Sharpe where great, too - however, I didn't really like how Mr. Watch wasn't included that much, as he had as much to do with the crime as Mrs. Sharpe and Ms. Hussey. The ending left me pleasantly surprised, and I liked how Balliett left room to make a sequel. Overall, amazing page-turner mystery that I would recommend to all!
