Anyone who has read The Book Scavenger is already eagerly awaiting this sequel. If you have not started the series yet, then you can have the pleasure of reading both books back-to-back. This time, Emily and James are still dealing with the fame of their amazing find at the end of the first book, as well as having some worries at home. Emily overhears her parents discussing money issues, and James wishes his dad would cut back on his business travel and be home more often. But nothing compares with becoming part of the advisory board for their hero Mr. Griswold, the creator of the Book Scavenger game. As they rush from school to dance committee to meetings with Mr. Griswold, they also have time for more Book Scavenger clues and possibly a treasure hunt.
Two middle school kids trying to balance schoolwork, family life, and trying to solve an unbreakable code over a century old sounds like a lot to work into a story, but the author smoothly weaves it all together. Scenes with the dance committee debating over theme and decorations ring true, while the hunt for treasure and a possible arsonist are believably filled with tension and excitement. Many of the characters from the first story are back - Mr. Quisling, Hollister, Jack, and the families and classmates of Emily and James. And there are a few new faces that we can watch and wonder, "Is that the bad guy?" I love the librarian, Ms. Linden, with her green hair and tattoos.
Anyone interested in books, codes, ciphers, and treasure hunts should try this. Reading it makes me wish Hollister had his bookshop in my neighborhood; I want to curl up in the purple armchair and read.
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through edelweiss.
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