From the Publisher
Full of puzzles and intrigue, this is a delectable treat for readers wanting a brainteaser or two in an intricately paced package.” —Kirkus Reviews
"The Explorer's Code contains the perfect trifecta for middle-grade readers: buried secrets, puzzles to decode, and a dark, creepy old manor house to explore. A great addition to the adventure genre." —Suzanne Selfors, national bestselling author of The Imaginary Veterinary series and Braver
“This mystery is a NFHG-IVZW*. For sharp readers who love uncovering secrets, The Explorer’s Code is the perfect puzzler! Hymas weaves a mystery with layers, depth, and plenty of delicious twists. It’s a joy to go on an adventure with courageous Anna, analytical Charlie, and knowledgeable Emily! Clever and captivating, The Explorer’s Code is 2-18-9-12-12-9-1-14-20**. Put on your thinking cap before entering Idlewood Manor . . . you’ll need it!”
—Lauren Magaziner, author of the Case Closed series
*MUST-READ **brilliant
(Look inside the book for how these and other ciphers work!)
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
Kirkus Reviews
2020-07-14
Deep in the Shenandoah forest stands Idlewood Manor, where deep-rooted secrets await.
The newly reopened historical mansion now serves as a weekend getaway for a select number of lucky visitors. Among these guests are the Hendersons, thanks to gifted 12-year-old Charlie’s winning a contest. His exuberant 13-year-old sister, Anna, whose parents continually chastise her, can’t wait to explore the manor’s nooks and crannies. Following in the footsteps of her idol, famous early-20th-century explorer Virginia Maines, Anna uncovers a secret passageway to a hidden third floor and, further along, an abandoned tower. Charlie’s exploits lead him to notice hidden numerical codes among the manor’s walls and rooms. Meanwhile, 12-year-old Emily Shaughnessy plans on helping her historian parents on a critical mission to preserve Idlewood Manor as a historical site. All three explorers begin at odds with each other: Emily’s suspicious of anyone derailing her task while Charlie and Anna struggle over the loss of their once-close bond. Soon though, the trio must rely on one another to untangle the mysteries of Idlewood Manor and its ties to Maines’ disappearance. Full of puzzles and intrigue, this is a delectable treat for readers wanting a brainteaser or two in an intricately paced package. Equally amusing is the three young explorers’ implicit battle with the adult guests, who range from bemused roadblocks to the trio’s progress to stealthy thieves. Main characters follow a White default.
A worthy call to unravel a mystery. (Mystery. 8-12)
