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mehsi's review against another edition
4.0
Wasn't sure what to think of the book at first. I have had it in my bookcase for many months, every time having other more exciting books to read. Until now, and am I glad I read it. What a wonderful tale this was. :)
mlindley's review
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
aoosterwyk's review
4.0
One of CT's Nutmeg nominees this year and a really fun and interesting read. The family moves from Brooklyn to Manhattan as the result of their father's successful computer game.
The house they move into has a rich history (owned by the Post cereal family) and is full of poetry and clues to a missing treasure. The three older children use their talents and curiosity to solve the puzzles and learn a lot about New York city history at the same time.
Similar to Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library, Winston Breen, and Capture the Flag. This would be great to read before a New York field trip.
The house they move into has a rich history (owned by the Post cereal family) and is full of poetry and clues to a missing treasure. The three older children use their talents and curiosity to solve the puzzles and learn a lot about New York city history at the same time.
Similar to Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library, Winston Breen, and Capture the Flag. This would be great to read before a New York field trip.
shawnareads24's review
4.0
The Smithfork family has moved to NY from Brooklyn due to the father's success in the video game business. Both Mom & Dad are busy with work and settling in at the new house, so the children are left to entertain themselves. When the older children discover an eye painted on the wall, along with secret codes, overdue library books, and poetry, they also discover a mystery needing to be solved. This book is a mixture of fiction and fact, which the author separates in the end. Very entertaining! Excited to see what is next for the Smithfork children!
oneangrylibrarian's review
4.0
A wonderfully written mystery with many facts and bits of trivia about New York City. I really enjoyed this book.
saphawk's review
4.0
The Smithforks have just had their word drastically changed. Their Dad has put his stock on the open market and now they are millionaires. They move from their comfortable brownstone in Brooklyn to the upper east side in Manhattan. Not only do they have to deal with a new school, their parents new busy life, but also the mystery that comes with their new apartment.
This book was very enjoyable. The characters are great and realistic, the mystery is exciting, and the stops they take around Manhattan are lovingly described. A great read for anyone ten years old and up.
This book was very enjoyable. The characters are great and realistic, the mystery is exciting, and the stops they take around Manhattan are lovingly described. A great read for anyone ten years old and up.
ajworkman77's review
4.0
Lovely mystery reminiscent of Chasing Vermeer. Good message, lovely characters, cool clues.
janislynne78's review
3.0
EBOB book #3
This book had a lot of promise, but ultimately was just okay for me. Great premise--- siblings move into old apartment, discovery a mystery, work together to solve the clues. However, it just didn't seem to come together all that great--- characters were flat, dialogue and pacing were clumpy. Reading this felt more like a chore than a break from reality. I did enjoy the old-fashioned feel to the book, but it wasn't enough to save the story.
This book had a lot of promise, but ultimately was just okay for me. Great premise--- siblings move into old apartment, discovery a mystery, work together to solve the clues. However, it just didn't seem to come together all that great--- characters were flat, dialogue and pacing were clumpy. Reading this felt more like a chore than a break from reality. I did enjoy the old-fashioned feel to the book, but it wasn't enough to save the story.
lolajoan's review
4.0
A charming story with likable characters, fun puzzles, and some good history lessons. Great for ages 8-12, I'd say.