Mystery

The writing in this (the second book of the 39 Clues series) is mechanical and heavy with exposition. Where's the sparkle? The wit? The fun? If it had taken me more than two hours to read, I wouldn't have finished it.

I particularly hated Jonah Wizard's dialogue. "This place is off the hook, yo"? Really?

Let's hope the next author to take up the story is more inspired. ( )

I enjoyed this book a little more than the previous. It’s probably mostly due to the story already being in progress, whereas the previous one had to start the train going. I feel like there’s a little less cut-and-dry logic to some of what they’re solving and the clues they get, which kind of bothers the escape room enthusiast in me. But I’m liking the series so far and looking forward to continuing it. ( )

This was fast paced and action packed and it was wickedly good. Unlike Alex Rider it's not overly sad and unlike Cherub - I like the main characters. As a reader, I relate to Amy but I love Dan's way of looking at things. They're a great team. Nellie, the au pair, is hilarious. She's laid back and loyal and can speak a seemingly million different languages. The rest of the Cahill family kind of suck, but what's an adventure story without a villain? Or ten? The plot is riveting - the mix of fiction and history is fascinating and I flew through this and The Maze of Bones. They're not particularly long - but then this kind of book never is - or at least never feels like it is. I can't wait to read the rest. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.


This was full on. I love Mozart and Venice and having actually been made this book all the more enjoyable. The different authors didn't bother me as much as I thought it might. The action is intense enough that I didn't actually notice. The puzzles/riddles/clues are really clever (at least to me they are) and even though I miss most of it (unfortunately I'm not smart enough with this sort of thing...) I love reading how the clues and how they put it altogether to solve it. And poor Saladin on his hunger strike.
( )

4.5 stars

Mm, this one lacked a climax, but I don't quite feel like writing a full review. Also, how come Natalie and Ian have got top-notch surveillance all over Venice, but the Janis stronghold doesn't even seem to have a single security guard, let alone any cameras? Makes it way too easy for our main characters. Still, the Clue-hunt wasn't bad, and I loved the musical aspects of this!

««Recommended for...»»
☐ Reluctant/impatient readers
☐ Children grades 3-6
☐ Those who love fact-paced reads
☐ Music geeks
☐ Fans of [b:The False Prince|12432220|The False Prince (Ascendance, #1)|Jennifer A. Nielsen|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1585683740l/12432220._SX50_.jpg|16221764]
☐ Fans of Gordon Korman's [b:Titanic Trilogy: Unsinkable / Collision Course / S.O.S.|22266638|Titanic Trilogy Unsinkable / Collision Course / S.O.S.|Gordon Korman|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1401481177l/22266638._SX50_.jpg|41644139]
☐ Readers of middle grade, fantasy, historical fiction, and/or action and adventure
☐ Someone wanting to get out of a reading slump ( )