From the moment I read the description of Cynthia Voigt’s Mister Max: The Book of Lost Things, I knew it was the kind of book I had to read. History, mystery, and a plucky hero (along with a great cast of supporting characters) make for a compelling and interesting read, and as I turned the last page I found myself wishing that the next book was already in print. 

My one complaint about the book was that, although the novel feels like it’s intended to be a historical mystery, the setting is very vague and there are absolutely no details that tie it to a certain place (either real or imagined). This was consistent throughout the book and felt to me like a big flaw in an otherwise wonderful book. With the exception of that issue, though, Mister Max was a delightful read, and I’ll be eagerly anticipating the sequel!

Mister Max would be a great read for teens of all ages, and adults who enjoy a good, evenly-paced mystery with just the right amount of danger and intrigue (but not too much!).

This book was sent to Compass Book Ratings for review by Random House

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language:  One religious exclamation.

Violence/Gore:  A house is robbed and a character is attacked and receives minor injury (a small amount of blood is described). Two supporting characters disappear under mysterious circumstances, and there is an implication that something shady is involved.

Sex/Nudity:  Two feuding lovers (young adults) reconcile. A husband boasts of how much he loves his wife.

Mature Subject Matter:

Disappearances, child abandonment

Alcohol / Drug Use:

Adults drink alcohol.