Author Lissa Evans had me hooked on page one of the wonderfully titled Horten’s Miraculous Mechanisms. This book is an adventure and a mystery with fresh characters and an eclectic cast of supporting characters. Penned with the perfect amount of peril and difficulty, the mystery unfolds in a non-linear fashion; this prevents the story from being predictable and allows the adventures and solutions to be solved roundabout by the reader. The mystery feels a bit like a scavenger hunt or a treasure hunt.
Also, the multi-generation connection between the protagonist and his great-uncle was endearing; this book just might ignite the curiosity of a few young people, inspiring them to look into their family history to learn more about their personal past. Ending perfectly with all the loose ends tied up, this book would be a fabulous read aloud and should become a permanent addition to children’s classics. (Think The Westing Game and Roald Dahl.) I adored it!
This book was sent to Compass Book Ratings for review by Sterling Publishing
Content Analysis:
Profanity/Language: None
Violence/Gore: A character sufferes a few scrapes and bruises; implied threat.
Sex/Nudity: None
Mature Subject Matter:
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Alcohol / Drug Use:
A photograph shows a woman holding a cigarette.
