The Mystery of the Radcliffe Riddle
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- $11.99
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- $11.99
Publisher Description
From the Edgar-nominated author of Coop Knows the Scoop comes an exciting mystery perfect for fans of From the Desk of Zoe Washington and Holes.
When Grady and his dad learn that the town oddball, Eudora “Kooky” Klinch left something for them in her will, they can only imagine what it might be. When it turns out it’s an old scrap of 300-year-old tapestry, they are bitterly disappointed. But the cloth comes with a note saying, “This is no ordinary piece of needlework. It’s a treasure map. Riddles and Clues. To the victor go the riches.” Grady’s dad dismisses it, but Grady thinks this could be the chance of a lifetime. With the help of his friends Thad, Clemmie, and the town dog Ophelia, Grady is determined to crack the clues and find the treasure.
But when someone tries to break into Grady’s house one night, and then the local antiques expert who examined the tapestry is found unconscious, Grady realizes that he’s not the only one who knows about the treasure map. There’s more at risk than he bargained for, and solving this mystery just got a lot more dangerous.
You will love Grady and his adventures if you are looking for:
• Mystery books for kids 9-12
• Heartfelt and quirky stories for young readers
• Kids detective books
• 5th grade mystery books
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Elderly Eudora Klinch is known as "Kooky Klinch" by everyone in Gifton, Ga., for the way she "dug more holes around town than a gopher on caffeine." But when she dies after decades of fruitlessly seeking her family's long-lost treasure, 13-year-old Grady Judd is inexplicably bequeathed her antique embroidered sampler, which contains clues to the fabled fortune. Ever since Mama's death, Grady and his dad haven't gotten along, and the local bank has been threatening foreclosure on their home; Grady hopes finding the treasure will help mend his relationship with his father and smooth things over financially. With the help of the town's librarian and his two best friends—whip-smart Clemmie Powell and kindhearted Thad Carlton, who uses renowned architects' names as exclamations ("Frank Lloyd Wright! Why are you scaring me like that?")—Grady endeavors to puzzle out the clues before he and his father are forced to leave town. But his desperate search turns out to be more dangerous than he bargained for. Throughout their adventure, the tweens learn fascinating factoids about U.S. history, but the effect is dampened by the fictional, standard-feeling setting. Still, Souders (Coop Knows the Scoop) appealingly intertwines a compassionate community and a grieving boy's struggle to connect with his father to deliver a rewarding mystery. Grady and Thad are white; Clemmie is Black. Ages 8–12.
