About This Book:
Imaginative and entertaining … Readers will breathlessly turn the pages as they wonder: Can the duo solve the mysteries of The Nine in time to save it from those who wish it—and them—ill?” —Bookpage
“The department store offers a rich setting for adventure …. Mystery in a wondrous environment melds with family history and a tinge of magic in this tale for detail-oriented young readers.” —Shelf Awareness
In this thrilling mystery from an award-winning author, Zander is determined to do whatever it takes to save his grandmother’s nineteen-story out-of-this-world department store—perfect for fans of The Swifts and The Mysterious Benedict Society.
Zander Olinga’s grandmother is the owner of the fabled Number Nine Plaza, the spectacular nineteen-story skyscraper. The Nine, as it’s called, has everything imaginable, including a massive Ferris wheel on its rooftop, monorail tracks suspended from its ceiling, and twenty-five glass elevators. But there’s something evil looming in the shadows, and strange accidents start befalling the guests. When Zander and his friend Natasha come across a series of inscriptions hidden throughout the walls of The Nine, they discover that the clues will lead them to a magical object which protects the store’s very existence. With the future of The Nine on the line, the pair are determined to recover the mysterious object before the luxury plaza and its many guests are destroyed.
Featuring an unforgettable setting and a larger-than-life cast of characters, here’s a spellbinding mystery involving puzzles, art, and high-stakes adventure.
*Review Contributed By Connie Reid, Staff Reviewer*
Enticing Mystery
The World Famous Nine establishes an enticing mystery in an intriguing setting of the Number Nine Plaza store in Novatrosk. Zander’s grandmother owns the store and it has been in operation for over a hundred years. He goes to stay a few weeks with her and learns of a family mystery and possible doom unless he figures out what happened to a mystical mandala plate said to fortify the plaza.
He befriends Natasha who swings high above the patrons in several stores. Together they explore the wonders of the Number Nine Plaza and look for the clues left behind by Vladimir Winibee. There is enough intrigue and mystery to keep you turning the pages to find out what will happen.
The atmosphere and setting make for an enchanting read. There is danger but for most of the book, it is hard to figure out if there is magic at work or delusional people set on destruction. Zander makes personal growth when he works to overcome his fear of heights, which helps him during the showdown.
Overall, this was an engaging read with superb world-building and a great sense of mystery throughout. I think Middle-Grade readers especially on the younger end of the range will enjoy the puzzles and mysteries to solve.
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