From Powells.com
Staff Pick
Join this adventure involving Reuben and his newfound magical antique watch — along with an elderly watchmaker, an intriguing family that lives in a lighthouse, and a clever villain named The Smoke — and you will be entered into a mystery filled with clues, traps, and daring escapes. Recommended By Richard C., Powells.com
Synopses & Reviews
A New York Times Bestseller
This heart-pounding mystery adventure, by the author of the New York Times bestselling series The Mysterious Benedict Society, is laced with magic and humor.
A magical watch
A string of secrets
A race against time
When Reuben discovers an extraordinary antique watch, he soon learns it has a secret power and his life takes an intriguing turn. At first he is thrilled with his new treasure, but as one secret leads to another, Reuben finds himself torn between his innately honest nature and the lure to be a hero.
Now he is on a dangerous adventure — full of curious characters, treacherous traps, and hairsbreadth escapes — as he races to solve the mystery before it is too late. Even with fearless Penny, mighty Jack, and the wise Mrs. Genevieve on his side, can Reuben outwit and outmaneuver the sly villain called The Smoke and his devious defenders the Directions and save the city from a terrible fate?
In this ingeniously crafted novel, acclaimed New York Times bestselling author Trenton Lee Stewart invites readers to join the adventure, decipher the clues, and ask themselves the question: Is knowing a secret a gift or a curse?
Review
"Fans of Stewart's Mysterious Benedict Society and series like it will devour his latest novel. This epic story filled with adventure and twists and turns is certain to keep readers' interest from beginning to end." School Library Journal (Starred Review)
Review
"Stewart... has created an exciting, fully imagined world filled with mystery and danger, where children can have real adventures without parental supervision. He doesn't shy from putting the children in true danger, both physical and moral, keeping readers on tenterhooks until the final page." Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)
Review
"The plot builds with a simplicity that slots each element firmly into place before adding complications, leading to a clear, comprehensible line... Stewart is thoroughly in touch with young readers' delight in all things sneaky and hidden." The Horn Book
About the Author
Trenton Lee Stewart is the author of the award-winning and New York Times bestselling Mysterious Benedict Society series. He lives in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Diana Sudyka is an illustrator who lives and works in Evanston, Illinois, just north of Chicago.