Synopses & Reviews
Hero changed into a T-shirt, grabbed a book, and padded barefoot into her sister's room. The large windows overlooked the backyard. She could see the moonlight streaming over the trees and bushes, making long, crazy shadows across the grass. Was there a diamond hidden out there somewhere? She looked at Beatrice, already settled under the covers. She wanted to tell her about the Murphys, but at the same time, she didn't. She wanted to keep the secret. To have something that belonged only to her.
A missing diamond, a mysterious neighbor, a link to Shakespeare-can Hero uncover the connections?
When Hero starts sixth grade at a new school, she's less concerned about the literary origins of her Shakespearean name than about the teasing she's sure to suffer because of it. So she has the same name as a girl in a book by a dusty old author. Hero is simply not interested in the connections. But that's just the thing; suddenly connections are cropping up all over, and odd characters and uncertain pasts are exactly what do fascinate Hero. There's a mysterious diamond hidden in her new house, a curious woman next door who seems to know an awful lot about it, and then, well, then there's Shakespeare. Not to mention Danny Cordova, only the most popular boy in school. Is it all in keeping with her namesake's origin-just much ado about nothing? Hero, being Hero, is determined to figure it out.
In this fast-paced novel, Elise Broach weaves an intriguing literary mystery full of historical insights and discoveries.
A JUNIOR LIBRARY GUILD SELECTION
Review
“I like this book because it involves a girl trying to solve an unfinished case. Even my friends say it's a good read!” -Discovery Girls tween reviewer
“(More) evidence-driven than Blue Ballietts Chasing Vermeer, this agreeable history-mystery may have even more appeal to budding sleuths.”—Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review “Elise Broachs debut mystery is a gem. An engrossing mystery that touches several historical elements.”—School Library Journal
“Middle school girls will love the suspense and identify with the characters personal decisions, reflecting Shakespeares universal themes such as loyalty, the public versus the private self, integrity, true love, and humors dark side.”—Voices of Youth Advocates
“Sophisticated readers, particularly fans of Blue Ballietts Chasing Vermeer, will appreciate the true emotions, the rich language, and the revelations of many-layered mysteries that tie the past to the present.”—Booklist
“Terrific hero, terrific book. I loved it.”—Patricia Reilly Giff, Newbery Honor-winning author of Picture of Hollis Woods
“The historical references, the highly developed characters, and the intriguing plot make this a page-turning satisfying read.”—Armchair Interviews
Review
"Superbly written, plenty of action, a bright and inquisitive 12-year-old girl protagonist, and lots of literary flair, this book can be recommended to pretty much any kid in the 8-13 range."
and#8212;Decatur Metro
"The combination of humor and suspense works well to keep readers turning the pages of this modern-day mystery."
and#8212;Kirkus
"Hicks establishes an aura of old-fashioned mystery in his entertaining debut."
and#8212;Publishers Weekly
"A fine traditional mystery with a modern sensibility."
and#8212;Booklist
Synopsis
Starting sixth grade at a new school is never easy, especially when your name is Hero. Named after a character in a Shakespeare play, Hero isnt at all interested in this literary connection. But when shes told by an eccentric neighbor that there might be a million dollar diamond hidden in her new house and that it could reveal something about Shakespeares true identity, Hero is determined to live up to her name and uncover the mystery.
Synopsis
A missing diamond, a mysterious neighbor, a link to Shakespeare—can Hero uncover the connections?
Synopsis
The Daand#160;Vinci Code meets Nancy Drew in this galloping middle-grade mystery about twelve-year old Colophon Letterford and the ancientand#160;treasure left to her literary publishing family.
Synopsis
Twelve-year-old Colophon Letterford has a serious mystery on her hands. Will she discover the link between her familyand#8217;s literary legacy and Shakespeareand#8217;s tomb before itand#8217;s too late? Antique paintings, secret passages, locked mausoleums, a four-hundred-year-old treasure, and a cast of quirky (and some ignoble) characters all add up to a fun original adventure. Readers will revel in a whirlwind journey through literary time and space in real-world locales from Mont St. Michel to Stratford-Upon-Avon to Central Park!
About the Author
Elise Broach lived in England from the ages of twelve to fourteen and vividly remembers her first visit to William Shakespeare’s house in Stratford-upon-Avon. At a rare-book store there, she purchased a volume of Shakespeare’s plays that she still keeps on her nightstand. Elise Broach holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in history from Yale University and lives with her family in Easton, Connecticut. Shakespeare’s Secret, named an Edgar Award Finalist, an ALA Notable Book, and an IRA Teacher’s Choice, features cover art by Brett Helquist, the artist for The Series of Unfortunate Events covers. Her latest book, Desert Crossing, was published in 2006.