The 39 Clues: Maze of Bones by Rick Riordan

Amy and Dan Cahill are grieving over the loss of their beloved grandmother. After her funeral, there is the reading of the will. It comes as a real surprise to them when they are asked to give up their inheritance for a clue...what is all of this about? There are several other members of the family present who seem to know what's going on, and that is even More confusing! What are these 39 clues that everyone keeps whispering about?

After accepting the challenge, Amy and Dan start off on a international search with their babysitter Nellie. At every turn they are followed (or chased!) by the other teams competing. So much for family togetherness! Even Uncle Alistair, who seems to be on their side, takes off whenever it's convenient. It seems they can only trust each other.

The more they learn about the illustrious Cahill family, the more they start to doubt their grandmother. Why did Grace never tell them that they were decended from some of the most famous people in history: Marie Curie, Benjamin Franklin, Mozart...the list goes on. The four branches: Lucian, Tomas, Ekaterina, and Janus must compete for the 39 clues, and the winner will be one of the most powerful people in the world! But they continue the search, because what do they have to return to...their parents passed away when they were young, and their grandmother is dead now.

Can Amy and Dan solve the puzzle and reach the first clue before the others? A fantastic series, recommended for 3rd grade and up. Good for fans of the Magic Tree House series, as well as any mystery lovers. The series is written by various authors which lends a feeling of excitement to each installment. The online component allows you to follow along, and help solve clues as well. Great for reluctant readers!

"You have been chosen as the most likely to succeed in the greatest, most perilous, undertaking of all time - a quest of vital important to the Cahill family and the world at large..." (Riordan pg. 16, 2008).

*Library Link*

If you liked this, check out:
One False Note by Gordon Korman (Book 2, 39 Clues)
Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket
The Alchemyst by Michael Scott

Riordan, Rick. (2008). Maze of Bones. New York, NY: Scholastic.