While the book was well written and a charming, funny story it felt pretty pretty unoriginal. While the angle of the eccentric plant loving aunt and the standard mystery tropes were strong elements, I feel like that makes it more interesting to adult readers who enjoy plants and mysteries over young readers.

This book was so cute. My nephew enjoyed it very much and he is 7! We read it in two nights at bedtime.

Archie Appleby is a little boy with a big imagination. When his parents needed to travel out of town to a funeral, Archie needed to stay with his Aunt Ruth. In Archie's mind, the only thing worse than staying with Aunt Ruth is driving for hours listening to country music with his parents.

Aunt Ruth has a basement, and that basement gives Archie the creeps. But when Archie hears strange noises coming from the basement, and even though Aunt Ruth told him to keep out of the basement, Archie's curiosity gets the best of him. Thinking somehow that his Uncle Jock, who had been missing, was down there, Archie takes on his fears and goes to check things out. What he finds is quite startling.

This was a cute story and quite imaginative. The author created some interesting characters. However, I did not like Archie's attitude toward his Aunt and his parents. This child needs to learn some manners and he needs to learn how to be polite. I would hesitate to share this book with my grandchildren because I would not want them to think that Archie's behavior was appropriate.

Sorry. Just my opinion.