Member Review
Review by
Eva Kelly H, Reviewer
Book Review: THE MYSTERY OF LOCKED ROOMS by Lindsay Currie
Crack the Codes. Find the Treasure. Escape the House.
From the acclaimed author of SCRITCH SCRATCH and WHAT LIVES IN THE WOODS, THE MYSTERY OF LOCKED ROOMS is an action-packed adventure novel that draws readers into a whirlwind of puzzles, friendship, and emotional growth. Perfect for middle-grade escape room fans, this book offers a unique blend of fun, empowerment, and real-life issues.
Summary
Twelve-year-old Sarah Greene is starting her seventh-grade year with a simple wish: to have a normal school year. However, her plans take a fascinating turn when she and her friends stumble upon an old 1950s funhouse rumored to conceal hidden treasure. The trio quickly finds themselves enmeshed in a labyrinth of codes and locks that they must crack to uncover the treasure and escape the funhouse.
Key Themes and Highlights
• Fun and Empowering Adventure: The book offers readers an exhilarating journey filled with clues to decipher and challenges to overcome. The excitement is consistent, keeping young readers on the edge of their seats.
• Emotional Resonance: One of the book's standout features is its handling of a parent's chronic illness. Sarah's father suffers from chronic fatigue syndrome, adding a layer of emotional depth to the story. This portrayal is both sensitive and realistic, shedding light on the complexities families face when dealing with long-term illness. Sarah's feelings about her dad's condition are particularly poignant and relatable, resonating with readers who might have similar experiences.
• Memorable Quotes:
• "It isn't rectangular like a normal door, but instead is shaped and painted like a little house." This one is memorable for me because I have a shed in my backyard painted like a smaller version of my house. In the front yard, I have a Little Free Library painted like a miniature version of my house. After reading this book, I want to do that to my door!
• "I'm learning that sometimes the best way to look at something is the hopeful way—even if it isn't the most practical."
• "Life throws curveballs sometimes. We can't always plan, can't always predict. But maybe, just maybe, with hard work and a little luck, we'll be okay."
Personal Opinion
I give THE MYSTERY OF LOCKED ROOMS four and a half stars, rounded up to five. My only issue was the single line in which Sarah’s friends encourage her to lock her parents out of her laptop. That would not fly in my house, and by this point in the book, these kids should know better. Despite this, it’s a great book. Lindsay Currie masterfully blends thrilling adventure with heartfelt moments, making this book a compelling read from start to finish. The realistic portrayal of Sarah's dad's chronic illness adds a layer of authenticity that many readers, especially those facing similar challenges, will find deeply moving. As a parent with a chronic illness myself, I found Sarah's feelings about her dad's condition particularly touching and wondered if my own daughter has similar emotions.
Conclusion
THE MYSTERY OF LOCKED ROOMS is more than just a thrilling adventure; it's a story about friendship, resilience, and the importance of hope. Lindsay Currie's latest offering is a must-read for middle-grade readers, offering both excitement and valuable life lessons. Whether you're a parent, librarian, or teacher, this book is an excellent addition to any collection.
Join Sarah and her friends on their quest to crack the codes, find the treasure, and escape the house. You won't be disappointed!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you, NetGalley and Sourcebook Kids, Sourcebook Young Readers, for sending this book for review consideration. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#TheMysteryOfLockedRooms #LindsayCurrie #EscapeRoom #FunHouse #MiddleGrade
Crack the Codes. Find the Treasure. Escape the House.
From the acclaimed author of SCRITCH SCRATCH and WHAT LIVES IN THE WOODS, THE MYSTERY OF LOCKED ROOMS is an action-packed adventure novel that draws readers into a whirlwind of puzzles, friendship, and emotional growth. Perfect for middle-grade escape room fans, this book offers a unique blend of fun, empowerment, and real-life issues.
Summary
Twelve-year-old Sarah Greene is starting her seventh-grade year with a simple wish: to have a normal school year. However, her plans take a fascinating turn when she and her friends stumble upon an old 1950s funhouse rumored to conceal hidden treasure. The trio quickly finds themselves enmeshed in a labyrinth of codes and locks that they must crack to uncover the treasure and escape the funhouse.
Key Themes and Highlights
• Fun and Empowering Adventure: The book offers readers an exhilarating journey filled with clues to decipher and challenges to overcome. The excitement is consistent, keeping young readers on the edge of their seats.
• Emotional Resonance: One of the book's standout features is its handling of a parent's chronic illness. Sarah's father suffers from chronic fatigue syndrome, adding a layer of emotional depth to the story. This portrayal is both sensitive and realistic, shedding light on the complexities families face when dealing with long-term illness. Sarah's feelings about her dad's condition are particularly poignant and relatable, resonating with readers who might have similar experiences.
• Memorable Quotes:
• "It isn't rectangular like a normal door, but instead is shaped and painted like a little house." This one is memorable for me because I have a shed in my backyard painted like a smaller version of my house. In the front yard, I have a Little Free Library painted like a miniature version of my house. After reading this book, I want to do that to my door!
• "I'm learning that sometimes the best way to look at something is the hopeful way—even if it isn't the most practical."
• "Life throws curveballs sometimes. We can't always plan, can't always predict. But maybe, just maybe, with hard work and a little luck, we'll be okay."
Personal Opinion
I give THE MYSTERY OF LOCKED ROOMS four and a half stars, rounded up to five. My only issue was the single line in which Sarah’s friends encourage her to lock her parents out of her laptop. That would not fly in my house, and by this point in the book, these kids should know better. Despite this, it’s a great book. Lindsay Currie masterfully blends thrilling adventure with heartfelt moments, making this book a compelling read from start to finish. The realistic portrayal of Sarah's dad's chronic illness adds a layer of authenticity that many readers, especially those facing similar challenges, will find deeply moving. As a parent with a chronic illness myself, I found Sarah's feelings about her dad's condition particularly touching and wondered if my own daughter has similar emotions.
Conclusion
THE MYSTERY OF LOCKED ROOMS is more than just a thrilling adventure; it's a story about friendship, resilience, and the importance of hope. Lindsay Currie's latest offering is a must-read for middle-grade readers, offering both excitement and valuable life lessons. Whether you're a parent, librarian, or teacher, this book is an excellent addition to any collection.
Join Sarah and her friends on their quest to crack the codes, find the treasure, and escape the house. You won't be disappointed!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you, NetGalley and Sourcebook Kids, Sourcebook Young Readers, for sending this book for review consideration. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#TheMysteryOfLockedRooms #LindsayCurrie #EscapeRoom #FunHouse #MiddleGrade
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