Book 2 in this series, The Shadow picks up right where the first book left off. The mystery this time is more complex, and even as an adult I had a lot of fun trying to break to codes before the characters! I highly recommend this series and of course its sister- series Winterhouse!

This sequel continued the story and the characters in an engaging way that kept me turning the pages long after I should have been getting ready for work in the morning! I enjoyed the clever wordplay style of puzzles and the way the characters used those to solve the mystery in attempts to save the Nine! Lots of whimsy and intrigue in this one! Kids and other middle grade readers will enjoy both books!

Even better than book 1! With all the puzzles and not to mention the risks/danger reach an entirely new level! Kids will love solving the riddles. My husband laughed at me more than once as he saw me trying to solve the puzzles. He would ask, “what are you doing with that book?” My reply, “I’m reading it while trying to solve the mystery as well.” He would say, “it sure doesn’t look like you’re reading a book!” Readers will be excited to get their hands on this sequel.
The setting of The Nine is certainly one of the more unique I have encountered in a book. I think many young readers are not even familiar with department stores, maybe malls, but this amazing department store will seem fantastical to them even before they get to the menacing spirit character. I love the way that the kids and adults work together to solve this mystery. It is a fantastic ride!

It was a great quick read! Recommended to some friends who have middle school kids! It was well written and different than what u read in middle or even nowadays. The cover almost reminded me of the greatest showman.

Thank you to @tbrbeyondtours for including me on their blog tour as well as @christyottavianobooks for sending me a physical copy of this book.

In this sequel to The World-Famous Nine, Zander and Natasha are still reveling in their discovery of the mysterious and magical sandstone plate; the item that is the foundation of Zina Winebee's beloved and esteemed store, The Number Nine Plaza.

But they quickly realize that Darkbloom, the entity that is attempting to destroy the store, will not back down and is coming back with an even greater vengeance.

Will Zander and Natasha be able to figure out Uncle Vladimir's puzzles in time to break Darkbloom's curse and save their beloved store?

I have read a lot of Middle Grade novels. I mean, it's kind of my job. 😂 But both The World-Famous Nine and The Shadow of the World-Famous Nine are two of the most unique MG mysteries that I have ever read.

The world of Novatrosk and the enchantment of The Number Nine Plaza are so intriguing, and I can't help but wish that The Nine was a real place so I could experience everything it offers its patrons. Maybe if I visited, I could convince Natasha to let me swing above one of the restaurants, and I could try Zander's favorite yak-cheese pizza.

But my absolute favorite part of this sequel were the incredible puzzles that truly make this book one of the most engaging and interactive middle-grade books out there.

I enjoyed solving these puzzles so much that I created my own puzzles based on a few found in this book. If you want to see my puzzles, feel free to check out my review on IG (@mrs_anderson_reads).

If you liked book 1, you will love Book 2, I felt it was tense, fast-paced, woth lots of symbology and puzzles to solve, and the plot twist and mystery it will keep us turning the pages. Love the illustrations and that this is all focused on the different levels, stores, and people of this huge amazing department store.

This is such a fun series. My two favorite mystery solvers, Zander and Natasha, are back in this intriguing mystery series. I love the characters and the whimsical setting of the world-famous The Number Nine Plaza. This mysterious and enchanting department store has it all, including the dangerous and elusive Darkbloom who will stop at nothing to bring destruction to all who cross him.

As much as I liked the first book, I enjoyed this book even more! Guterson does a great job of pulling the reader right in the story and keeping the mystery and the fun engaging right until the end. This book picks up right where the first one ends and the action and twists are non stop. I appreciate and enjoy how resourceful Zander and Natasha are, but sometimes it is to their peril.

The stakes are high and the pair and others try to stop Darkbloom and I was all in.

Along with the great story, there are amazing illustrations throughout that bring the story to life! I enjoyed what those brought to the story. I absolutely love this genre and I hope there are more books in this series coming. 

I received a hardcover and a NetGalley link, #gifted copy, from the publisher. All views are my own.

Ben Guterson once again delivers a charming and intricately layered mystery in The Shadow of the World-Famous Nine. Set in the delightfully whimsical Number Nine Plaza, this sequel is packed with puzzles, suspense, and magical intrigue that will captivate middle-grade readers. The story deepens the lore of the Plaza while following returning characters Zander and Natasha as they confront new threats with wit and heart. A clever, immersive adventure that celebrates curiosity, courage, and the joy of solving a good mystery.

We find ourselves just days after the first book, The World-Famous Nine, ends. The story seamlessly picks up where it left off. So, if you haven’t read the first in this series, stop and read it now. Then, come back to enjoy this book.

Zander and Natasha are still looking for Darkbloom but it seems that he’s not waiting to be found! Mysterious things keep happening at the Nine, and Zander and Natasha are determined to find Darkbloom and stop him before someone gets hurt.

This book is full of adventure and the story is engaging.

4 stars

Publication date: May 13, 2025

** Thank you Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.**

The Shadow of the World-Famous Nine continues the adventures of Zander and Natasha. Together they are facing a new threat! The friendship between Zander and Natasha is wonderful. The story combines mystery, magic, and puzzles to create an engaging and entertaining read. This really was a great read! The friendship adds a little heart to the story and with the mystery and magic it adds a lot of fun so overall it's a great read for our young readers! Thank you Tbr and Beyond Tours and Ben Guterson for sharing this book with me!

Zander and Natasha are back together in the World-Famous Nine. But there are more riddles to solve and a curse to break? Can they do it in time to protect the customers and staff of the building?

Another FUN puzzle filled middle grade adventure. I would highly recommend reading the first book in this series to get the full background knowledge.

I am excited to add this to my elementary library. I have some students that will love it!

Thank you to Net Galley, Christy Ottaviano Books, and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for the DRC. All opinions are my own.