Synopsis (from
the publisher):
A clue found in Book 3 sends Amy and Dan jetting off to find out just
what's behind the fierce rivalry between the Tomas and Ekaterina
branches of the Cahill family. Was a Clue stolen from the Tomas branch?
Where is it now? And most important, can Amy and Dan get their hands on
it before their rivals do?
It's a wild race that will take Amy and Dan deep into the bowels of the
earth … and right into the hands of the enemy.
— ◊ —
— ◊ —
Beyond the Grave
The 39
Clues Series
Jude
Watson
Scholastic (Hardcover)
ISBN-10: 0-545-06044-3 (0545060443)
ISBN-13: 978-0-545-06044-8 (9780545060448)
Publication Date: June 2009
List Price: $12.99
— ◊ —
Review: Witty,
suspenseful, perilous—three words that merely begin to describe
the newest book in The 39 Clues series. Beyond the Grave by Jude Watson is
the 4th installment in The 39 Clues series. Each of these books is
written by a different author, and each has succeeded in drawing in its
readers. But Beyond the Grave
is the best one yet. Series characters Amy and Dan have returned for a
trip to Egypt.
After narrowly escaping Hideyoshi's hiding place back in Korea in The Sword Thief, the Cahill kids,
Amy and Dan, and their au pair Nellie, travel to Egypt in Beyond the Grave in search for
their next clue to uncovering the secret to the Cahill family. Although
the heat becomes unbearable, and the hustle and bustle of Cairo is very
nerve-wracking for the kids, the natural kindness of the Egyptian
people soon calm their nerves—but only for the time being.
Nothing could prepare them for the hardships that would occur during
their trip. Amy and Dan must face broken hearts, clues from the past,
and remnants of Grace Cahill, their deceased grandmother. Engrossed in
one of the most fascinating civilizations of ancient time, Amy and Dan
struggle physically, mentally, and emotionally in their quest.
The title for this book is very appropriate due to the great Egyptian
belief of life "beyond the grave". Also the most crucial help that they
receive comes from beyond the grave. This book is extraordinary for
anyone in late elementary and middle school. Nellie's crazy antics will
bring comedy such that reading it without laughing or smiling will be
impossible. The book is also loaded with non-stop action and adventure
to keep readers on the edge of their seats as they follow the children
around in their quest to solve the mysteries of their family and to
ultimately win the hunt. Watson's writing style thoroughly engages the
reader so much so that it can almost be read in one sitting. Along with
the book comes the next set of clues for the online game adventure. The
game is an exciting interactive quest to solve The 39 Clues. Together
with the in book clues, there are also clue packs for sets of books.
These cards are then used to solve puzzles and other games with an
ultimate goal to win a monetary prize.
In the end, I would give this book a 4 Star rating. The content of the
book is very rich and it is exceedingly suspenseful. Though it isn't a
hardcore mystery, it still would qualify as a great action adventure
mystery novel. One of the draws to this series is that each book is
written by a different author, which brings in the appeal of a series,
but also the style of a stand-alone book. The internet game, though
seemingly somewhat more difficult than the reading level of the books,
is equally enticing. I will look forward to August when Book 5: The Black Circle is
released.
Special thanks to Alex Nauert for contributing his review of Beyond the Grave and to Scholastic for providing a copy of the book for this review.
Review Copyright © 2009 — Alex Nauert — All Rights Reserved — Reprinted with Permission
Have you read Beyond the Grave? How would you rate it?
Mysteries in this series …
The
Maze of Bones
Scholastic (Hardcover), December 2008
ISBN-10: 0-545-06039-7 (0545060397)
ISBN-13: 978-0-545-06039-4 (9780545060394)
One
False Note
Scholastic (Hardcover), December 2008
ISBN-10: 0-545-06042-7 (0545060427)
ISBN-13: 978-0-545-06042-4 (9780545060424)
The
Sword Thief
Scholastic (Hardcover), March 2009
ISBN-10: 0-545-06043-5 (0545060435)
ISBN-13: 978-0-545-06043-1 (9780545060431)
Beyond
the Grave
Scholastic (Hardcover), June 2009
ISBN-10: 0-545-06044-3 (0545060443)
ISBN-13: 978-0-545-06044-8 (9780545060448)
The
Black Circle
Scholastic (Hardcover), August 2009
ISBN-10: 0-545-06045-1 (0545060451)
ISBN-13: 978-0-545-06045-5 (9780545060455)
In
Too Deep
Scholastic (Hardcover), November 2009
ISBN-10: 0-545-06046-X (054506046X)
ISBN-13: 978-0-545-06046-2 (9780545060462)
The
Viper's Nest
Scholastic (Hardcover), February 2010
ISBN-10: 0-545-06047-8 (0545060478)
ISBN-13: 978-0-545-06047-9 (9780545060479)
The
Emperor's Code
Scholastic (Hardcover), April 2010
ISBN-10: 0-545-06048-6 (0545060486)
ISBN-13: 978-0-545-06048-6 (9780545060486)
Omnimystery keywords for Beyond the Grave ...
Location(s) referenced: Cairo, Egypt.
