When a book of unexplainable occurrences brings Petra Andalee & Calder Pillay together, strange things start to happen: seemingly unrelated events connect, an eccentric old woman seeks their company and an invaluable Vermeer painting disappears. Before they know it, the two find themselves at the center of an international art scandal. As Petra and Calder are drawn clue by clue into a mysterious labyrinth they must draw on their powers of intuition, their skills at problem solving, and their knowledge of Vermeer. Can they decipher a crime that has left even the FBI baffled?
A Vermeer painting is stolen. Petra and Calder, two bright, quirky sixth-graders, come together to solve the crime that has the whole world baffled. Going beyond a simple mystery, this story explores the meaning of art and the nature of coincidence. Ellen Reilly shines as narrator, providing perfect voices for the protagonists and the host of supporting characters. Her pleasant pitch and well-tempered pace make it easy to follow the twists of a complex plot. Once the mystery is solved, however, the ending seems tacked on, falling flat. The book's illustrations contain an additional puzzle, so pairing the audio with the print edition should double the fun. E.S. (c) AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine
The New York Times...
"Suspenseful, exciting, charming, and even unexpectedly moving"
Publishers Weekly...
"Thick with devilish red herrings, this smart, playful story never stops challenging (and exhilarating) the audience."
School Library Journal...
". . . the exciting, fast-paced story that's sure to be relished by mystery-lovers."
Kirkus Review...
"Art, intrigue, and plenty of twists and turns make this art mystery a great read."
Digital Rights Information
OverDrive WMA Audiobook
Burn to CD:
Not permitted
Transfer to device:
Permitted (3 times)
Transfer to Apple® device:
Permitted
Public performance:
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File-sharing:
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Peer-to-peer usage:
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All copies of this title, including those transferred to portable devices and other media, must be deleted/destroyed at the end of the lending period.
