The Crypto Capers series reviews

BOOK 1: The Case of the Missing Sock
AUTHOR: Renee Hand
RATING: 3 stars

Product Details
Paperback: 128 pages
Publisher: North Star Press of St. Cloud, Inc. (October 1, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0878393048
ISBN-13: 978-0878393046
Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.2 inches
Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces


This is a new series using cryptograms to help lead the reader to the resolution of the case. Max and Mia, and Granny Holmes (all descendents of Sherlock Holmes), along with their friend , are known as the Crypto-Capers. They hail from England and work closely with Scotland Yard (for those of you who don't know what this entity is, it is like the FBI in the United States). Their skills at cracking puzzles and solving cases is well noted. They have been recommended to Mr. Delacrumb to help him solve the case of his missing sock. This is not an ordinary sock nor was it the only item stolen.

Follow the gang as they travel around to different places to solve miniature cases of missing items with the help of puzzles.

I give the first book in the series a 3 stars as I felt everything was readily handed to the reader and you didn't really need to solve the cryptograms throughout the story to figure out where the "clues" were leading you to next.


BOOK 2: The Case of Red Rock Canyon
AUTHOR: Renee Hand
Rating: 3-1/2 stars

Product Details
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 160 pages
Publisher: North Star Press of St. Cloud, Inc. (March 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0878393099
ISBN-13: 978-0878393091
Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces


This story takes the gang to the United States to solve a mystery.

Again, this story was fun but I felt all the cryptogram clues were just readily handed to the reader because as you read the following passages you pretty much knew what the cryptogram spelled out. The series is fun if you like puzzles and working a bit to get the answers.

Ms. Hand has a new series out as well and not sure how many more are available in the Cryptogram Capers series, but for an enjoyable quick read, pick up the series and have fun.