The Black Circle (The 39 Clues , Book 5) - Library Edition - Hardcover

Patrick Carman is the bestselling author of numerous series for young readers, including The Land of Elyon, Elliot's Park, Skeleton Creek, Atherton, Trackers, Dark Eden, and 3:15. He got his start as a storyteller weaving bedtime tales for his two daughters. He lives in Walla Walla, Washington, with his family.

Grade 4–7—Siblings Amy and Dan Cahill continue their quest for clues to the family's source of power with non-stop action and adventure that takes them to Volograd, Russia, in this episode by Patrick Carman (Scholastic, 2009). They chase down riddles left to them by "NNR" in one of the more complex books of the series. Incorporated within this story are famous landmarks centering on historical icons in Russian history, such as Rasputin. In their quest, they uncover a treasure stolen by the Nazis and the truth behind the murder of the last Russian royal family. The Madrigals play an integral role among the deceptions and espionage. David Pittu does an admirable job of narrating, giving each character a distinctive voice; listeners may find the chronic raspy quality of Dan's voice wearing by the end of the story. The exaggerated voicing of the bonus material at the end of the story is reminiscent of old time radio shows.—Tina Hudak, St. Albans School, Washington, DC
(c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.