He’s back, but if you haven’t met him before that doesn’t matter one bit because threaded through the first chapters are the bare bones of that wonderful first adventure, Escape From Mr Lemoncello’s Library. This time Mr Lemoncello has created new challenges and the winning team will win a fully paid college education. Kyle and his super-smart mates are back but they have some pretty awesome competition drawn from all over the U.S. and it seems there are people out there keen to see Kyle lose.

Readers of all capabilities will love the puzzles, games and puns in this story, and Chris Grabenstein’s passion for books and storytelling are a highlight. I loved the myriad personalities, each and every one having redeeming characteristics as well as limitations. Readers will see that loyalty and moral fortitude are the big winners and that standing up for your principles, if initially restrictive, ultimately can reap rewards. Highly recommended for 9 to 12 years.

Alexa Dretzke