The Shadow Cipher

The Shadow Cipher
Laura Ruby
Walden Pond, 2017 476 pages
Grades 5-8
Science Fiction/Adventure/Mystery
York series #1

Set in present day alternate New York City, twins Tess and Theo receive the devastating news that their beloved apartment building has been purchased by a developer and they must move to an outer borough. Tess and Theo have lived here their whole lives and the building is not only a historic landmark, but one of their only connections to no longer present grandfather. In order to prove that the building should be protected from demolition, the twins must solve an old cipher designed by twin genius ancestors, showing the world that the puzzle is not a hoax. Their building is a clue in a puzzle that has baffled generations of seekers who even today search to solve the riddles and earn the prize money. Tess and Theo work with neighbor Jamie, dashing around the city, searching for clues and dodging the henchmen of the evil developer. The team discovers a secondary series of clues, which takes them off the well-trodden path of former searchers. They get closer to answers, as the danger also intensifies. No one is to be trusted as confidences are betrayed, clues are solved and they get closer to both the answer--and the deadline.

Laura Ruby is best known for her young adult work and has received a Printz medal and is a national book award finalist. I assumed this book is for teens and as such, it has been languishing in our teen section for two years. After hearing a recommendation from a young friend I decided to crack into it to decide for myself what age reader it is best suited. Without a doubt this is a clear middle grade, sure to appeal to fans of Mr. Lemoncello's library, Rick Riordan, and the Mysterious Benedict Society. Part mystery, part sci-fi, part adventure, this book has a little something for everyone. Readers will identify with the quirky smart twins, who though flawed, are delightfully nerdy and passionate. Neighbor Jamie thinks best visually and is always holding his sketch pad, serving to balance the triangle. Many twists and turns encompass this plot full of surprises and readers will enjoy trying to help the team solve the riddles. A great mystery, what sets The Shadow Cipher apart is the alternate New York setting, adding a rich layer of surprise. Many elements of the city remain, yet new technologies and creatures are added, keeping readers on their toes and engaged. First in a planned trilogy, the second has been released this year. Though not a fast or easy read, smart kids who enjoy scavenger hunts, ciphers, and expanding their imaginations will find much to bite into.