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marieintheraw's review against another edition
4.0
This was a really fun mystery. Kids and puzzles in an old manor? You got to expect shenanigans. The audiobook was also nicely narrated which added to my enjoyment.
I received an ecopy of this book through Netgalley; however, my opinions are my own.
I received an ecopy of this book through Netgalley; however, my opinions are my own.
ezra_19227's review against another edition
5.0
This book is about three kids who eventually come together. It’s awesome because it sometimes focuses on math, codes, history, and adventure. Personally, I love all that stuff. 5 stars.
kitstonglade's review against another edition
1.0
thank you netgalley for providing me with the arc for this book.
i didn't enjoy this book at all. i usually like this type of mystery book but here are a few issues i had with it:
1. the chapters are LOOONG. its probably just me but i hate books with long chapters
2. the "twists" in this book were kinda predictable
3. the plot was confusing at some points
4. the characters barely went through any sort of development
5. the ending just kept going on and on and on.
i think the only upside is i think the cover is cute.
i didn't enjoy this book at all. i usually like this type of mystery book but here are a few issues i had with it:
1. the chapters are LOOONG. its probably just me but i hate books with long chapters
2. the "twists" in this book were kinda predictable
3. the plot was confusing at some points
4. the characters barely went through any sort of development
5. the ending just kept going on and on and on.
i think the only upside is i think the cover is cute.
tishreads's review against another edition
4.0
The puzzles in this book were fun and some are able to be solved on your own if you have knowledge of various ciphers. Each of the characters was interesting, though I found myself getting frustrated at how long it takes the three of them to communicate with each other. There's the typical clueless adults and plenty of red-herrings to throw readers off.
Overall it was an enjoyable addition to the puzzle-based-mystery genre that fans of Book Scavenger and Mr. Limoncello will heartily enjoy.
Overall it was an enjoyable addition to the puzzle-based-mystery genre that fans of Book Scavenger and Mr. Limoncello will heartily enjoy.
eramhussain's review against another edition
4.0
The Explorer's code is a fast paced middle-grade mystery. The three kids in the story are Charlie who is a math wizard because of whom the family has won the stay at the mansion where the story is based, Anna the elder sister who is always breaking rules and Emily who wants to save the mansion as a historical monument.
These three kids put together their strengths to decode the mystery of the mansion
These three kids put together their strengths to decode the mystery of the mansion
kiess_nyx's review against another edition
3.0
Nice for middle graders.
I found the main character just a tad bit annoying and selfish and most of the characters were stereotypes.
But the mystery makes up for the characters even though some reveals were predictable.
I recommend it if you are just looking for something to pass the time and not for anything serious.
I received an audiobook from the publisher and netgalley for an honest review.
I found the main character just a tad bit annoying and selfish and most of the characters were stereotypes.
But the mystery makes up for the characters even though some reveals were predictable.
I recommend it if you are just looking for something to pass the time and not for anything serious.
I received an audiobook from the publisher and netgalley for an honest review.
bibli0phagist's review against another edition
5.0
Upon reading that this book had puzzles and ciphers in it I knew I had to get my hands on it. I love solving puzzles along side characters. The Explorer's Code features Idlewood Manor a building that holds more secrets than the eye can see and some that are written in plain sight, if you know what you are looking for! 10 rooms, 10 families, 3 days, 1 mansion with a mysterious past.
Charlie has always been a math wiz. He is constantly seeing codes and patterns embedded in every day life. Meanwhile, his sister Anna could care less about puzzles and codes. She would rather spend her time exploring, just like her idol, Virginia Maines- even if it does get her into a great deal of trouble. How can two people be so different, yet related?
Emily has been brought to visit the mansion thanks to her parent's top secret mission to try and save the Idlewood Manor. Emily is determined to show her parents that she is capable of making them proud- thus it is why she has also secretly taken on their mission as well.
When each child fines an important (and different) piece to the overall puzzle, will they be willing to make themselves vulnerable to share what they have found with each other? Who else knows about the secrets the mansion holds? And will one weekend be enough to get the answers they are looking for?
Charlie has always been a math wiz. He is constantly seeing codes and patterns embedded in every day life. Meanwhile, his sister Anna could care less about puzzles and codes. She would rather spend her time exploring, just like her idol, Virginia Maines- even if it does get her into a great deal of trouble. How can two people be so different, yet related?
Emily has been brought to visit the mansion thanks to her parent's top secret mission to try and save the Idlewood Manor. Emily is determined to show her parents that she is capable of making them proud- thus it is why she has also secretly taken on their mission as well.
When each child fines an important (and different) piece to the overall puzzle, will they be willing to make themselves vulnerable to share what they have found with each other? Who else knows about the secrets the mansion holds? And will one weekend be enough to get the answers they are looking for?
clockworkbee's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
The plot was engaging but I didn’t really find any of the characters lovable. Charlie and Emily were both obnoxious in their own way, and I felt sad that everyone was so willing to believe terrible things about Anna. The plot line with the famous lady explorer was what made me finish.
soelo's review against another edition
5.0
Puzzles, friendship, minor family squabbles, matching T-Shirts, and mysterious giant handbags! Anna, Charlie, and Emily are all staying in Idlewood Manor when they find clues to the history of the estate. This is a fun middle grade mystery!
labraden's review against another edition
5.0
Anna, her brother, Charlie, and Emily have all come to Idlewood Manor for the weekend to see its themed rooms and amazing landscapes. Anna is feeling unloved as Charlie and their parents seem to believe that she always finds trouble, while Charlie, the quiet one in the family, loves numbers. It was his math skills that won a contest that allowed them to come to Idlewood. Emily has come with her parents to prove that Idlewood needs to be saved as an historic landmark. Several other guests have also been invited to spend the weekend at Idlewood, each with their own motives for being there. Anna, Charlie, and Emily each find their own clues to the secrets of Idlewood, but it will take all three of them to reveal what the secrets really mean.
The Explorer's Code is a wonderful book about family relationships interwoven with a dandy mystery involving codes and clues. Each of the three main characters individually find their own set of clues, and that is entertaining enough as the story moves forward, but when they finally get together, it is difficult to read quickly enough to get to the end and find out what is really going on. Each of the three characters is well developed, especially Anna, who we learn is filled with insecurities about herself and her place in her family. Anyone who likes mysteries, especially those with codes, hidden rooms, and secrets will love this middle grade novel. Overall, this is an exceptional story that is enjoyable from beginning to end.
The Explorer's Code is a wonderful book about family relationships interwoven with a dandy mystery involving codes and clues. Each of the three main characters individually find their own set of clues, and that is entertaining enough as the story moves forward, but when they finally get together, it is difficult to read quickly enough to get to the end and find out what is really going on. Each of the three characters is well developed, especially Anna, who we learn is filled with insecurities about herself and her place in her family. Anyone who likes mysteries, especially those with codes, hidden rooms, and secrets will love this middle grade novel. Overall, this is an exceptional story that is enjoyable from beginning to end.