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x_librarian's review against another edition
4.0
Fabulous! I loved the puzzle hidden in the illustrations and I loved the way coincidences were more than just random events and all the real facts that were woven into the tale.
natnurdock's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Kidnapping
Minor: Blood and Child abuse
ris_stitches's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
stitches_and_scribbles's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
siraels's review against another edition
3.0
3,75 stars
I probably wouldn't have read it if my friend didn't recommend me this book and didn't lend it to me by herself. It has a very interesting plot and I liked that. I love history and especially art history so Vermeer is a known name for me.
The characters were likable, I liked both Petra and Calder, Miss Hussey too. But I felt like that since it was so short, we didn't get to meet them properly. I still feel like I don't really know them, despite them being very interesting main characters.
Only thing I would say is that I wasn't enjoying it all the time. Some parts were a bit boring to me and it was difficult for me to get through, but on the other hand some parts were fun, like the ending.
I also feel that I haven't understood the book properly. It was supposed to have a "secret meaning" but I haven't found it. And also the weird obsession with twelves felt a bit underexplained, it felt too much unreal to be an accident so I'm confused what did it actually mean?
I probably wouldn't have read it if my friend didn't recommend me this book and didn't lend it to me by herself. It has a very interesting plot and I liked that. I love history and especially art history so Vermeer is a known name for me.
The characters were likable, I liked both Petra and Calder, Miss Hussey too. But I felt like that since it was so short, we didn't get to meet them properly. I still feel like I don't really know them, despite them being very interesting main characters.
Only thing I would say is that I wasn't enjoying it all the time. Some parts were a bit boring to me and it was difficult for me to get through, but on the other hand some parts were fun, like the ending.
I also feel that I haven't understood the book properly. It was supposed to have a "secret meaning" but I haven't found it. And also the weird obsession with twelves felt a bit underexplained, it felt too much unreal to be an accident so I'm confused what did it actually mean?
aubster249's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
breakfastgrey's review against another edition
3.0
Hrmph. What a letdown. It all begins so promising with lots of insinuations of cool mysteries hidden in the text and art. I had pages of notes comparing ideas from the series of broken frames in each picture to what pentimino letters were referenced in the dialogue. Then the end being such a cop out. The various mysteries ended up feeling artificial. And the ultimate reveal was an instance of they solved the mystery... OR DID THEY? (eye roll). Still, I had a lot of fun leading up to that point, so I'll play nice with the rating.
finalgirlfall's review against another edition
5.0
this book left a profound impact on me when i read it as a child... it felt slightly lacking in plot in this reread, but it was still good.
4saradouglas's review against another edition
3.0
This book reminded me why I hate mystery books. The entire time I had to go through and translate codes and search every picture for hidden images.... it just really took the joy of reading out of it for me. I recognize it was a good book; it's just not for me.