Reading Metrics
Description
In this nineteenth-century mystery, Hattie discovers an old book filled with a secret code written by her grandfather, who was long ago confined to the Utica Insane Asylum after squandering the family fortune. When a telegram announces his death and a tax collector threatens to seize the family estate, Hattie must decipher the code before it's too late. As each riddle leads to another, she uncovers hidden family secrets and races against time to save her home.
Quick Summary
Hattie finds an old, cryptic journal left by her grandfather that contains a secret code, and she's convinced it holds the key to a long-lost family fortune. She teams up with her quirky younger brother and a few classmates to decode the riddles, each clue leading them deeper into the history of their small town and a hidden attic full of surprises. The story mixes light-hearted humor with just enough suspense to keep you turning pages, and there are moments that feel genuinely heart-warming as Hattie learns about perseverance and the true meaning of family. Kids who love puzzles, codes, and a dash of adventure will find plenty to love, especially those who enjoyed the clever mystery solving in The Mysterious Benedict Society. Parents will appreciate that the scares are mild, the tone stays upbeat, and the book subtly teaches a little about history and problem-solving without ever feeling preachy.