SECRETS OF GREYMOOR

Hattie’s third outing (Hattie On Her Way, 2005, etc.) begins with a mystery: Does the tiny encoded book left hidden in a coat by her (possibly insane) grandfather contain the key to a hidden treasure? That treasure will be essential if her impoverished elderly grandmother is to pay the delinquent taxes on her elegant mansion. Hattie, in a mildly engaging first-person voice, relates her efforts to solve this mystery, while also struggling to fit in with her new classmates at the common (public) school. Several characters carry over from the two previous tales. The appealing and ever-so-slightly creepy cover art will draw readers in, but those expecting a suspenseful mystery will be disappointed, with the book’s code too easily broken and a lack of intriguing red herrings to advance the plot. With the exception of Hattie herself, characters lack depth, and the late 19th-century urban atmosphere is only superficially depicted. Although able to stand alone, this effort will most likely satisfy only those readers wanting to reconnect with Hattie. (Mystery. 10-12)