The Shadow of the World-Famous Nine - (The World-Famous Nine) by Ben Guterson (Paperback)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

Zander and Natasha must reverse an evil spell threatening the Number Nine Plaza's very existence in this puzzle-bending mystery--for fans of The Swifts.

Summer is in full swing at The Number Nine Plaza, the world's largest and most fabulous department store, and best friends Zander and Natasha are looking forward to weeks of discovery after thwarting the vengeful Darkbloom's attempt to destroy The Nine. But has the danger truly passed? Store employees begin acting oddly, a long-lost clue to an ancient store mystery is uncovered, and Zander and Natasha themselves become targets for attack. When a devastating magic spell places The Nine under new peril, the two friends find themselves in a race against the clock to solve the store's ever-deepening riddles and preserve the world-famous Number Nine Plaza from destruction.

Featuring word puzzles, clues, and lavish illustrations, this enchanting, out-of-this-world mystery delivers an unforgettable read full of magic and adventure.

Review Quotes

"Imaginative and entertaining.... Readers will breathlessly turn the pages as they wonder: Can the duo solve the mysteries of The Nine in time to save it from those who wish it--and them--ill?" --Bookpage

"The department store offers a rich setting for adventure.... Mystery in a wondrous environment melds with family history and a tinge of magic in this tale for detail-oriented young readers." --Shelf Awareness

"Ben Guterson dives headlong into adventure, employing imagination and humorous situations to instantly charm readers." --Publishers Weekly

"The Nine is a fantastical place full of shops and activities that will surely tickle readers' imaginations."--School Library Journal

"Like Hogwarts, Narnia, or Willy Wonka's chocolate factory, The Nine is a place full of wonders and secrets. Add a kid with a brave heart, and this puzzly, page-turning mystery swept me away." --Elise Broach, award-winning author of Masterpiece and Duet

"An imaginative, suspenseful story. Young readers will delight in exploring The Nine." --Jennifer Chambliss Bertman, New York Times bestselling author of the Book Scavenger series and Sisterhood of Sleuths

"You won't be able to stop planning your own trip." --Cory Leonardo, author of The Simple Art of Flying

"An instant classic." --Chris Baron, author of The Magical Imperfect, a Sydney Taylor Notable Book

"A perfect blend of whimsy, humor, and adventure!"--R. M. Romero, author of The Dollmaker of Krakow

"The suspenseful sequel is another feast for passionate puzzlers who enjoy a side of solvable brainteasers along a compelling story. Fans of the first installment will delight in delving deeper into the Darkbloom lore and family history, and the decadent department-store setting once again nearly steals the show in its endless variety. Another riveting visit to the most eccentric of emporiums."--Booklist

About the Author

Ben Guterson is the New York Times bestselling author of The World-Famous Nine, which was a Barnes & Noble Young Reader Pick of the Month, as well as The Einsteins of Vista Point and the popular Winterhouse trilogy. Winterhouse was an Edgar Award and an Agatha Award finalist and an Indie Next List Pick. His books have been translated into eleven languages worldwide. Ben lives in the pacific northwest and he invites you to visit him online at benguterson.com.