The Name of This Book is Secret

Pseudonymous Bosch

Average Rating 7/10 (1 Review)

I don’t know how you got here but this page isn’t for you. This is an extremely dangerous book with a very deadly secret.

It is an alarming account of two extraordinary adventurers, a missing magician’s diary, a symphony of smells and a deadly secret...

If you’re both curious and brave, visit www.thenameofthisbookissecret.co.uk - but remember - I warned you.

Quirky, original and hugely entertaining, this is a debut novel of fantastical proportions from a talented new voice in children's fiction. When intrepid investigators Cass and Max-Ernest set out to discover the history of the mysterious Symphony of Smells, they become embroiled in a dastardly experiment involving kidnapped children and the secret of eternal youth. Together they must come up with a plan to rescue their classmate from a hideous fate and escape the eerie pyramid of the Midnight Sun. Colourful characters abound in this utterly inspired journey of discovery, guaranteed to delight and enthral readers.

Key Stage KS2/3; Age 10+

Review by Jessica (310310) Rating (7/10)

Review by Jessica
Rating 7/10
The Name of This Book is Secret - a really witty title for this young teenage adventure novel. After reading this, you still don’t get to know the real title of this book. Is it really secret or is the title the actual name for it? Riddles like this one are played out constantly inside that test your ability to decode puzzles and other such conundrums.

The first page you happen to come across plays on your inquisitive side, it reads: “Warning: DO NOT READ BEYOND THIS PAGE!”
It is a well-known fact that if someone says do not do this, you will end up doing it. We are like that as humans - very strange how we are programmed.

I read on and became absorbed in a world of mystery the author slowly introduces to you with the merit that books don’t cause any harm except when you read them. I didn’t really see the whole point of this saying that was repeated more than once. Apart from certain places in this book, it didn’t seem to have much logic.

This is the tale of young heroes Cass, who always carries her backpack and Max-Ernest who isn’t sure exactly who he is. Two very different sorts of heroes - not the kind you usually come across in mystery novels. They are drawn together over the discovery of a box of vials - this called Symphony of Smells. There are smells for all sorts of things from cut grass to liquorice. All these scents eventually link up together to later solve a clue in this big mystery of hidden codes, kidnappings and long-lost letters.

I found the ending quite disappointing to be honest although very clever too if you read to the last page. I can see why so many young teens may be attracted to this book - even down to the author’s name everything is so intriguing and funny too.

A book that is clever, smart and a delight for youngsters to read. I have a feeling many will become fans. Magical!!
Jessica (31st March 2010)