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The Case of the Missing Deed
Take a dash of colorful characters, a pinch of danger, and generous scoops of adventure and you have a terrific culinary mystery for young readers.
Five cousins are looking forward to their annual vacation at their grandmother’s cottage. None of them knows that this may be their last such summer. A mining company has set its sights on the land and is determined to seize it. Grandma must produce the deed to prove that the property is really hers, but her memory is not what it used to be, and she can’t find it. The children suspect there may be clues to the deed’s whereabouts somewhere in the family’s cherished trove of recipes. But can they solve the mystery in time?
Adult mystery buffs have had many culinary mysteries to choose from. Ellen Schwartz introduces her young readers to a delicious genre. She even provides easy-to-follow and yummy to eat recipes.
Five cousins are looking forward to their annual vacation at their grandmother’s cottage. None of them knows that this may be their last such summer. A mining company has set its sights on the land and is determined to seize it. Grandma must produce the deed to prove that the property is really hers, but her memory is not what it used to be, and she can’t find it. The children suspect there may be clues to the deed’s whereabouts somewhere in the family’s cherished trove of recipes. But can they solve the mystery in time?
Adult mystery buffs have had many culinary mysteries to choose from. Ellen Schwartz introduces her young readers to a delicious genre. She even provides easy-to-follow and yummy to eat recipes.
200 pages, Hardcover
First published September 13, 2011
2 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
About the author
Ellen Schwartz
38 books14 followersEllen Schwartz was born in Washington, DC, and now lives with her family in Burnaby, British Columbia. In addition to writing books, she has published dozens of magazine articles and adult short stories. Her stories for children have been published in children’s magazines and teaching anthologies.
In addition to her work as an author, Ms. Schwartz and her husband run a communications consulting company. She works as a corporate writer, and teaches creative writing at Simon Fraser University and Douglas College. Before becoming a writer, Ms. Schwartz taught special education and the primary grades, and worked as an environmental educator.
In addition to her work as an author, Ms. Schwartz and her husband run a communications consulting company. She works as a corporate writer, and teaches creative writing at Simon Fraser University and Douglas College. Before becoming a writer, Ms. Schwartz taught special education and the primary grades, and worked as an environmental educator.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
October 22, 2011
What started as a nice, yearly vacation trip, turns into one of concern and mystery. Grandma may lose her house on the island, and she seems so down. Why? She can't find the deed. As the family sets out to help find it, they are reminded that their grandfather liked to hide things and use riddles for others to find them. It seems that the deed may be tied to a recipe for Pesto, but why? Grandpa wasn't around to ask anymore. How many other clues are there in the recipes? Will they find the deed before the mining company takes over the island and claims Grandma's house? Come along and help solve this mystery. See if you can solve it before the cousins in the book do.
This is a really fun mystery for young people. I found myself pulled into the story, rooting for them to find the deed. Each clue lead to another and it was fun to figure them out. This is a great book to introduce children to the mystery genre, and will likely have them looking for more. I also think this would be a fun book for family reading time with everyone working on the solution. I received a review copy to read on my Nook from Net Galley and thank them very much!
This is a really fun mystery for young people. I found myself pulled into the story, rooting for them to find the deed. Each clue lead to another and it was fun to figure them out. This is a great book to introduce children to the mystery genre, and will likely have them looking for more. I also think this would be a fun book for family reading time with everyone working on the solution. I received a review copy to read on my Nook from Net Galley and thank them very much!
December 27, 2021
Not really any amazing quotes but an interesting story.
Parts I liked were mostly the recipes:
P31
Grandma's favorite pesto
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups fresh basil leaves
1 cup fresh parsley
1 tablespoon fresh oregano
1 tablespoon fresh thyme
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary
1 tablespoon fresh tarragon
1/4 cup walnuts
1 or 2 garlic cloves, crushed
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup olive oil
pinch of salt and pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350*
2. Spread walnuts on a baking sheet and toast in oven until just golden. Cool slightly before using.
3. Pick herbs.
4. Blend all ingredients in a food processor (or crush using a mortar and pestle) until a smooth paste forms.
5. Refrigerate for up to 1 month
P51
emergency fudge
Ingredients:
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup water
3 cups icing sugar
1/2 cup instant nonfat dry milk
1/2 cup cocoa
pinch salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
Optional: 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
Instructions:
1. Butter a 9" x 5" loaf pan. Set aside.
2. In a medium sized saucepan, melt the butter and water.
3. In a bowl, mix the icing sugar, milk powder, cocoa, and salt. Add half of the butter mixture to the dry ingredients and mix well, then slowly add the second half, beating constantly with a wooden spoon.
4. Add the vanilla, and the pecans if desired.
5. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Cover and refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes. Remove from fridge and cut into squares.
P60-61
muriel's berry pandowdy
Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups blueberries
2 1/2 cups blackberries
1/2 of a lemon
1/3 cup + 2 tablespoons sugar
1 1/2 cups + 2 tablespoons flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 cup + 3 tablespoons cold butter, cut into cubes, plus extra for the dish
10 tablespoons whipping cream + 1 tablespoon for top
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375*.
2. Butter a medium-sized glass or ceramic casserole dish.
3. Squeeze the juice from the half lemon. Toss berries with the lemon juice, 1/3 cup of sugar, and 2 tablespoons of flour. Spread in bottom of baking dish.
4. In a separate bowl, mix the 1 1/2 cups of flour with the baking powder, remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and mix, rubbing between your fingers until the butter is mostly incorporated into the flour and the largest pieces of butter are the size of peas.
5. Add the whipping cream and mix with a wooden spoon just until the dough comes together.
6. Drop pieces of dough onto berries and brush each piece of dough with the extra cream. Bake until the biscuit topping is golden and dry to the touch, and the berries are starting to bubble up, approximately 40 minutes.
7. Cool at least 30 minutes before serving - berry juices will be very hot! Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
P88-89
chocolate cinnamon sparkle cookies
Ingredients:
9 ounces (approximately 1 3/4 cups) bittersweet chocolate
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into cubes
2 eggs
1/2 cup granulated sugar, plus 1 cup more for rolling
1 tablespoon honey
1/4 cup finely ground almonds or almond meal
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Chop chocolate, then set aside 1/4 cup. Fill a small pot halfway with water and bring to a simmer. Transfer remaining chocolate to a heat-proof bowl, then place bowl on top of simmering water. Stir the chocolate gently until it melts. Add cubes of butter and stir until they melt. Once all the butter and the chocolate have melted, set the mixture aside to cool while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Beat the eggs, sugar, and honey until the mixture thickens. The eggs are ready when you can lift the whisk and the mixture holds a ribbon-like shape when you dribble it back on itself.
3. Gently stir the chocolate mixture into the egg mixture, then add the ground almonds, cocoa, salt, 1/2 teaspoon of the cinnamon, and the chocolate you set aside earlier.
4. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill it until it is firm enough to roll, at least 4 hours or overnight.
5. Preheat the oven to 325*.
6. Prepare a bowl with 1 cup of the granulated sugar and the other 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Roll the chilled dough between your palms into 1 1/4" balls, and drop the balls into the sugar.
7. Gently shake the bowl to coat cookie balls with sugar, then place on a lined or buttered baking tray 2 inches apart.
8. Bake cookies until the tops are dry but the centers are still soft, about 12 minutes.
9. Remove cookies from oven and cool 15 minutes, then gently drop the cookies (round side down) into the remaining sugar to add more sparkle.
P114-116 brown sugar spice cake
Ingredients:
4 1/4 cups cake and pastry (or all purpose) flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon allspice
zest of 1 lemon (finely shaved peel)
2 cups brown sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla
4 eggs
2 cups buttermilk
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350*.
2. Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Set aside.
3. Beat the brown sugar, lemon zest, vegetable oil, and vanilla. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well between each addition. The batter will thicken and start to lighten in color. Beat for one minute once all eggs have been added.
4. Add the dry ingredients in 3 additions, alternating with the buttermilk and finishing with an addition of dry ingredients. Scrape down sides of bowl between each addition. Beat lightly for 30 seconds after last addition of dry ingredients.
5. Butter two 9" cake pans, then dust with flour, tapping out extra. Scrape batter into pans, and bake until a skewer inserted into center of each cake comes out clean and surface of cake springs back lightly when touched (approximately 1 hour).
6. Remove cakes from oven. Cool 5 minutes, then turn cakes out of pans and cool on wire racks. Serve at room temperature with caramel sauce, whipped cream, or fresh cherries.
P125
Je t'aime, mon petit chou-fleur. = I love you, my little cabbage.
P126 zucchini pickles
Ingredients:
2 pounds zucchini ( 5 or 6 medium), sliced 1/8" thick
2 medium onions, sliced thin
1/4 cup salt
2 cups apple cider vinegar
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons yellow mustard seed
1 teaspoon celery seed
Instructions:
1. Slice zucchini and onions into large ceramic bowl. Toss with salt, and cover with ice water. Let stand for 2 hours, then drain thoroughly.
2. Combine the remaining ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Divide the zucchini and onions into 4 sterilized pint jars. Pour the liquid into each jar. Top with sterilized lids.
4. If you're going to eat them within a month, you can keep them in the fridge. If you want to keep them longer, process in a boiling-water bath for 10 minutes.
P153-154 osprey cove clam pot
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 white onion
2 cloves garlic
1 1/2 pounds new potatoes
1 1/2 cups white wine or vegetable stock
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
4 pounds fresh clams, cleaned
1 lemon
Instructions:
1. Clean clams according to instructions below.
2. Thinly slice onion; finely chop garlic. Halve potatoes and set aside.
3. Heat olive oil in a large pot over high heat. Add sliced onion and stir until it starts to brown, 6 to 8 minutes.
4. Add garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until it starts to release a great smell. Add potatoes, wine or stock, and salt and pepper, and bring to a boil.
5. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are just barely tender, about 20 minutes.
6. Add clams and toss to distribute them throughout the pot. Cover and cook, shaking pot occasionally, until clams open (about 12 to 15 minutes).
7. Remember to discard any clams with unopened shells!
8. Cut lemon into quarters and arrange on plates.
9. Serve Clam Pot with crusty bread for soaking up the juices from the pot. Be sure to set bowls on the table for clam shells.
Note: The morning of the clam pot, dig fresh clams, being sure to toss back any that are too small. Cover clams with a damp cloth and place in the fridge.
Grandma's clam-cleaning tips:
1. Use clams within 24 hours of digging.
2. To clean clams, soak them in a bowl of cold water for 20 minutes. This will allow them to breathe and release any sand trapped in their shells.
3. Scrub each clam by hand to remove barnacles and seaweed from the shell.
4. Test that your clams are alive by tapping each on the counter. If a clam's shell doesn't close, discard it.
Parts I liked were mostly the recipes:
P31
Grandma's favorite pesto
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups fresh basil leaves
1 cup fresh parsley
1 tablespoon fresh oregano
1 tablespoon fresh thyme
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary
1 tablespoon fresh tarragon
1/4 cup walnuts
1 or 2 garlic cloves, crushed
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup olive oil
pinch of salt and pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350*
2. Spread walnuts on a baking sheet and toast in oven until just golden. Cool slightly before using.
3. Pick herbs.
4. Blend all ingredients in a food processor (or crush using a mortar and pestle) until a smooth paste forms.
5. Refrigerate for up to 1 month
P51
emergency fudge
Ingredients:
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup water
3 cups icing sugar
1/2 cup instant nonfat dry milk
1/2 cup cocoa
pinch salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
Optional: 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
Instructions:
1. Butter a 9" x 5" loaf pan. Set aside.
2. In a medium sized saucepan, melt the butter and water.
3. In a bowl, mix the icing sugar, milk powder, cocoa, and salt. Add half of the butter mixture to the dry ingredients and mix well, then slowly add the second half, beating constantly with a wooden spoon.
4. Add the vanilla, and the pecans if desired.
5. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Cover and refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes. Remove from fridge and cut into squares.
P60-61
muriel's berry pandowdy
Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups blueberries
2 1/2 cups blackberries
1/2 of a lemon
1/3 cup + 2 tablespoons sugar
1 1/2 cups + 2 tablespoons flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 cup + 3 tablespoons cold butter, cut into cubes, plus extra for the dish
10 tablespoons whipping cream + 1 tablespoon for top
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375*.
2. Butter a medium-sized glass or ceramic casserole dish.
3. Squeeze the juice from the half lemon. Toss berries with the lemon juice, 1/3 cup of sugar, and 2 tablespoons of flour. Spread in bottom of baking dish.
4. In a separate bowl, mix the 1 1/2 cups of flour with the baking powder, remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and mix, rubbing between your fingers until the butter is mostly incorporated into the flour and the largest pieces of butter are the size of peas.
5. Add the whipping cream and mix with a wooden spoon just until the dough comes together.
6. Drop pieces of dough onto berries and brush each piece of dough with the extra cream. Bake until the biscuit topping is golden and dry to the touch, and the berries are starting to bubble up, approximately 40 minutes.
7. Cool at least 30 minutes before serving - berry juices will be very hot! Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
P88-89
chocolate cinnamon sparkle cookies
Ingredients:
9 ounces (approximately 1 3/4 cups) bittersweet chocolate
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into cubes
2 eggs
1/2 cup granulated sugar, plus 1 cup more for rolling
1 tablespoon honey
1/4 cup finely ground almonds or almond meal
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Chop chocolate, then set aside 1/4 cup. Fill a small pot halfway with water and bring to a simmer. Transfer remaining chocolate to a heat-proof bowl, then place bowl on top of simmering water. Stir the chocolate gently until it melts. Add cubes of butter and stir until they melt. Once all the butter and the chocolate have melted, set the mixture aside to cool while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Beat the eggs, sugar, and honey until the mixture thickens. The eggs are ready when you can lift the whisk and the mixture holds a ribbon-like shape when you dribble it back on itself.
3. Gently stir the chocolate mixture into the egg mixture, then add the ground almonds, cocoa, salt, 1/2 teaspoon of the cinnamon, and the chocolate you set aside earlier.
4. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill it until it is firm enough to roll, at least 4 hours or overnight.
5. Preheat the oven to 325*.
6. Prepare a bowl with 1 cup of the granulated sugar and the other 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Roll the chilled dough between your palms into 1 1/4" balls, and drop the balls into the sugar.
7. Gently shake the bowl to coat cookie balls with sugar, then place on a lined or buttered baking tray 2 inches apart.
8. Bake cookies until the tops are dry but the centers are still soft, about 12 minutes.
9. Remove cookies from oven and cool 15 minutes, then gently drop the cookies (round side down) into the remaining sugar to add more sparkle.
P114-116 brown sugar spice cake
Ingredients:
4 1/4 cups cake and pastry (or all purpose) flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon allspice
zest of 1 lemon (finely shaved peel)
2 cups brown sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla
4 eggs
2 cups buttermilk
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350*.
2. Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Set aside.
3. Beat the brown sugar, lemon zest, vegetable oil, and vanilla. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well between each addition. The batter will thicken and start to lighten in color. Beat for one minute once all eggs have been added.
4. Add the dry ingredients in 3 additions, alternating with the buttermilk and finishing with an addition of dry ingredients. Scrape down sides of bowl between each addition. Beat lightly for 30 seconds after last addition of dry ingredients.
5. Butter two 9" cake pans, then dust with flour, tapping out extra. Scrape batter into pans, and bake until a skewer inserted into center of each cake comes out clean and surface of cake springs back lightly when touched (approximately 1 hour).
6. Remove cakes from oven. Cool 5 minutes, then turn cakes out of pans and cool on wire racks. Serve at room temperature with caramel sauce, whipped cream, or fresh cherries.
P125
Je t'aime, mon petit chou-fleur. = I love you, my little cabbage.
P126 zucchini pickles
Ingredients:
2 pounds zucchini ( 5 or 6 medium), sliced 1/8" thick
2 medium onions, sliced thin
1/4 cup salt
2 cups apple cider vinegar
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons yellow mustard seed
1 teaspoon celery seed
Instructions:
1. Slice zucchini and onions into large ceramic bowl. Toss with salt, and cover with ice water. Let stand for 2 hours, then drain thoroughly.
2. Combine the remaining ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Divide the zucchini and onions into 4 sterilized pint jars. Pour the liquid into each jar. Top with sterilized lids.
4. If you're going to eat them within a month, you can keep them in the fridge. If you want to keep them longer, process in a boiling-water bath for 10 minutes.
P153-154 osprey cove clam pot
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 white onion
2 cloves garlic
1 1/2 pounds new potatoes
1 1/2 cups white wine or vegetable stock
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
4 pounds fresh clams, cleaned
1 lemon
Instructions:
1. Clean clams according to instructions below.
2. Thinly slice onion; finely chop garlic. Halve potatoes and set aside.
3. Heat olive oil in a large pot over high heat. Add sliced onion and stir until it starts to brown, 6 to 8 minutes.
4. Add garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until it starts to release a great smell. Add potatoes, wine or stock, and salt and pepper, and bring to a boil.
5. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are just barely tender, about 20 minutes.
6. Add clams and toss to distribute them throughout the pot. Cover and cook, shaking pot occasionally, until clams open (about 12 to 15 minutes).
7. Remember to discard any clams with unopened shells!
8. Cut lemon into quarters and arrange on plates.
9. Serve Clam Pot with crusty bread for soaking up the juices from the pot. Be sure to set bowls on the table for clam shells.
Note: The morning of the clam pot, dig fresh clams, being sure to toss back any that are too small. Cover clams with a damp cloth and place in the fridge.
Grandma's clam-cleaning tips:
1. Use clams within 24 hours of digging.
2. To clean clams, soak them in a bowl of cold water for 20 minutes. This will allow them to breathe and release any sand trapped in their shells.
3. Scrub each clam by hand to remove barnacles and seaweed from the shell.
4. Test that your clams are alive by tapping each on the counter. If a clam's shell doesn't close, discard it.
May 10, 2017
Read this one with my daughter (at age 11). It was one of our nightly read out loud books. She likes mysteries and from the jacket I thought this would be one that I could well tolerate too. I was wrong. The story follows a group of cousins off to solve a mystery at Grandma's house. Cute concept but it made for too many unnecessary characters to keep straight. There wound up being two different codes for the kids to break. Think DaVinci Code crammed into The Little Rascals mixed with a cook book. I muddled through only to have my daughter declare it "ridiculous" at the end that grown ups would have used these clues and codes for "serious business".
Read
June 21, 2025myrca 2012-2013 book
September 19, 2011
3.5 stars, originally published at Winged Reviews. It would've been 5 if I was between the ages of 9-12!
Take a dash of colorful characters, a pinch of danger, and generous scoops of adventure and you have a terrific culinary mystery for young readers. This was the tagline on NetGalley that intrigued me and the book definitely lived up to it. The Case of the Missing Deed is reminiscent of the great children’s detective stories I used to read as a kid. One part Famous Five, one part Encyclopedia Brown, one part Nancy Drew and/or Hardy Boys (depending on your gender) and sprinkle in a whole lot of heart.
Aimed at pre-teens, the writing is simple but effective and I found myself unable to put the galley away. The story follows the adventure of five cousins on their annual vacation at Grandma’s cottage on Otter Island, after Grandpa passed away. The island is rich in tantalum, a metal used widely in modern electronic equipment, which pretty much makes it a goldmine. A mining company is trying to buy up the island and is forcing Grandma to produce the deed that proves the property is hers or her lovely cottage will be seized.
Sadly, Grandma has a bad memory and can’t remember where Grandpa told her he kept the deed, however Grandpa was famous for being a mystery and puzzle lover. When the children start going through the family recipes in order to cook something to cheer her up, they discover little hidden clues written by Grandpa that they believe will lead them to the deed.
It was fun to watch the cousins sampling recipes, deciphering clues and finding little objects tagged with a number that their Grandpa left for them. The book also captures the essence of the different children well. Genevieve has fallen for her first boy and is letting it cloud her judgment. Sebastian is a genius who takes the lead on the ‘mystery’, but it’s making him extremely paranoid and suspects everyone is in cahoots with the mining company. Claire is younger and tries to see the best in people. Alex is the practical problem solver, and tends to approach things the most rationally. Olivia is an artist who paints beautifully and is the best in the kitchen. The mix of all the cousins working together is really great, and I wished the book was aimed at an older audience because I would've loved more character development.
The story paints all non-family members ambiguously, which lets you delightfully unfold the mystery with the children. Sebastian is especially suspicious of his mother’s new boyfriend, which adds a very real touch to the story. The people who represent the mining company are suitably threatening, and in the end the story becomes more than finding the deed, it becomes about saving the island.
In addition having simple, easy and delicious sounding recipes, book also explains basic ciphers and codes. There are so many things in the book for the reader to take away and to learn from. The ending is suitably happy (if not a little sudden), but all the little story lines were tied up neatly. I highly recommend this mystery for young readers and know that they would enjoy the Teaspoon Detectives and their adventures.
Take a dash of colorful characters, a pinch of danger, and generous scoops of adventure and you have a terrific culinary mystery for young readers. This was the tagline on NetGalley that intrigued me and the book definitely lived up to it. The Case of the Missing Deed is reminiscent of the great children’s detective stories I used to read as a kid. One part Famous Five, one part Encyclopedia Brown, one part Nancy Drew and/or Hardy Boys (depending on your gender) and sprinkle in a whole lot of heart.
Aimed at pre-teens, the writing is simple but effective and I found myself unable to put the galley away. The story follows the adventure of five cousins on their annual vacation at Grandma’s cottage on Otter Island, after Grandpa passed away. The island is rich in tantalum, a metal used widely in modern electronic equipment, which pretty much makes it a goldmine. A mining company is trying to buy up the island and is forcing Grandma to produce the deed that proves the property is hers or her lovely cottage will be seized.
Sadly, Grandma has a bad memory and can’t remember where Grandpa told her he kept the deed, however Grandpa was famous for being a mystery and puzzle lover. When the children start going through the family recipes in order to cook something to cheer her up, they discover little hidden clues written by Grandpa that they believe will lead them to the deed.
It was fun to watch the cousins sampling recipes, deciphering clues and finding little objects tagged with a number that their Grandpa left for them. The book also captures the essence of the different children well. Genevieve has fallen for her first boy and is letting it cloud her judgment. Sebastian is a genius who takes the lead on the ‘mystery’, but it’s making him extremely paranoid and suspects everyone is in cahoots with the mining company. Claire is younger and tries to see the best in people. Alex is the practical problem solver, and tends to approach things the most rationally. Olivia is an artist who paints beautifully and is the best in the kitchen. The mix of all the cousins working together is really great, and I wished the book was aimed at an older audience because I would've loved more character development.
The story paints all non-family members ambiguously, which lets you delightfully unfold the mystery with the children. Sebastian is especially suspicious of his mother’s new boyfriend, which adds a very real touch to the story. The people who represent the mining company are suitably threatening, and in the end the story becomes more than finding the deed, it becomes about saving the island.
In addition having simple, easy and delicious sounding recipes, book also explains basic ciphers and codes. There are so many things in the book for the reader to take away and to learn from. The ending is suitably happy (if not a little sudden), but all the little story lines were tied up neatly. I highly recommend this mystery for young readers and know that they would enjoy the Teaspoon Detectives and their adventures.
December 23, 2011
Featured at An Abundance of Books
Some people might think it strange that their grandfather loved codes, created scavenger hunts for kids and adults, and hid important papers and items in the strangest of places. For the five Honeyman cousins it was just the way he was and they loved him. Unfortunately their grandfather has passed away and their grandmother is having a very difficult time dealing with the loss. To make matters even worse Tantalus Mining Company is trying to force her to sell her property. If she can't produce the deed for the house, the government will take back the land and give it to Tantalus. Unfortunately she can't remember where Grandpa hid the deed and she sinks into depression. Genevieve, Sebastian, Claire, Alex, and Olivia try to cheer up their grandmother when they stumble upon some of Grandpa's clues mixed in with recipes. While they don't always agree that these clues lead to the deed, they're all willing to play along with his last game.
Set in Canada, Schwartz includes some wonderful descriptions of life on Otter Island. The small population of close knit residents is torn by the prospects of economic prosperity and environmental catastrophe with the coming of Tantalus Mining Corporation. The story is told from the alternating perspectives of each cousin. The kids are distinct characters and their personal lives (from teenage crushes to dealing with divorce) do affect the way they deal with the situations around them. In fact, all of the different perspectives and small side plots come together quite nicely, adding more action to a small island mystery. Schwartz also mixes in codes and recipes quite nicely and I think this will appeal to readers. (I'm sure everyone is going to want to try making the Emergency Fudge recipe, I know I do and I don't even like fudge!) She also gets a bit hokey in places, certain aspects of the story were very predictable, and the bad guys get ridiculously bad towards the end - this will either be ignored by some readers or turn them off completely. While not the best children's mystery I've ever read I think it will appeal to certain audiences.
The Case of the Missing Deed is a wholesome mystery with some nice characters, cool codes, and a few kid friendly recipes, but I've read better. A mix of sweet and hokey, The Case of the Missing Deed will attract a select audience. It's best to try this one out from the library if you're interested. I'm giving it three out of six stars as there are some redeeming qualities that save it from a two star rating.
Read full review HERE
Some people might think it strange that their grandfather loved codes, created scavenger hunts for kids and adults, and hid important papers and items in the strangest of places. For the five Honeyman cousins it was just the way he was and they loved him. Unfortunately their grandfather has passed away and their grandmother is having a very difficult time dealing with the loss. To make matters even worse Tantalus Mining Company is trying to force her to sell her property. If she can't produce the deed for the house, the government will take back the land and give it to Tantalus. Unfortunately she can't remember where Grandpa hid the deed and she sinks into depression. Genevieve, Sebastian, Claire, Alex, and Olivia try to cheer up their grandmother when they stumble upon some of Grandpa's clues mixed in with recipes. While they don't always agree that these clues lead to the deed, they're all willing to play along with his last game.
Set in Canada, Schwartz includes some wonderful descriptions of life on Otter Island. The small population of close knit residents is torn by the prospects of economic prosperity and environmental catastrophe with the coming of Tantalus Mining Corporation. The story is told from the alternating perspectives of each cousin. The kids are distinct characters and their personal lives (from teenage crushes to dealing with divorce) do affect the way they deal with the situations around them. In fact, all of the different perspectives and small side plots come together quite nicely, adding more action to a small island mystery. Schwartz also mixes in codes and recipes quite nicely and I think this will appeal to readers. (I'm sure everyone is going to want to try making the Emergency Fudge recipe, I know I do and I don't even like fudge!) She also gets a bit hokey in places, certain aspects of the story were very predictable, and the bad guys get ridiculously bad towards the end - this will either be ignored by some readers or turn them off completely. While not the best children's mystery I've ever read I think it will appeal to certain audiences.
The Case of the Missing Deed is a wholesome mystery with some nice characters, cool codes, and a few kid friendly recipes, but I've read better. A mix of sweet and hokey, The Case of the Missing Deed will attract a select audience. It's best to try this one out from the library if you're interested. I'm giving it three out of six stars as there are some redeeming qualities that save it from a two star rating.
Read full review HERE
July 20, 2012
Seventeen pages in and I couldn’t bear the thought of finishing this book! I probably wouldn't have if I didn't have to review it. First of all, if you misplace the deed to your house the city can’t just take it from you... there are municipal records that the house is under your name, your lawyer would have the copy of the deed, assuming you took out a mortgage there will be bank records... and so forth. God forbid you misplace one piece of paper - there goes your house! If there wasn’t a way the city could verify that you actually own your house, there would be squatters everywhere! Why would anyone actually pay for a house if they can just say they live there and not need any sort of proof? How can an entire family be so ridiculous that they believe the company can just do that? There were also a couple of typos from the start which didn’t help its case. Too bad though, the writing style is good and easy to follow but also interesting, I just can’t get past the basic premise of this book. It does give me hope though that I could someday get published seeing as how this book somehow managed it.
I'm glad I did have to finish this book because I ended up really enjoying it! Yes I did have to look past the obvious lack of sense the plot made, but reminding myself that this is intended for preteens did help with that. The clues were interesting, the plot twists, and the character development were all great! I especially liked that the young sleuths weren't always right with their guesses, it made it a bit more realistic. Overall I would recommend this for an aspiring investegator.
I'm glad I did have to finish this book because I ended up really enjoying it! Yes I did have to look past the obvious lack of sense the plot made, but reminding myself that this is intended for preteens did help with that. The clues were interesting, the plot twists, and the character development were all great! I especially liked that the young sleuths weren't always right with their guesses, it made it a bit more realistic. Overall I would recommend this for an aspiring investegator.
October 4, 2011
Review:Case of the Missing Deed by Ellen Schwartz
5 STARS
It was amazing how all the peices of the puzzle fit together. It was exciting to see who the bad guys were. If the kids would find all the clues and put them together. Case of Missing Deed was a book I did not want to put down. I enjoyed how the grandkids worried about their grandma and tried to make a difference.
Tantalus mining company wanted to put a mine an ore found on their island. They wanted to buy their Grandparents home. They also said," If you don't sell and have proof of the deed their land goes back to goverment. Grandpa did not trust saftey boxes in banks and loved puzzles. He was fighting cancer so he hid clues to where something was. The two families came each summer and spent time with their Grandparents but this year was different Grandpa had died and Grandma was so afraid she would loose their home she taken to her bed and was really skinny.
Grandma always loved to cook so the children thought if they asked her to cook somthing that would get her out of bed. That plan did not work so the next plan was to cook her favorite dish.
While they looked for her reciepes they found Pesto was Grandma's but their was a sentence written in Grandpa handwriting that made no sense. Well she would not eat any of it. But kids did not give in they kept trying to interest Grandma in food and kept finding clues Grandpa had left all over the island.
I would read more stories by Ellen Schwartz I was entertained reading Case of the Missing Deed. I was given this ebook to read in exchange of honest review.
5 STARS
It was amazing how all the peices of the puzzle fit together. It was exciting to see who the bad guys were. If the kids would find all the clues and put them together. Case of Missing Deed was a book I did not want to put down. I enjoyed how the grandkids worried about their grandma and tried to make a difference.
Tantalus mining company wanted to put a mine an ore found on their island. They wanted to buy their Grandparents home. They also said," If you don't sell and have proof of the deed their land goes back to goverment. Grandpa did not trust saftey boxes in banks and loved puzzles. He was fighting cancer so he hid clues to where something was. The two families came each summer and spent time with their Grandparents but this year was different Grandpa had died and Grandma was so afraid she would loose their home she taken to her bed and was really skinny.
Grandma always loved to cook so the children thought if they asked her to cook somthing that would get her out of bed. That plan did not work so the next plan was to cook her favorite dish.
While they looked for her reciepes they found Pesto was Grandma's but their was a sentence written in Grandpa handwriting that made no sense. Well she would not eat any of it. But kids did not give in they kept trying to interest Grandma in food and kept finding clues Grandpa had left all over the island.
I would read more stories by Ellen Schwartz I was entertained reading Case of the Missing Deed. I was given this ebook to read in exchange of honest review.
September 28, 2011
The Case of the Missing Deed by Ellen Schwartz is a culinary mystery written for kids. The book follows a group of cousins that have to find the deed to their grandmothers house that their dead grandfather hid somewhere so they can save it from a company that wants to take it so they can create a mine which will destroy the island.. After they look everywhere they decide to make their grandmother her favorite meal and they find a clue that leads them on a sort of treasure hunt though the recipe groups. Will they be able to save their grandmothers house and the island before it's too late?
This is a fantastic book for middle grade readers. It has the right amount of mystery and the recipes are very child friendly. While the actual components of the mystery are a bit silly and not very realistic it's perfect for the intended audience. It is a fast read that pre-teens will enjoy.
Appropriateness: There is no adult content in the novel and no violence. There is a hint of romance but nothing that would disturb even the most romance hating boys. I would recommend this book to readers 9-13 and it will appeal equally to boys and girls.
Review copy provided by netgalley
This is a fantastic book for middle grade readers. It has the right amount of mystery and the recipes are very child friendly. While the actual components of the mystery are a bit silly and not very realistic it's perfect for the intended audience. It is a fast read that pre-teens will enjoy.
Appropriateness: There is no adult content in the novel and no violence. There is a hint of romance but nothing that would disturb even the most romance hating boys. I would recommend this book to readers 9-13 and it will appeal equally to boys and girls.
Review copy provided by netgalley
September 22, 2011
This was a quick, fun read that should appeal to readers of the Boxcar Children, Bobbsey Twins or younger readers that enjoy the Nancy Drew/Hardy Boys stories. The novel rushes into the setting, moving quickly into the mystery phase with little information about the characters. Unfortunately, you don’t gain any further insight into them as the story unfolds which will make readers less interested/attached to the characters like is necessary for series books. As a stand alone, however, this book is a cute story about young characters working out a mystery to help their family. It is touted as a “culinary mystery” for younger audiences but, honestly, that didn’t quite read well. That part of the plot seemed forced and disingenuous and I think it would have served the reader better to just make it a standard mystery without trying to force a culinary angle on them. With few minor qualms, this is a book I will recommend to younger mystery fans or those just branching into longer chapter books.
ARC Galley Proof
ARC Galley Proof
January 21, 2014
The Case of the Missing Deed by Ellen Schwartz is a fantastic book. This book is about a group of kids that meet together at a cabin with their parents and their grandmother. Everything is fine until thy find out that their cabin will be taken down if they can't find the deed of the house. The deed was hidden by their grandfather who is now dead but they start finding clues in the recipes that they are baking for their grandmother. I really liked this book. I think the theme of this book is to never give up. The kids kept on trying to figure out the clues that their grandfather gave them. When I read this book, I imagine myself at my uncle's huge cabin in Whiteshell. I've always liked reading mystery books. Mystery books leave you wanting more and you don't want to put them down because you want to know "who did it" or "where it is", etc. I think that there are other books along with this one, I think it's a series but I'm not sure. If it is a series, i would definitely like to read them. Overall, it is a good book.
October 10, 2011
This is a delightful little tale for aspiring detectives out there. Well young aspiring detective. It reminds me of my Nancy Drew, Famous Five days when I spent hours poring over their cunning mischief way of solving numerous mysteries. However the characters here need more development. The antics of Sebastian, Claire, Genevieve, Alex and Olivia does not satisfy my the inner detective in me. Maybe because the mystery is not that big or is it? I'm confused. The kids tried helping their grandma to look for the deeds to her cottage since there's this big bad company trying to take over Otter Island to set up a tantalum mine. Whar the heck is tantalum?
Anyway, Sebastian did most of the work. He uncovered a secret code and exposed a coup relating to the big bad company. So there goes. Hmm not enough excitement or snooping around for me. So there's the start to the teaspoon detective as their Grandma calls them.
Anyway, Sebastian did most of the work. He uncovered a secret code and exposed a coup relating to the big bad company. So there goes. Hmm not enough excitement or snooping around for me. So there's the start to the teaspoon detective as their Grandma calls them.
November 11, 2011
This is a cute little mystery for younger readers. I, like other readers, had a little trouble keeping track of all the characters, but as the story coalesced, it became more obvious which ones were actually "main." Even the cousins relegated to a secondary role had distinct characteristics by the end, and I loved getting to know them by their favorite foods! And speaking of food, I loved the recipes scattered throughout. I have yet to try any of them, but they look delicious (and doable by readers with a little help from a grown-up).
The mystery itself is very tame/not scary, even though the stakes are very high for the cousins and their grandmother. The way it plays out, with mysteries in recipes and ciphers in letters, makes this book a good fit for puzzle-solvers and well as budding mystery lovers.
The mystery itself is very tame/not scary, even though the stakes are very high for the cousins and their grandmother. The way it plays out, with mysteries in recipes and ciphers in letters, makes this book a good fit for puzzle-solvers and well as budding mystery lovers.
October 27, 2011
A very sweet and gentle mystery that reminded me of the Famous Five books and the old Peggy Parish mysteries that I loved when I was a kid. Clues are hidden in the cousins' grandmother's recipe cards, and the recipes are printed for those who are interested in attempting some of the dishes referred to in the book. A solid mystery for early readers.
November 3, 2011
Since the book has characters of different ages, and different sexes, it was extremely diverse; I could recommend this title to many different types of children. The concept was unique, if mildly predictable, and the plot followed the rules for a great children's mystery; clues, misleads, and secret codes. I am, however, curious to see how the author is going to continue on with the series.
January 22, 2016
Five cousins are trying to save their Grandmother's cottage from being bought by a mining company. Their Grandpa is the only one who knows where the deed to the cottage is and he just passed away. Now the kids are trying to find the deed by piecing together all the clues their Grandfather left them. A mystery full of adventure.
March 10, 2012
Cousins visiting their Grandmother try to help her find the missing deed to her home before a corrupt company can lay claim. Through a series of clues left by their late Grandfather, the kids work together to solve the mystery.
March 1, 2012
The group of cousins moving quickly through clues left by a beloved grandfather will appeal to tween mystery readers. It might be good for slightly older struggling readers based on the romantic angst of the oldest girl cousin. It was charming, but too contrived for me.
March 25, 2015
Good read aloud for grade 4 with environmental issues, secret codes. Too many characters for the average reader to keep track of but you could get a sense of bad guys vs. good guys. Canadian location. Grade 3-6.
October 9, 2011
8-11 will enjoy this mystery and the many recipes scattered through out the book.
October 8, 2012
Buy if you have mystery readers who like Nancy Drew and Boxcar Children type mysteries.
February 18, 2013
Well written mystery for grade 4 and up. A lot of characters to keep track of, but lots of fun red herrings and humor.
June 4, 2015
amazing mystery plot!!!!!
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