Alchemy

by Mike Wood

The summer of 1984 was a golden time in America. From California, where gymnast Mary Lou Retton was winning Olympic gold, to Cape Cod, where explorer Barry Clifford was discovering pirate gold, the nation seemed obsessed with the precious metal. But for 15-year old Al, that obsession hits a little too close to home when he finds a code-filled notebook belonging to his missing father that may contain the ancient formula for turning lead to gold. Convinced that his father’s sudden disappearance is connected to his secret experiments in alchemy, Al sets out to find the truth. He enlists the help of Cammie, a beautiful girl staying for the summer while her marine biologist father tracks a wayward manatee, and together they begin unraveling the mystery. But the closer they get to an answer, the closer they grow to each other, and as the end of summer draws nearer, Al wonders if they can break the code without breaking his heart.

366 pages, Nook

First published August 11, 2011

Reviews

[Dawn Dowgal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story. Brought me back to some of my favorite summers as a child. Easy read!!

[Mary Blackwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

the Author was one of my teachers and I loved the book. It was not my favorite book however it was definitely worth the read.