What do you think?
Rate this book
Sixty-Eight Rooms #4
The Secret of the Key
Not yet published
Expected 1 Jan 35Filled with magic, mystery, miniatures, and adventure, the Sixty-Eight Rooms is the perfect series for fans of Chasing Vermeer, The Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, and The Dollpeople !
Chicago sixth graders Ruthie and Jack think they’ve learned everything about the magic of the Art Institute’s Thorne Rooms. But the magic starts to act strangely when Ruthie and Jack discover two rings that are out of place—and out of time—and a portal that shouldn’t be open but somehow is. Ruthie and Jack follow the clues to seventeenth-century England and the Brownlow house, where they meet the Brownlow’s governess, Rebecca. But Rebecca has a few secrets of her own—and she might even be in the wrong century! Can Ruthie and Jack discover the truth about Rebecca’s mysterious past, or will they end up stuck in the wrong century themselves? Their quest for answers takes them from 1930s New York City and San Francisco to turn-of-the-century China. The only one who can truly answer their questions may be the woman who started it the room’s creator, Narcissa Thorne. But to talk to Mrs. Thorne, they’ll have to go back in time and find her!
Unlock the magic . . . in the exciting conclusion to the Sixty-Eight Rooms Adventures!
Chicago sixth graders Ruthie and Jack think they’ve learned everything about the magic of the Art Institute’s Thorne Rooms. But the magic starts to act strangely when Ruthie and Jack discover two rings that are out of place—and out of time—and a portal that shouldn’t be open but somehow is. Ruthie and Jack follow the clues to seventeenth-century England and the Brownlow house, where they meet the Brownlow’s governess, Rebecca. But Rebecca has a few secrets of her own—and she might even be in the wrong century! Can Ruthie and Jack discover the truth about Rebecca’s mysterious past, or will they end up stuck in the wrong century themselves? Their quest for answers takes them from 1930s New York City and San Francisco to turn-of-the-century China. The only one who can truly answer their questions may be the woman who started it the room’s creator, Narcissa Thorne. But to talk to Mrs. Thorne, they’ll have to go back in time and find her!
Unlock the magic . . . in the exciting conclusion to the Sixty-Eight Rooms Adventures!
256 pages, Library Binding
First published July 22, 2014
19 people are currently reading
461 people want to read
About the author
Marianne Malone
13 books51 followersI was born and raised in the Chicago area. I was not a nose-in-the-book sort of kid, like many authors. Rather, I could be found climbing trees or building forts, or making something with my hands. It wasn’t that I didn’t enjoy reading, it’s just that it was hard to squeeze it in with all the other things I wanted to do in a day. My mother was an artist – lucky me! – who taught me all kinds of wonderful ways to make art and to live a creative life.
She also took me to the Art Institute of Chicago frequently, which is where I fell in love with the Thorne Miniature Rooms. Many years later, after I’d studied art in college, began raising my family, co-founded a middle school for girls, and became an art teacher, the Rooms still captured my imagination. In fact, they turned me into a writer when I could no longer ignore the stories they planted in my head.
I wanted to create the kinds of books I would have loved when I was young, the kind of books that would have made me stop what I was doing, the kind of books I couldn’t put down. I had to work hard to learn how to turn these stories that lived in my head into books that young readers would enjoy. But that was half the fun of it – learning a new way to be creative!
She also took me to the Art Institute of Chicago frequently, which is where I fell in love with the Thorne Miniature Rooms. Many years later, after I’d studied art in college, began raising my family, co-founded a middle school for girls, and became an art teacher, the Rooms still captured my imagination. In fact, they turned me into a writer when I could no longer ignore the stories they planted in my head.
I wanted to create the kinds of books I would have loved when I was young, the kind of books that would have made me stop what I was doing, the kind of books I couldn’t put down. I had to work hard to learn how to turn these stories that lived in my head into books that young readers would enjoy. But that was half the fun of it – learning a new way to be creative!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
February 24, 2025
Tiny Craig and I absolutely loved this series and are so sad it’s come to an end!
July 3, 2022
The final installment of the “68 Rooms” series. I was not disappointed at all; this book concluded the series in a very satisfactory way!
I highly recommend this series, for middle-grade readers, and anyone who loves good time-travel books. The readers will definitely want to visit the Chicago Art Institute after finishing!
I highly recommend this series, for middle-grade readers, and anyone who loves good time-travel books. The readers will definitely want to visit the Chicago Art Institute after finishing!
August 11, 2017
Guilty pleasure. Yes, there were lots of other things I needed to do today, but somehow it slipped by me that the fourth and final book in the Sixty-Eight Rooms series had come out. I had to read it. I had to shrink down and go back into the Thorne Rooms of the Chicago Art Institute one more time.
March 17, 2017
This book wraps up the series and brings in a few more dilemmas for the children to solve before their magical adventures come to a close.
Jack and Ruthie have realized the time traveling magic is more dangerous than they thought and that their actions have consequences. I liked that Ruthie's thoughts on their adventures were maturing. We get to explore more of the rooms with them as well.
Per usual I found their dealings with adults overly simplified and the resolutions to conflicts rather convenient. There's a reunion in this book (spoiler? maybe? idk), siblings who haven't seen each other for 40+ years and after a 5 min convo they go their own ways, possibly never to see each other again. No catch up, no tearful goodbyes...sorry, not buying it.
An interesting, if rushed, conclusion to the series.
This is a solid series overall. My main issues are a lack of detail/realism when it comes to the two kids solving crimes, wandering mostly unscathed through the past and convincing adults to do whatever they need/adults aware of the situation letting the kids handle everything alone.
Were I younger, the series might rank higher with me. I also think the illustrations were too few and typically didn't highlight useful scenes or enrich the book all that much.
The chapters area pretty short and it makes for easy reading for a younger audience. This would be a great intro to history for some kids and could also add some appeal to museums. I would love to see the rooms after having read this series and should I ever find myself in Chicago, a trip to the Thorne Rooms is certainly in order!
Jack and Ruthie have realized the time traveling magic is more dangerous than they thought and that their actions have consequences. I liked that Ruthie's thoughts on their adventures were maturing. We get to explore more of the rooms with them as well.
Per usual I found their dealings with adults overly simplified and the resolutions to conflicts rather convenient. There's a reunion in this book (spoiler? maybe? idk), siblings who haven't seen each other for 40+ years and after a 5 min convo they go their own ways, possibly never to see each other again. No catch up, no tearful goodbyes...sorry, not buying it.
An interesting, if rushed, conclusion to the series.
This is a solid series overall. My main issues are a lack of detail/realism when it comes to the two kids solving crimes, wandering mostly unscathed through the past and convincing adults to do whatever they need/adults aware of the situation letting the kids handle everything alone.
Were I younger, the series might rank higher with me. I also think the illustrations were too few and typically didn't highlight useful scenes or enrich the book all that much.
The chapters area pretty short and it makes for easy reading for a younger audience. This would be a great intro to history for some kids and could also add some appeal to museums. I would love to see the rooms after having read this series and should I ever find myself in Chicago, a trip to the Thorne Rooms is certainly in order!
July 24, 2017
I loved this entire series! After visiting the Thorne rooms at the Art Institute of Chicago and being completely enchanted by them, I heard about this series and had to read it, even though they are (lower) middle grade books. The books are as fun and charming as the rooms themselves! I highly recommend them, especially if you have any interest in the Thorne Rooms, miniatures, and/or time travel. So much fun!
August 7, 2016
To be fair, my rating would be a 2.5 but the fact that this series has so much that would normally recommend it to me that the fact that I'm lukewarm on it says something, I think.
In this series, two kids stumble upon a magical discovery that allows them to step into the miniature Thorne Rooms in the Art Institute and travel through time. In the final installment, Jack and Ruthie realize they are not the only travelers while simultaneously bumping up against some potentially problematic loopholes in the magic that could have fire consequences if they're not careful.
With miniaturization, time travel, and the making good on the after-hours -escapades-in-a-museum dream so many of us Mixed Up Files...fans gave had, it seems inconceivable that these factors would not add up to a win. Unfortunately the main characters come off as flat yet familiar as Jack and Annie from the Magic Treehouse books, and there is a certain slightly teacherly undertone to any of the history-related scenes you can't quite shake that adds to that Magic Treehouse-grows-up feel. The kids feel a little Pat and pigeonholed to me and have a slight formality to their speech and behavior towards each other and adults that reminds me do much of The Boxcar children and other similar series books from that time. Even when the kids are acting against an adult's wishes I have a hard time finding them believable as troublemakers. Also, the magic rules of the world are a bit too arbitrary and contradictory for my taste. I like having a system to my magic, a philosophy, and there felt like there was too much going on here, making it feel like the author was evolving it on the spot to meet her narrative needs as convenience allowed.
For a more interesting take, I'd recommend the Grimm Legacy. For a more humorous take, I'd recommend the Mr. Lemoncello books by Grabenstein.
Otherwise, for MT fans, this seems a very natural next step, or for Boxcar Children-loving parents that are looking for a tame read with a bit of mystery.
In this series, two kids stumble upon a magical discovery that allows them to step into the miniature Thorne Rooms in the Art Institute and travel through time. In the final installment, Jack and Ruthie realize they are not the only travelers while simultaneously bumping up against some potentially problematic loopholes in the magic that could have fire consequences if they're not careful.
With miniaturization, time travel, and the making good on the after-hours -escapades-in-a-museum dream so many of us Mixed Up Files...fans gave had, it seems inconceivable that these factors would not add up to a win. Unfortunately the main characters come off as flat yet familiar as Jack and Annie from the Magic Treehouse books, and there is a certain slightly teacherly undertone to any of the history-related scenes you can't quite shake that adds to that Magic Treehouse-grows-up feel. The kids feel a little Pat and pigeonholed to me and have a slight formality to their speech and behavior towards each other and adults that reminds me do much of The Boxcar children and other similar series books from that time. Even when the kids are acting against an adult's wishes I have a hard time finding them believable as troublemakers. Also, the magic rules of the world are a bit too arbitrary and contradictory for my taste. I like having a system to my magic, a philosophy, and there felt like there was too much going on here, making it feel like the author was evolving it on the spot to meet her narrative needs as convenience allowed.
For a more interesting take, I'd recommend the Grimm Legacy. For a more humorous take, I'd recommend the Mr. Lemoncello books by Grabenstein.
Otherwise, for MT fans, this seems a very natural next step, or for Boxcar Children-loving parents that are looking for a tame read with a bit of mystery.
October 21, 2014
The Secret of the Key appears to be the final book in Marianne Malone’s SIXTY-EIGHT ROOMS adventures. This children’s series has been a bit of a disappointment for me and the only reason I have continued with it is that I requested a review copy of the audiobook edition of this final book and so I felt obligated to read it. As I have noted previously, and as Bill and Kelly have mentioned, the premise is fabulous, but the execution falls short.
The stories follow Ruthie and Jack, two sixth graders who find a way to shrink and explore the Thorne Rooms in the Art Institute of Chicago. The two likable kids discover that the... Read More: http://www.fantasyliterature.com/revi...
The stories follow Ruthie and Jack, two sixth graders who find a way to shrink and explore the Thorne Rooms in the Art Institute of Chicago. The two likable kids discover that the... Read More: http://www.fantasyliterature.com/revi...
February 26, 2015
The 4th book is out! Reading aloud to both big kids ...
October 19, 2017
Final book in this really awesome series. Could have totally been a 68 series-one for each of the rooms and I would have read every single one of them!
"Chicago sixth graders Ruthie and Jack think they’ve learned everything about the magic of the Art Institute’s Thorne Rooms. But the magic starts to act strangely when Ruthie and Jack discover two rings that are out of place—and out of time—and a portal that shouldn’t be open but somehow is. Ruthie and Jack follow the clues to seventeenth-century England and the Brownlow house, where they meet the Brownlow’s governess, Rebecca. But Rebecca has a few secrets of her own—and she might even be in the wrong century! Can Ruthie and Jack discover the truth about Rebecca’s mysterious past, or will they end up stuck in the wrong century themselves? Their quest for answers takes them from 1930s New York City and San Francisco to turn-of-the-century China. The only one who can truly answer their questions may be the woman who started it all: the room’s creator, Narcissa Thorne. But to talk to Mrs. Thorne, they’ll have to go back in time and find her!"
"Chicago sixth graders Ruthie and Jack think they’ve learned everything about the magic of the Art Institute’s Thorne Rooms. But the magic starts to act strangely when Ruthie and Jack discover two rings that are out of place—and out of time—and a portal that shouldn’t be open but somehow is. Ruthie and Jack follow the clues to seventeenth-century England and the Brownlow house, where they meet the Brownlow’s governess, Rebecca. But Rebecca has a few secrets of her own—and she might even be in the wrong century! Can Ruthie and Jack discover the truth about Rebecca’s mysterious past, or will they end up stuck in the wrong century themselves? Their quest for answers takes them from 1930s New York City and San Francisco to turn-of-the-century China. The only one who can truly answer their questions may be the woman who started it all: the room’s creator, Narcissa Thorne. But to talk to Mrs. Thorne, they’ll have to go back in time and find her!"
April 25, 2025
Ruthie and Jack are excited to be working for Mrs. McVittie's Rare and Antique Bookshop during the summer. Besides their new summer job, Ruthie and Jack will be encouraged to revisit the Thoren Rooms at the Art Institute. While unpacking an antique box, they discover an old newspaper with an article about an unsolved missing teen case. Could they travel back in time and try to discover a clue about what really happened with Becky Brown?
Once they've discovered a hidden letter from Narcissa Thorne, they learn more about the mysterious key. Even though the letter was written in 1939, it sounds as if it was directly written to them... especially since they now have the key. What places in time will they travel? Will they discover the truth about Becky Brown? Should they try to return the key to an elderly Narcissa Thorne? It's up to you to open the covers...
If you haven't met Ruthie and Jack and their amazing journeys into the 68 rooms, well this book will be an excellent exploration. Each book can be a stand-alone, or you can begin with the first title... The Sixty-Eight rooms, simply pic one and enjoy the journey...
MrsK https://mrskbookstogo.blogspot.com/
Once they've discovered a hidden letter from Narcissa Thorne, they learn more about the mysterious key. Even though the letter was written in 1939, it sounds as if it was directly written to them... especially since they now have the key. What places in time will they travel? Will they discover the truth about Becky Brown? Should they try to return the key to an elderly Narcissa Thorne? It's up to you to open the covers...
If you haven't met Ruthie and Jack and their amazing journeys into the 68 rooms, well this book will be an excellent exploration. Each book can be a stand-alone, or you can begin with the first title... The Sixty-Eight rooms, simply pic one and enjoy the journey...
MrsK https://mrskbookstogo.blogspot.com/
September 8, 2024
A well plotted end to a lovely series. In this story, Ruthie comes across a note from Mrs. Thorne, who had commissioned the sixty-eight miniature rooms back in the late 1930s, that using the key that shrunk them down to five inches tall, small enough to enter each room, was too dangerous, something that both she and her best friend Jack realize in two scary mishaps as they travel through the rooms’ portals. And in a portal to early 18th century England, they discover something that shocks them and helps them decide it is time to stop their adventures and put the key in a safe place.
January 31, 2025
This book is the fourth in a series. To fully understand the story it helps to have read the first three books, and it really helps to have some familiarity with the Thorne rooms. The Thorne rooms are a collection of miniature rooms, on display at the Art Institute of Chicago, that represent the architecture and interior design of various places and historical periods. I read the book along side a copy of the guidebook referenced in the story.
Although the books are written for a YA audience, following the adventures of two sixth graders, I found them to be engaging and educational.
Although the books are written for a YA audience, following the adventures of two sixth graders, I found them to be engaging and educational.
August 16, 2025
This series stays strong and innovative through all four books with this one presenting the dangers I’ve been wondering about and ending with fitting resolution.
My one quibble is the final paragraph of this book—it feels cliched and in a different tone than the prior time which is consistent through the series. I think a few paragraphs about Ruthie and Jack in the context of their families that harkens back to the beginning yet reflects how their experiences in the Thorne Rooms have changed them.
My one quibble is the final paragraph of this book—it feels cliched and in a different tone than the prior time which is consistent through the series. I think a few paragraphs about Ruthie and Jack in the context of their families that harkens back to the beginning yet reflects how their experiences in the Thorne Rooms have changed them.
August 1, 2021
The thrilling conclusion to the Sixty-Eight Rooms. Ruthie and Jack discover that their travels with the key are not all fun and games - they are dangerous. They visit 1930's New York, 1940s California, and 18th Century England. But something is amiss- there is a woman in the past who seems to know they are from the future! Meanwhile, they discover a letter from Mrs. Thorne warning them to stop using the key. Ruthie and Jack must figure out both mysteries before it is too late.
April 12, 2022
My daughter and I read all four of the books in the series and just loved them. The ending of this one even made me tear up. So creative, clever and fun. I’ll be giving this set of books away as birthday gifts to kids ages 7-12 for years to come.
May 21, 2019
Sad that the series ended... I would have loved a book about every room, but it was a good ending :)
May 24, 2019
T esre and time travel elemeniii in it. I think it wrapped up too fast, but I still really enjoyed it. The historical aspects of these stories are always fun.
July 7, 2020
finished 2020-07-06. Definitely my favorite of the quad series b/c there's acknowledgement of the great risks involved in Ruthie's adventures.
September 22, 2020
3.5 stars
Want to read
November 29, 2020Note: I received a paperback copy of this book at ALA Midwinter 2020.
May 4, 2022
This is the fourth book in the series - Adventure, Mystery and Magic - I LOVED the whole series
August 9, 2022
Good finale to the series.
August 11, 2022
Loved it!
November 28, 2023
Fun book..
Read
January 1, 2025Love this series about the miniature Thorne Rooms at the Art Institute of Chicago
Read
February 14, 2025Plague novel #2
March 7, 2017
I have read all four in this series with my children and we are sad to see it end, but Malone wraps it up well. So glad that she realized that it had run its course instead of trying to drag it out. Again, Highly recommend this whole series as a family read or for children third grade and older.
October 28, 2014
The Secret of the Key appears to be the final book in Marianne Malone’s SIXTY-EIGHT ROOMS adventures. This children’s series has been a bit of a disappointment for me and the only reason I have continued with it is that I requested a review copy of the audiobook edition of this final book and so I felt obligated to read it. As I have noted previously, and as Bill and Kelly have mentioned, the premise is fabulous, but the execution falls short.
The stories follow Ruthie and Jack, two sixth graders who find a way to shrink and explore the Thorne Rooms in the Art Institute of Chicago. The two likable kids discover that the... Read More: http://www.fantasyliterature.com/revi...
The stories follow Ruthie and Jack, two sixth graders who find a way to shrink and explore the Thorne Rooms in the Art Institute of Chicago. The two likable kids discover that the... Read More: http://www.fantasyliterature.com/revi...
October 28, 2014
The Secret of the Key appears to be the final book in Marianne Malone’s SIXTY-EIGHT ROOMS adventures. This children’s series has been a bit of a disappointment for me and the only reason I have continued with it is that I requested a review copy of the audiobook edition of this final book and so I felt obligated to read it. As I have noted previously, and as Bill and Kelly have mentioned, the premise is fabulous, but the execution falls short.
The stories follow Ruthie and Jack, two sixth graders who find a way to shrink and explore the Thorne Rooms in the Art Institute of Chicago. The two likable kids discover that the... Read More: http://www.fantasyliterature.com/revi...
The stories follow Ruthie and Jack, two sixth graders who find a way to shrink and explore the Thorne Rooms in the Art Institute of Chicago. The two likable kids discover that the... Read More: http://www.fantasyliterature.com/revi...
September 3, 2014
There are other books I should be reading since I already know I love this series but I had to read this anyway.
Several interesting topics mentioned for kids to explore further. The Boxer Rebellion, King Tut, 9/11, Harry Potter, WWII, "school" in the 17th century, fashion design, language, .... above all though is that Ruthie and Jack have to work together to get things done. I feel that constant reinforcement of teamwork, of needing others, is an imperative attribute to instill in kids today. It's good to empower them as individuals as well however getting along with others seems to me to be even more important in today's society.
Several interesting topics mentioned for kids to explore further. The Boxer Rebellion, King Tut, 9/11, Harry Potter, WWII, "school" in the 17th century, fashion design, language, .... above all though is that Ruthie and Jack have to work together to get things done. I feel that constant reinforcement of teamwork, of needing others, is an imperative attribute to instill in kids today. It's good to empower them as individuals as well however getting along with others seems to me to be even more important in today's society.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews