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The Case Of Secrets
It looked like an ordinary book. Old and boring. But when 11 year old Nathan Cole picks it up off the attic floor, strange things begin to happen; things he can't explain...or ignore. The book leads him througha complex set of clues left by Alastair Raven, a renowned New York City architect who vanished in the mid 1800's, never to be heard from again. Through every twist and turn Nathan is convinced that Raven is reaching out to him, leading him to something. But what? What could a man who lived 150 ago possibly want him to know? As Nathan works to answer that question, an even bigger mystery looms...one that dates back through his family for countless generations. Se what surprises await him in this action-packed novel that shows how one book can change your life. Forever.
- GenresMystery
232 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2013
7 people are currently reading
454 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
May 6, 2014
When author Alfred M. Struthers sent me a copy of his book to review, I decided that I would read this book as a read aloud to my 5th grade class. The students were really into the mystery aspect of the book and loved the adventure that was entwined within the story. Many of them felt that they could relate to the characters Nathan and Gina.
The author's style of writing was to include the thoughts of most of the characters in the form of italics throughout the book. I will admit, it was hard to read at first because it was something I'd never quite seen before, but as I continued reading, I realized that the style of writing leant itself to some deep discussions and many wonderful teaching moments.
So, during our read aloud, we used the book as a teaching tool which became most helpful when discussing point of view. Knowing so many of the characters thoughts, also gave us insight about the characters themselves and we were able to make some inferences about them as we read.
This book was also a great tool to use when teaching fluency. We used a short passage to practice fluency and the expression, volume, and phrasing needed to make the thoughts of the characters more meaningful.
As one student said, "It's almost like I'm talking to myself." Which is exactly how it should be read too. :)
I don't feel as though this is quite a lower level reader book as other reviewers have suggested however, only because of the writing style and vocabulary. I can see it frustrating struggling readers a bit, but being intriguing to higher level readers who are constantly thinking and questioning as they read. I definitely feel that this book would be great for middle school readers, and while it is an enticing book for boys, most of my girls really enjoyed it just as much.
The author's style of writing was to include the thoughts of most of the characters in the form of italics throughout the book. I will admit, it was hard to read at first because it was something I'd never quite seen before, but as I continued reading, I realized that the style of writing leant itself to some deep discussions and many wonderful teaching moments.
So, during our read aloud, we used the book as a teaching tool which became most helpful when discussing point of view. Knowing so many of the characters thoughts, also gave us insight about the characters themselves and we were able to make some inferences about them as we read.
This book was also a great tool to use when teaching fluency. We used a short passage to practice fluency and the expression, volume, and phrasing needed to make the thoughts of the characters more meaningful.
As one student said, "It's almost like I'm talking to myself." Which is exactly how it should be read too. :)
I don't feel as though this is quite a lower level reader book as other reviewers have suggested however, only because of the writing style and vocabulary. I can see it frustrating struggling readers a bit, but being intriguing to higher level readers who are constantly thinking and questioning as they read. I definitely feel that this book would be great for middle school readers, and while it is an enticing book for boys, most of my girls really enjoyed it just as much.
January 19, 2014
I won this book on the giveaway for it on here and I am glad I did because it's a fantastic book & i can't wait for the next book in the series.
The story is a about a young boy named Nathan who finds a normal old book in the attic of a family home but it turns out to be anything but normal as strange things that he can't explain begin to happen as soon as he finds it. The book leads Nathan and his friend, Gina through a complex set of clues which have been left by a Renowned Architect from New York named Alistair Raven, who vanished with out trace in the mid 1800s at the height of his career.
When he & his friend solve the mystery that Raven wants them to it only leads Nathan to an even bigger mystery that dates back through his family for countless generations and is connected to the Old Bookcase and the old books that it contains.
I gave this book a 5 star rating because the descriptions that the author gave about the book and the effects it had on both Nathan & Gina as well as all the other things that happen in the book and the characters themselves were great and kept you gripped. Because of this I would and will recommend it to other people.
This Review can also be seen on my Blog: http://katesplace77.wordpress.com/
The story is a about a young boy named Nathan who finds a normal old book in the attic of a family home but it turns out to be anything but normal as strange things that he can't explain begin to happen as soon as he finds it. The book leads Nathan and his friend, Gina through a complex set of clues which have been left by a Renowned Architect from New York named Alistair Raven, who vanished with out trace in the mid 1800s at the height of his career.
When he & his friend solve the mystery that Raven wants them to it only leads Nathan to an even bigger mystery that dates back through his family for countless generations and is connected to the Old Bookcase and the old books that it contains.
I gave this book a 5 star rating because the descriptions that the author gave about the book and the effects it had on both Nathan & Gina as well as all the other things that happen in the book and the characters themselves were great and kept you gripped. Because of this I would and will recommend it to other people.
This Review can also be seen on my Blog: http://katesplace77.wordpress.com/
November 8, 2013
A great book for middle grade readers--especially boys-- with nonstop action and a cool mystery tinged with Gothic elements, including secret rooms and clues from a "lively" old book that feels like it has its own personality!
August 3, 2015
I was sent a copy from the author a long with a letter that has some interesting curriculum connections. I was a bit skeptical when I began, but felt I should read it before putting it into my 6th grade classroom library. I ended up reading it nearly straight through. It kept drawing me forth. The two characters, Nathan and Gina seemed like likely friends who had grown up next door to one another. They're connection led to a few giggles. The mystery of hidden, historical secrets is one I loved to imagine as a kid. I loved going into our local museum's Gaslight Village and imagine all the treasures there. This adventure brought that feeling back for me. I will definitely recommend this for my middle grade readers.
October 12, 2017
The book The Case Of Secrets was AMAZING. Alfred M. Struthers came into my classroom and gave everybody in my class a copy of the book. It was a great book and i read in the first three weeks of getting it. Just today Alfred M. Struthers came to my classroom as a huge surprise and gave us each a copy of the second book. All the people in my class were jumping up and down and some people were squealing. I read half through the second chapter and it makes me want to read more. I definitely recommend this book to anybody that likes mystery books and just likes to read because i cant stop talking about how great this book is. You should read it!!! Everytime he makes another book i am going to read it. this is my favorite book series and i have only read the first book and the first and half of the second chapter of the second book. I have never liked reading ever in my life till i have read this book. you should get it. I bet you will love just as much as I do. BYE!!!
January 10, 2021
I would like start by saying that this book will never keep you bored, there was never a dull moment. Its very engaging. I don't usually read mystery books but this book didn't disappoint me. But since I'm a kid I felt like I could relate to them. What I found that was really cool was that the Kids turn into superheroes of the art world. Another thing that I found was cool is that Gina and Nate didn't like get super powers instead they used what they had on hand. This was my 5th grade read aloud and it was funny how close Nate and Gina were since they were boy nd girl. I liked was that the book was a realistic fiction book but it was filled with magic. When Alfred showed both Gina and Nathan's perspectives on the world I felt like I could grasp the idea of the book better. The only thing that didn't like was that Alfred didn't quite deepen the character of Nathan's grandfather.
October 12, 2017
This book was very enjoyable. I was one of this kids who he signed and gave free copies to in Saint Micheal's School. I think that it's a great idea that he's going to make a way where you get a custom book mark for each book. The book mark for this book gave a little hint about how the book was going to end out. I think that is a original and great idea. Also, the book itself, was great. It's very.. well, mysterious. I like how the entire book gets turned around near the end, where he finds out who actually wants him to read the book. The detail you put into the book is great. I can't wait to read the next book, is what I'm definitely saying.
December 9, 2018
The Case of Secrets drew me, and my entire 5th grade class, into the mystery of Nathan's dusty old family bookcase. This mystery was fast paced, starting with an old book falling onto the floor and the pages wildly turning by themselves to give the protagonist clues about its importance. Nathan and his friend Gina go on a wild adventure around town and end up discovering something that will give you chills. The characters are well developed. Nathan and Gina will both banter and work together, making you chuckle. The plot will keep you on the edge of your seat, so that you won't want to put the book down. Even at the end, you won't want to have the next book in the series too far away!
October 12, 2017
Mr. Struthers came to our school and he talked about the book and how it was made! He gave us copies of the book (as first readers) over the summer. I recommend this book to people who can handle and like or love mystery and suspenseful books. If you are one of those people like me, then I think when you are done with the first book, you should go on to the sequel. In the beginning, it is kinda boring, but once you get into the middle and end, you will definitely want to keep reading. Hope you like the book.
-Savy
-Savy
October 12, 2017
I got a signed book from Alfred M. Struthers because he came into my class and gave them to us because our teacher wanted it to be our summer reading assignment. My favorite character is Gina because of how sassy she is with everything she does. I love how every chapter ended with a mystery . Normally I don't like to read but this book was so good that when I had only had the book for 2 days I was on page 60 because I liked it so much. I can't wait to start reading The Phantom Vail.
October 12, 2017
Mr. Struthers came to our school and talked about this book. He gave us copies for summer reading and the book was very suspenseful. It was really cool and I always was wanting to turn the page. I recommend this book to people who like suspense and mystery. I think it was one of the coolest books ever and I have read a LOT of books! Also the cover is really awesome and eye catching. When your done with this book try the sequel!
August 10, 2017
"People are going to want to know about this book Gram!" Quote from my 7 year old Grandson after seeing the cover of this book for the first time.
This author has created a captivating mystery for ALL Ages. It immediately brought me back to my childhood, riding bikes, best friends and a adventurous mystery. We absolutely can not wait to read the next book!
This author has created a captivating mystery for ALL Ages. It immediately brought me back to my childhood, riding bikes, best friends and a adventurous mystery. We absolutely can not wait to read the next book!
October 12, 2017
Mr.Struthers, I thought your book was really really good, I liked how the book really took
you there and when you had to put it down you gust wanted to read more. The book was filled with
wonder and excitement, this was the best thing (at least to me) was that no one new about the
mysterious book until the end and it's gust really cool!!!!!!!!!!!!
you there and when you had to put it down you gust wanted to read more. The book was filled with
wonder and excitement, this was the best thing (at least to me) was that no one new about the
mysterious book until the end and it's gust really cool!!!!!!!!!!!!
October 12, 2017
Great book! I thought that the the book would be mid rate but I gave it five stars because I ended up liking it. Read it for 6th grade summer reading. Mr. Struthers came into our class and he seemed like a pretty cool guy.
April 7, 2014
From the cover and premise I was expecting a lot of creepiness with a healthy dose of magic. However, The Case of Secrets was primarily an architectural mystery. It kind of bugs me when the cover and premise don't match the feel and content of the book.
The beginning was really promising - a creepy old book keeps following Nathan around the house. The book leads to a string of clues that are sufficiently well-paced and developed.
One major thing really hindered my enjoyment of The Case of Secrets, though:
Many people have indicated that this book would work well for reluctant boy readers, so I gave it to just that sort of 5th grade student. He loved it at first! Then, about 50 pages in he hit a real stumbling block. "I can't figure out how to read the italicized parts. They're not like the italics thinking in other books."
Needless to say he finished the book and rated it 3 out of 5 stars.
Then it was my turn to read The Case of Secrets. Lo and behold - my student was right! The italicized parts are strange and difficult to follow.
The author has chosen to intersperse action with thinking. Here's an example:
"I could be outside right now...
The floorboards creaked under his feet.
Riding my bike.
They sounded angry.
Instead of here...
He reached the chimney and paused.
In this dump."
This set-up occurs over and over in the book. I found it very hard to follow and ended up reading all the thinking parts, then going back and reading all the action parts.
I know that the author is trying to represent how thinking happens simultaneously with action, but it made the story very difficult to read. In my view, this stylistic choice actually makes the book more challenging and, therefore, not really for struggling readers.
Just sayin'.
As for the plot and characters, they were okay. There was an interesting mystery and some fun architectural learning. But I wouldn't say it was super fast-paced.
Disclosure: This book was provided to me and my students by the author
The beginning was really promising - a creepy old book keeps following Nathan around the house. The book leads to a string of clues that are sufficiently well-paced and developed.
One major thing really hindered my enjoyment of The Case of Secrets, though:
Many people have indicated that this book would work well for reluctant boy readers, so I gave it to just that sort of 5th grade student. He loved it at first! Then, about 50 pages in he hit a real stumbling block. "I can't figure out how to read the italicized parts. They're not like the italics thinking in other books."
Needless to say he finished the book and rated it 3 out of 5 stars.
Then it was my turn to read The Case of Secrets. Lo and behold - my student was right! The italicized parts are strange and difficult to follow.
The author has chosen to intersperse action with thinking. Here's an example:
"I could be outside right now...
The floorboards creaked under his feet.
Riding my bike.
They sounded angry.
Instead of here...
He reached the chimney and paused.
In this dump."
This set-up occurs over and over in the book. I found it very hard to follow and ended up reading all the thinking parts, then going back and reading all the action parts.
I know that the author is trying to represent how thinking happens simultaneously with action, but it made the story very difficult to read. In my view, this stylistic choice actually makes the book more challenging and, therefore, not really for struggling readers.
Just sayin'.
As for the plot and characters, they were okay. There was an interesting mystery and some fun architectural learning. But I wouldn't say it was super fast-paced.
Disclosure: This book was provided to me and my students by the author
May 5, 2014
Mysteries have always been my favorite genre. I was excited to review this book. I had no idea what I was in for. Take one kid named Nathan who hates attics, spiders and books and put him in a situation where he must take something upstairs to the attic for his mother. Brought back memories of when my mother would make me take things upstairs to a closet. We all hated that closet because it was spooky. With Nathan he runs into lots of creepy spider webs and then a mysterious book falls on the floor in front of him.
Now imagine, this boy who hates to read can't seem to put this book down once he has started it. You have the start to a great mystery. Give him a brainy sidekick named Gina to help him and now you have a great mystery.
The author did such a wonderful job I almost believed the story was true. The feeling I felt while reading this book took me back to my years in elementary and middle school where you could always find me in the mystery section of the library. I love architecture so learning some new architectural words made this book even more enjoyable. I loved both characters.
Nathan and Gina had been neighbors for years. Gina had an attitude that came off as though she was better than Nathan. Seeing him out think her at times was satisfying. I also enjoyed learning more about his grandfather and the way the author tied up the loose ends only to leave us wanting to read more. I do hope I was vague enough to make you want to read this book.
I received a review copy from the author.
February 5, 2014
Middle Schooler Nathan Cole hates to read- that is until a very old book jumps off the shelf in a dusty spiderwebby attic. Compton's Journal of Architectural Marvels makes its way downstairs in a basket full of baby clothes and into Nathan's life- big time! He is so intrigued by the book that he begins to research a famous missing architect, uncovering secrets about family, a local building set for demolition and a newfound enjoyment in reading! Fast-paced adventure, with a female side-kick, will appeal to kids looking for a quick read with a tinge of fantasy. Lots of architectural details add enrichment to the fun.
February 8, 2014
Growing up, I spent hours exploring the attic of our 18th century farmhouse where my family had lived for generations. Every book, photograph, document, or curious antique was a clue into the daily lives of my ancestors. "The Case of Secrets" brought back those memories with every turn of the page. It's a well-researched book that's fun to read for "history detectives" young and old. Congratulations on the publication of your new book, Alfred! I look forward to reading the next editions of the "Third Floor Mystery Series."
Tracy Messer
Peterborough, NH
NH State Coordinator,
Association of Personal Historians
http://www.personalhistorians.org
Tracy Messer
Peterborough, NH
NH State Coordinator,
Association of Personal Historians
http://www.personalhistorians.org
May 12, 2016
I was given this book by a friend of my school and I am so thankful! I contacted the author and he was more than willing to come visit our school and be a guest at our annual Mystery Writing Contest. The book was read by two of my classes of 7th and 8th graders. I really enjoyed the book! Some parts made me think of memories of my own childhood. I loved the last few chapters - couldn't put it down! Very excited to be asked to be a first reader for book number @2! My students are going to have the privilege of reading the first chapter of book 2 and they are thrilled! Thank you so much Al for being such a fun presenter and sharing your love of writing with my students!
April 8, 2016
I was a judge for a mystery writing contest at the school where I work. At first I only read the first chapter. The contest was for the students to write chapter 2 without having read the real thing. I got hooked on the book. It's nice sometimes to read a middle school level book and thoroughly enjoy it. Definitely get your kids to read this one. FYI - the author came to our school for the banquet honoring the winner of the contest and book 2 is on its way.
May 22, 2013
I helped the author edit this book for our company, All Classic Books. It was an incredible experience, as the author is devoted to his craft. The story is very compelling, and the two main characters remind me a lot of myself and my husband. A great read for those who love young adult fiction.
May 24, 2016
I read this about 2 years ago and I really liked it. The two main characters are two late-elementary school-age, and are very entertaining. I'd definitely recommend it for kids from 3rd through 8th grade who enjoy mysteries.
May 31, 2016
As a parent, I loved this book because it was just as entertaining for me as it was for my daughter. I loved the banter between Nathan and Gina! Would love to see how they grow and develop in future books. The story moved along and kept me guessing. Can't wait for more from this author!
October 12, 2017
I am still reading it but it's great so far. Definitely recommend. I'm in 6th grade.
October 12, 2017
I'm Emma and I read this book for summer reading it was incredible.Books don't usually get me excited I have to know the story and get impressed but this book blew me away.He walked in my school and he gave a amazing presentation. Just today he came back and gave me the new book i'm so excited to read it I cant wait. So I say thank you to Mr.Struthers.
October 12, 2017
I loved your book it pulled me to reading it. The books that I have don't have a cool cover or they don't pull me into reading it. When I sew the first book I thought it was a normal book but then I started reading it and I wanted to get the second book but then you gave me the second book. The first book was AWESOME. I can't wait for the third book. Keep on writing book. -Mary
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews