Mr. Lemoncello's Fantabulous Finale

Mr. Lemoncello's Library #6

by Chris Grabenstein

THE CONCLUSION TO THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING SERIES WITH MORE THAN TWO MILLION COPIES SOLD!

Welcome back to what James Patterson calls “the coolest library in the world.” Follow along and solve the clues in this interactive adventure to see if you have what it takes to be the new owner of Mr. Lemoncello’s epic gaming empire! From the co-author of Murdle Sleuths on the Loose…

“A worthy successor to the original madman puzzle-master himself, Willy Wonka.” —Booklist, starred review of Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library

Mr. Lemoncello has invited thirteen lucky thirteen-year-olds—including his biggest fan, Kyle Keeley—to compete in one last fantabulous challenge. This time everything is on the line… literally! The winner of these games will become the new owner of Mr. Lemoncello’s entire empire. But uh-oh—someone is trying to destroy Mr. Lemoncello and all he stands imagination, games, books, and knowledge. Can Kyle stop them and make his dreams come true?

Get ready for a whirlwind adventure from the lions of the New York City Public Library to the Choose Your Own Thrill-Venture Roller Coaster inside the brand-new Lemoncelloland amusement park, filled with codes, clues, and surprise cameos. So sit back and relax… you are on your way to Lemoncelloland!

The Lemoncello books are laugh-out-loud, puzzle-packed must-reads for classrooms and homes across America. Look for the whole series!
Mr. Lemoncello’s Very First Game (the prequel)
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library (also available as a graphic novel)
Mr. Lemoncello’s Library Olympics (also available as a graphic novel)
Mr. Lemoncello’s Great Library Race
Mr. Lemoncello’s All-Star Breakout Game
Mr. Lemoncello and the Titanium Ticket
Mr. Lemoncello’s Fantabulous Finale

Genres: Mystery, Middle Grade, Fiction, Audiobook, Adventure, Childrens, Juvenile

Audible Audio

First published November 5, 2024

About the author

CHRIS GRABENSTEIN is a #1 New York Times bestselling author. His books include the LEMONCELLO, WONDERLAND, HAUNTED MYSTERY, DOG SQUAD, and SMARTEST KID IN THE UNIVERSE series, and many fun and funny page-turners co-authored with James Patterson. You can visit Chris at ChrisGrabenstein.com.

Reviews

[lydia {67} ୨ৎ]

Yes, I do have it 3 days before it comes out.
Yes, I did get it personally signed.
Yes, I did get to meet Chris Grabenstein.
Yes, I did get to listen to a presentation done by him.
Yes, I am a little jealous of myself.
Yes, I am going to start reading it right now.
😁😁

[Leane · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little sad it's over, but it was a wonderful series.

[Victor The Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inside the seventh and final volume of the “Mr. Lemoncello” series, we finally reached the end of the game-making tycoon’s final challenge and the remaining players doing whatever they can to see who’ll be the next-in-line to run his empire. Grabenstein’s series have been an exciting and riddle-solving experience that never stops being so enjoyable. Seeing Kyle and friends working together to find the answers, stopping fiends from spoiling the fun and learning about the tycoon’s childhood.

Mr. Lemoncello really is the Willy Wonka of games, very splendiferous. A (100%/Outstanding)

[Lovely Day · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Larissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely book and a perfect finish to such a beautiful series. This is a library favorite and how could it not be. Mr. Lemoncello’s child-like antics just enchant and delight readers of all ages. I quite enjoyed the challenges he placed in front of the children and how the game was all laid out. I don’t want to give anything away, but this book is pure perfection. Could we all as adults find some spark of Mr. Lemoncello’s youthfulness the world would be a much better place. I can’t wait to get this in readers hands really soon.
Thank you to Random House Children’s and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this fabulous book.

[Natalya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a wonderful way to end the series, but it's bittersweet. I'm glad that it has ended, but I will miss it. (I guess that is what rereads are for.) Just as good as the last ones and I just love the author's note to the reader.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for a free copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s been a wacky, game-filled, bookish ride from the opening book with its magical and wonderful library until this sixth and final installment. Most of the characters first introduced in volume 1’s big escape appear for at least a bit in the final book but Kyle takes center stage as he has in the preceding 5. Sierra has a significant role and Charles sticks his nose into everyone’s business as usual. Readers of earlier Lemoncello books will not be disappointed in the puzzles, riddles and creative inventions sprinkled liberally throughout the final contest to see who will take the big prize-inheriting the entire Lemoncello empire. Bookish people will appreciate the titles that become part of the game and the most astute of those will pick up on allusions to titles sneakily and seamlessly incorporated into both narration and dialogue.

While the last book is not my favorite of the set (that would be Escape From…), it holds its own in what is a strong series from beginning to end. Having read all of them, I would suggest begining with book 1 for that those who want to read the Lemoncello books. Books 2-5 could easily be read in any order, but save 6 for last.

As its predecessors, the Fantabulous Finale is free of profanity, sexual content and violence. Charles and his parents are bullies and want to ruin Mr. Lemoncello financially but they are basically harmless cheaters who get their comeuppance.

Thanks for sharing a copy with a BookAllies arc-sharing group member, Chris Grabenstein!

[Holly Gonzales · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been an exceptionally great middle grade series. I’m sad to see it end. It’s witty and funny. Engages young minds and makes them think outside the box. The characters are well written with an easy to follow and exciting storyline. My son is not big on reading, but he has loved this series since it was his assigned summer reading 5 years ago. He’s asked for every book and has devoured them all. It may be a middle grade novel but is great for any age, the young and young at heart.

[Lizzy (Elizabeth) · Rating 5 out of 5]

3.75 stars.

I loved this series a lot when I was younger. And I still do. I like how there is a lot of puzzles in the book, and a giant puzzle at the end.
At some parts I feel like the plot was rushed a bit. But it was still an enjoyable read.

[Elisabeth Lovelace · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book was the end of the era. The original Lemoncellos are the books that got me to start reading as a dyslexic kid who hated reading. I fell in love with Mr. Lemoncello and am quite sad that this journey has ended but I cant wait for the rest of the graphic novels.

"Knowledge not shared remains unknown." - Mr. Luigi L. Lemoncello.

I will miss you.

[Lillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this series when I was younger, but still fun for me to go through this last book now! I love how solid Chris Grabenstein’s books are! They are very fun and action packed for younger readers and have a witty side that is more fun for older readers like me! I would 100% put this in the hands of any kid who loves puzzles, riddles, and books!

[Kristi Drillien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thirteen 13-year-olds compete to win Mr. Lemoncello's biggest competition yet. As Mr. Lemoncello prepares to name an heir to his billion-dollar empire, his rivals attempt to take him down once and for all.

This ending to a fun series is just what I wanted it to be. Mr. Lemoncello hasn't gotten any less eccentric or generous, and Kyle Keeley is back at the center of things, with some new and returning side characters. Though I was able to predict a lot of what happens at the end of the book, younger readers will most likely be surprised by twists and turns. There is less of the puzzle-y goodness that first got me into these books by this point in the series (there are still puzzles, but not as many or as difficult to solve as I remember), but I still think this series as a whole is a good one to draw in reluctant readers, especially boys.

I recommend this book, and the entire series, to readers 10 and up, and I definitely recommend starting at the beginning. I also suggest reading the prequel, Mr. Lemoncello's Very First Game, before reading this book, as characters and backstory from that book come up a decent amount in this one. 

The author's note at the end of the book was a nice added bit of information, and I was very happy to read that the rest of this series will be made into graphic novels like the one that's already come out for the first book. It'll be a fun way to relive the series.

I received an eARC of this book, but then I pre-ordered a copy and sent in for the "titanium" bookplate with my name and my daughter's name (who first introduced me to the series), signed by Chris Grabenstein. I was a little sad that some of the marker had smeared or scraped off in the envelope, and I'll probably cover it with packing tape after I apply it to the book, but it's still a nice collector's item to have.

[Laura Gardner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr. Lemoncello is back and this time he’s giving away his business and fortune! Well, sort of. He’s looking for a 13-year-old to succeed him in his game empire, but after the tween goes to college. Many characters from past competitions are back (Kyle, Simon, Soraiya, among others) but this time there can only be ONE winner. The one exception is anyone with the last name Chiltington, but that won’t stop Charles Chiltington from trying to win the contest and destroy Lemoncello’s entire holdings anyway. Thirteen 13-year-olds (out of millions of hopeful contestants) are chosen for the final games in NYC, which are designed to discover the contestant who is best suited to run the business. As usual, Grabenstein sprinkles the book with references to other middle grade books (for example: “For this next round, we are pulling a Merci Suarez and changing gears”), which in-the-know readers (and their librarians) will enjoy.
The book is wacky, fun, and full of joy from start to finish. Game and puzzle enthusiasts will be thrilled with this final book in the series. The author’s note explains his personal connection to libraries, the joy of sharing knowledge, and the importance of collaboration. These themes come through strongly in this series.

[Heather Sturgill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to get an advanced reader's copy of this book and I am so thankful I did. My eleven-year-old son has never been a strong reader, but he LOVES the Lemoncello series. The excitement of getting a sneak peak at this fantabulous book was the inspiration he needed. My previously-a-non-reader READ this book outloud to me! The world is enthralling enough that he forgot his reluctance and fear and dove in.

In this book, Mr. Lemoncello has one final competition that will result in one fortunate winner, determining the future of the Lemoncello empire - and Kyle Keeley is eager to play!

This book references all of the previous books, so it is best to read the series in order. There aren't quite a many puzzles as the early books, but there is still a mystery to solve. Great fun!

I am truly sorry to see this Lemoncello chapter end, because Chris Grabenstein created a world in which a less-than-perfect person with a great big heart and passion for FUN can do amazing things. Long live Lemoncello!

[Amanda Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone loves a good game, right?! When the stakes are bigger than ever, the game gets serious. Mr. Lemoncello has decided to create a big game, one where the prize cannot be rivaled. Luigi Lemoncello is awarding his entire game-making empire the single winner. All of the big players have come out to try and win the best prize of all time. Unfortunately, it isn’t cut and dry. While his arch nemesis, Charles, isn’t allowed to enter, his cousin somehow gets a spot. Some horrible rumors are floating around about Mr. Lemoncello which could mean the end of the empire. Kyle may not be able to win this time when the prize is all he has ever wanted.

The ending to this phenomenal series didn’t disappoint. It is littered with references from previous books which are always fun to read. I loved the twists and turns that Teddy, Charles’ cousin, throws into the mix. Every time I read one of the Lemoncello books, trying to figure out the clues had me turning the pages and staying up late to finish. I would love for LemoncelloLand to actually be built. It can take all my money! While this is the end of the series, the afterword promises another exciting series on the horizon, and I can’t wait.

[Jaymie · Rating 4 out of 5]

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

4 stars - Great! Might re-read.

This is a fun send off of the fantastic Lemoncello series - at least "this arc" as the author's acknowledgements hint at possible Lemoncello stories yet to come.

I missed Kyle working with his closest friends in this book, but the choice to let the various characters from previous books follow their bliss and primary interests was a great one. The core group here is good, and I loved the different skills each brought to the story. And even though the Chiltingtons were back, they didn't spend much time on the page, which pleased me.

Series fans, and libraries/classrooms should absolutely pick up this series finale. Newcomers should definitely start with book one.

[Emily Bryant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to #NetGalley, Chris Grabenstein, and the publisher of the book for the eARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

Mr. Lemoncello is hosting a finale! A finale that by the end, someone will take over his entire empire when he is no longer here. Who is it going to be? It isn't Mr. Lemoncello without a competition. Mr. Lemoncello has invited thirteen lucky 13 year olds to compete for everything. As they are competing, someone is trying to destroy everything Mr. Lemoncello has put together. Will Kyle, the one who has been there since the beginning, be able to save the day?

A fantastic end to the Lemoncello ending! It was adventure packed as always. I didn't want it to end! I cannot wait to get a copy for my classroom!

[Danielle Douthit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Lemoncello’s Fantabulous Finale by @chrisgrabenstein
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Clearly I’m working my way through my backed up ARC on @netgalley.. but I Really enjoyed this one and I know my kids will too!
We’ve all loved the previous books in this series and this was the perfect ending..or was it?! I could use one more! The riddles, puzzles, and puns were on point and I found myself trying to solve them before the kids in the book. 😆 I also have always loved the life lessons that it teaches - genuine kindness, empathy, working together, and standing up for others. I’m not ready to say goodbye to Lemoncello.

Thank you @randomhouse / @randomhousekids for the ARC of this book!
I was able to follow along with the audiobook on Libby and the reader was excellent. All opinions are honest and my own.

#mrlemoncellosfantabulousfinale #netgalley #goodbooks #goodreads #literarypearlsof25 #bookstagram

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy revisiting the Lemoncello universe. This final book stays true to the themes of the other books in the series. Still not as good as the first one, but lovers of the series will enjoy this one as well.

In his final contest, Mr. Lemoncello is looking for a worthy heir to his entire Lemoncello enterprise, and Kyle is once again determined to be the winner.

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC copy.

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

So much happening in this short but sweet finale! Kyle and the gang are back, this time to see who will win it all; Luigi Lemoncello's entire enterprise. As always, the kids are bright-eyed, bushy tailed, and over-the-top in a fun way. The enthusiasm every character has is so engaging. Honestly, everyone would be a little better off with a fraction of that energy for something in their lives. It's a bummer this is the last one, but it ended on a high note.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

[Marinda (rindasreads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantabulous is right! I’ve been a Lemoncello fan from day one and I loved the way this story tied things up while also incorporating lessons that were learned in other books in the series. This series teaches kids to embrace their unique talents and interests while also showing how we are all stronger when we work together. It’s a beautiful, whimsical, intelligent mix that teaches kids how fun problem solving can be.

Also, I’ve never wanted a fictional place to be real as much as I wish Mr. Lemoncello’s theme park was a real place. Talk about a book lover’s paradise!

[Randi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and Random House Children's for providing me with an e-arc of Mr. Lemoncello's Fantabulous Finale. This series is one I have loved from the start. I am a huge lover of solving puzzles and riddles and this series is full of them. The finale has even more. Seeing this series come full circle in the finale really was the cherry on top of an amazing ice cream sundae. I also love that each book has a lesson to be learned and ultimately the conclusion wraps up all the lessons and gives us one more. As Mr. Lemoncello says, "knowledge not shared remains unknown", we can't make the world a better place if we don't share the knowledge with one another. Thank you Chris Grabenstein for creating a series that truly brings joy, fun, and shows us all what it means to have empathy and work together for together we are better. Oh but don't forget only one person can be Mr. Lemoncello's heir, who will it be? Read it and find out!

[Nichole Lemons · Rating 5 out of 5]

My son (10) has *loved* this series. It’s a tall order to give such a good series a fitting ending but Chris Grabenstein did just that. My son is a smart cookie and he felt like the challenges in this book were well thought out! This book does a fantastic job of tying ALL of the books into one fitting final adventure. It was entertaining throughout and we both thought the ending was perfect. This is absolutely a favorite series of ours and this conclusion does not disappoint.

I would like to express our gratitude to the author, Random House Kids and NetGalley for the eARC!

[Melmo2610 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun finale to a series I have enjoyed. I love bookish themed books and this series have been pretty enjoyable for me. This finale had a fun competition and the cast of characters complimented the story perfectly. Definitely worth a read!

[Bookworm4Life]

This is coming out on my birthday, thank you Mr. Grabenstein!

[Awjtf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book!

[Josh Newhouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much room for prequels or legacy books. Despite being a little predictable for me it was the perfect ending to the first chapter!

[JS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific ending to one of my favorite series that I started reading in fourth grade. There must be balloons!

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great way to end the series!

[Lydia Sigwarth · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

A fitting finale to the series.