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Found Sound
A sound-inspired scavenger hunt and fast-paced mystery about family and friendships lost and found.
“A harmonious blend of STEM intrigue and heartfelt emotion that emphasizes listening closely to what really matters.” —Kirkus, starred review
Felix used to love summer vacation, when his family would trade the bustling noise of New York City for the small-town quiet of Blissfield, Massachusetts. But vacation hasn’t been the same since his big brother left home, and Felix is sure this summer is going to be the worst yet. Then he finds a mysterious box with the words OPEN ME written on the outside. Inside, there’s an audio recorder, headphones, and a list of timecodes. What does it mean?
Felix and his offbeat neighbor, Marigold, follow a string of clues through town. But as the hunt builds to a crescendo, Felix begins to wonder about the identity of the anonymous puzzle-maker behind their adventure.
This delightfully harmonious mother-son collaboration from bestselling author Meg Wolitzer and sound editor and music producer Charlie Panek will change the way you listen to the world
“A harmonious blend of STEM intrigue and heartfelt emotion that emphasizes listening closely to what really matters.” —Kirkus, starred review
Felix used to love summer vacation, when his family would trade the bustling noise of New York City for the small-town quiet of Blissfield, Massachusetts. But vacation hasn’t been the same since his big brother left home, and Felix is sure this summer is going to be the worst yet. Then he finds a mysterious box with the words OPEN ME written on the outside. Inside, there’s an audio recorder, headphones, and a list of timecodes. What does it mean?
Felix and his offbeat neighbor, Marigold, follow a string of clues through town. But as the hunt builds to a crescendo, Felix begins to wonder about the identity of the anonymous puzzle-maker behind their adventure.
This delightfully harmonious mother-son collaboration from bestselling author Meg Wolitzer and sound editor and music producer Charlie Panek will change the way you listen to the world
Audible Audio
Published April 21, 2026
About the author
Meg Wolitzer
50 books3,089 followersMeg Wolitzer is the New York Times–bestselling author of The Interestings, The Uncoupling, The Ten-Year Nap, The Position, The Wife, and Sleepwalking. She is also the author of the young adult novel Belzhar. Wolitzer lives in New York City.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
April 12, 2026
3.5⭐️
Wow, I found other review to be way harsh and some failing to remember the intended audience.
Is it the best Middle Grade I’ve ever read? No, it isn’t but it was interesting and explored several challenges that middle grade reader would potentially face IRL.
I appreciated the friendship, the outside peer pressure, sibling challenges, fears and more. The sound scavenger hunt was fun to go on!
I think many young reader will love exploring this book and it even gives them the info of how to get started in their own interest in sound.
Wow, I found other review to be way harsh and some failing to remember the intended audience.
Is it the best Middle Grade I’ve ever read? No, it isn’t but it was interesting and explored several challenges that middle grade reader would potentially face IRL.
I appreciated the friendship, the outside peer pressure, sibling challenges, fears and more. The sound scavenger hunt was fun to go on!
I think many young reader will love exploring this book and it even gives them the info of how to get started in their own interest in sound.
April 22, 2026
staff rec blurb, may 26: With his brainiac little brother in tow and his day camp flooded, for Felix Frank, the dog days of summer seem endless, and time spent in Blissfield, MA feel anything but. That is, until an afternoon of boardgames with Felix's neighbor, Marigold, turns into a summer-long scavenger hunt! Literary icon Meg Wolitzer teams up with her son, musician Charlie Panek, for this fun new mystery rooted in STEM and sound design!
April 23, 2026
This was a cute and refreshingly original middle grade novel but for some reason I just didn't find myself fully invested in the story or the characters. Not one for me and that's okay. Younger readers might enjoy the friendship, music and whimsy of this one which was good on audio.
April 23, 2026
A little slow to start but then it takes off! I love Meg Wolitzer and will read anything she writes!
Also, some great science included in the story. Could make a good class read as an intro to a science of sound or intro to Garage Band unit.
Also, some great science included in the story. Could make a good class read as an intro to a science of sound or intro to Garage Band unit.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
I wasn’t sure about this as I was reading since the treasure hunt didn’t seem compelling enough, but it really came together in the end. A sibling story to give to fans of John David Anderson’s Keep It Like a Secret.
May 28, 2026
A junior thriller, almost, that made me think things were too earnest and overwritten at first, but had enough about it to make a compelling page-turner for the right reader. Felix is with his parents and brainbox younger brother out of state for their annual break away from NYC; the younger kid goes to a specialist summer camp, but Felix can't go to his non-specialist one, because sewage. That means he can hang with the slightly weird but intriguing girl next door, Marigold. Out of the blue they find a field recorder, complete with pre-recorded files and headphones, that leads them on a merry chase around town, involving specialist science venues, dead people, and no end of auditory connections. Who set the tasks in the first place, and what the heck for? And will the radio personality DJ Midnight really be on the airwaves at every darned hour except the one he's named for?!
This didn't quite have the best start, with Felix grouching about his brother being smarter than him – he has issues involving the oldest son of the household, too. And it really lost subtlety when the co-authors found any spell where they could drop their research or knowledge into found sounds and acoustics into things – this very much becomes a sandpit for the male author, Ms Wolitzer's son, to play with his sound knowledge, even at the expense of plausibility.
Which is a pity – this could have ramped up the spookiness, as opposed to giving us more allegedly real-to-life kids with real issues; you do like the lead couple a lot, but when they enter a fun house it's for cheesy reasons and nothing like as Hitchcockian as it could have been. At times this has all the ingredients of a great thriller and does remarkably little with them, reverting to plain, genre-less drama instead.
In the finish, with an ending I didn't quite feel happy with – it felt unearned – it is less of a mystery and more of a friendship/family drama, a story about human connections. But that doesn't make it a failure, and as I say the treasure hunt process the bulk of the story involves is far from a problem. The pages turned pretty eagerly for me, and the intended readers will let it take them on a journey full of intrigue, never mind the flaws. All told this, from me, gets three and a half stars, and a bonus acknowledgement that several readers will find that rather miserly.
This didn't quite have the best start, with Felix grouching about his brother being smarter than him – he has issues involving the oldest son of the household, too. And it really lost subtlety when the co-authors found any spell where they could drop their research or knowledge into found sounds and acoustics into things – this very much becomes a sandpit for the male author, Ms Wolitzer's son, to play with his sound knowledge, even at the expense of plausibility.
Which is a pity – this could have ramped up the spookiness, as opposed to giving us more allegedly real-to-life kids with real issues; you do like the lead couple a lot, but when they enter a fun house it's for cheesy reasons and nothing like as Hitchcockian as it could have been. At times this has all the ingredients of a great thriller and does remarkably little with them, reverting to plain, genre-less drama instead.
In the finish, with an ending I didn't quite feel happy with – it felt unearned – it is less of a mystery and more of a friendship/family drama, a story about human connections. But that doesn't make it a failure, and as I say the treasure hunt process the bulk of the story involves is far from a problem. The pages turned pretty eagerly for me, and the intended readers will let it take them on a journey full of intrigue, never mind the flaws. All told this, from me, gets three and a half stars, and a bonus acknowledgement that several readers will find that rather miserly.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is my first Meg Wolitzer, and I don't want to say it's my last because, based on other ARC reviews, this one doesn't seem universally well-liked; however, I'm not clamoring to pick up another of her novels. This is a bummer because the idea was incredibly intriguing and unique, and it started off decently strong. Felix and Marigold are unique characters with distinct traits and good banter. Unfortunately, they never evolve past that. From the get-go, Felix and Marigold have no personal stake in the scavenger hunt, and "boredom" is not a strong enough hook to get me to believe in their investment. Furthermore, this lack of concrete goals and character arcs (which, while presented, are immediately sidelined by the narrative) means that when the book introduces conflict in the third act, it does not land.
However, I could ignore the character issues if the scavenger hunt was well-written. It is not. The best way to describe it is "unpropulsive", and that's being generous. Felix and Marigold rarely get stumped for longer than a scene, and the book lacks any dead ends or red herrings, which makes it feel too easy. By the end, it felt like I'd read a first draft desperately in need of both a developmental and line edit. For example, at multiple points in the book, I read a phrase and realized the authors ad used the wrong word. The only light at the end of the tunnel was an admittedly sweet ending, even if it further illuminated my major problem with the characters (which I won't get into for spoiler reasons).
However, I could ignore the character issues if the scavenger hunt was well-written. It is not. The best way to describe it is "unpropulsive", and that's being generous. Felix and Marigold rarely get stumped for longer than a scene, and the book lacks any dead ends or red herrings, which makes it feel too easy. By the end, it felt like I'd read a first draft desperately in need of both a developmental and line edit. For example, at multiple points in the book, I read a phrase and realized the authors ad used the wrong word. The only light at the end of the tunnel was an admittedly sweet ending, even if it further illuminated my major problem with the characters (which I won't get into for spoiler reasons).
May 4, 2026
Received an ARC at TLA conference!
This was very fine. I think I had too high of expectations because I read a few of Meg Wolitzer’s books years ago and remember loving them. This juvenile/middle grade debut was okay but not memorable to me. I’m not sure how they will categorize this book, as the protagonist Felix is in the summer between 5th and 6th grade, so it could fall in juvenile or middle grade. I personally hope it falls under juvenile because it was way too simple for middle grade. The writing was basic, forgettable, and read really young. I think it would have been more believable if Felix was in 3rd or 4th grade, but I’ve read so many stand out middle grade titles with elevated writing that this just couldn’t compare. I do think the premise of finding sounds and going along on a scavenger hunt was interesting! I love a mystery challenge novel, and I was curious to see the reveal. However, the pacing just moved too quickly for me to get fully engaged in what was happening. There were no massive conflict or setbacks to add “stakes” to the story, which was a disappointment to me. I did enjoy the discussion of sibling dynamics throughout, but the other conflict of “mean girl” friendships didn’t feel as overall developed either. I think this book could find its audience in younger readers, but it’s a bit of a strange gap in what seems to be targeted age vs reading level.
This was very fine. I think I had too high of expectations because I read a few of Meg Wolitzer’s books years ago and remember loving them. This juvenile/middle grade debut was okay but not memorable to me. I’m not sure how they will categorize this book, as the protagonist Felix is in the summer between 5th and 6th grade, so it could fall in juvenile or middle grade. I personally hope it falls under juvenile because it was way too simple for middle grade. The writing was basic, forgettable, and read really young. I think it would have been more believable if Felix was in 3rd or 4th grade, but I’ve read so many stand out middle grade titles with elevated writing that this just couldn’t compare. I do think the premise of finding sounds and going along on a scavenger hunt was interesting! I love a mystery challenge novel, and I was curious to see the reveal. However, the pacing just moved too quickly for me to get fully engaged in what was happening. There were no massive conflict or setbacks to add “stakes” to the story, which was a disappointment to me. I did enjoy the discussion of sibling dynamics throughout, but the other conflict of “mean girl” friendships didn’t feel as overall developed either. I think this book could find its audience in younger readers, but it’s a bit of a strange gap in what seems to be targeted age vs reading level.
May 23, 2026
Every summer, Felix's family swaps houses with the Lees, trading their New York City apartment for a home in small town Massachusetts. Life has felt lonely for Felix; his younger brother Miles is an annoying know-it-all, and his older brother Dylan left home and now lives in Philadelphia. When he discovers a mysterious homemade, clue-based game in his bedroom closet, he teams up with his neighbor Marigold to solve the sound scavenger hunt.
The core of this book was unique and intriguing; it's packed with concepts about the physics of sound. Readers are encouraged to try finding found sounds just like Felix and Marigold, and play around with them in editing software to create unique songs. I love that this book might prompt a kid to explore a new hobby.
But I think being a grown up has ruined me for some children's books. I can forgive some flatness in the characters, but the parents are so stereotyped here that they were almost cruel: comparing their children to each other, stereotyping and pressuring their kids, absent and neglectful when their kid has a problem. They have almost no relationship with their oldest son, who's in his early twenties, because he had a rebellious teenage phase. None of this was the point of the novel, but I found it so distracting.
The audiobook was the way to go for this one. Musical sound is such a key component to the book that it's helpful to be able to listen.
The core of this book was unique and intriguing; it's packed with concepts about the physics of sound. Readers are encouraged to try finding found sounds just like Felix and Marigold, and play around with them in editing software to create unique songs. I love that this book might prompt a kid to explore a new hobby.
But I think being a grown up has ruined me for some children's books. I can forgive some flatness in the characters, but the parents are so stereotyped here that they were almost cruel: comparing their children to each other, stereotyping and pressuring their kids, absent and neglectful when their kid has a problem. They have almost no relationship with their oldest son, who's in his early twenties, because he had a rebellious teenage phase. None of this was the point of the novel, but I found it so distracting.
The audiobook was the way to go for this one. Musical sound is such a key component to the book that it's helpful to be able to listen.
June 8, 2026
3.5 or 4 stars out of 5.
Thank you to PRH Audio for the complimentary audiobook access. With individual sounds being key to the plot in this book (clues in a scavenger hunt), audiobook is definitely the way to go!
Quick Take: easy middle grade, one summer, two friends, a sound based scavenger hunt that culminates in family growth - big focus on audio so audiobook format is perfect
Blurb: Felix is spending the summer with his family in small town Massachusetts as part of a house swap. He stumbles into a friendship with quirky next door neighbor Marigold, and a new adventure when he finds mysterious audio clues that send him all over town. But who created this scavenger hunt, and will Felix and Marigold be able to get to the bottom of it before summer ends?
Mood Reader Guide: boy main character / friendships / family dynamics/ adventure / fast paced / mystery / small town MA / science of sound / audiology
Other Thoughts:
- I could see kids from 2nd grade up through middle school enjoying this, depending on their interests.
- the premise is original and fun; I suspect this could interest some kids in a new hobby focused on sound engineering, etc
- not a lot of depth to characters
- strength is in the fast pacing and constant new information that readers uncover
Spoiler: Felix's older brother (who has been somewhat estranged from the family for having a rebellious streak as a teen) set up the scavenger hunt for Felix to revive their relationship.
Thank you to PRH Audio for the complimentary audiobook access. With individual sounds being key to the plot in this book (clues in a scavenger hunt), audiobook is definitely the way to go!
Quick Take: easy middle grade, one summer, two friends, a sound based scavenger hunt that culminates in family growth - big focus on audio so audiobook format is perfect
Blurb: Felix is spending the summer with his family in small town Massachusetts as part of a house swap. He stumbles into a friendship with quirky next door neighbor Marigold, and a new adventure when he finds mysterious audio clues that send him all over town. But who created this scavenger hunt, and will Felix and Marigold be able to get to the bottom of it before summer ends?
Mood Reader Guide: boy main character / friendships / family dynamics/ adventure / fast paced / mystery / small town MA / science of sound / audiology
Other Thoughts:
- I could see kids from 2nd grade up through middle school enjoying this, depending on their interests.
- the premise is original and fun; I suspect this could interest some kids in a new hobby focused on sound engineering, etc
- not a lot of depth to characters
- strength is in the fast pacing and constant new information that readers uncover
Spoiler: Felix's older brother (who has been somewhat estranged from the family for having a rebellious streak as a teen) set up the scavenger hunt for Felix to revive their relationship.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
I looked at the reviews before reading this and was surprised by how low they were, because Meg Wolitzer is a terrific author of both children's and adult books. But having finished it, I am giving it a three and considered even giving it a 2.
There were several sequences discussing sound, particularly the one in the science institute, that I really had to slog through. It's been decades since I took physics, but the discussion here of sound would definitely intimidate some of the kids this is intended for. In fact,it may make them abandon reading this. And that's sad, because the authors clear intention was to inspire kids to do their own experiments.
Above all, the ending is contrived and not very believable at all. I finished this book feeling let down despite the very very happy ending, and am not going to purchase it for our collection.
Important note: if you are not familiar with the idea of a "spoiler," it means giving away plot twists so that the reader knows what's going to happen before it happens, spoiling their chance to read it for themselves.There is a very long "review" here that is really just a recitation of the entire plot of the book. That's not how to write a book review. A brief outline of the plot in general is fine. Retelling the entire story is not!
There were several sequences discussing sound, particularly the one in the science institute, that I really had to slog through. It's been decades since I took physics, but the discussion here of sound would definitely intimidate some of the kids this is intended for. In fact,it may make them abandon reading this. And that's sad, because the authors clear intention was to inspire kids to do their own experiments.
Above all, the ending is contrived and not very believable at all. I finished this book feeling let down despite the very very happy ending, and am not going to purchase it for our collection.
Important note: if you are not familiar with the idea of a "spoiler," it means giving away plot twists so that the reader knows what's going to happen before it happens, spoiling their chance to read it for themselves.There is a very long "review" here that is really just a recitation of the entire plot of the book. That's not how to write a book review. A brief outline of the plot in general is fine. Retelling the entire story is not!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
**Review: ★★★☆ (3.5 stars)**
This book is a creative and interesting story that mixes mystery, music, and family life in a unique way. One of the best parts is the scavenger hunt Felix goes on with his neighbor Marigold. The clues are fun to follow, and it keeps you wanting to know what will happen next.
The story does feel a little slow in some parts, especially when it focuses more on background details. However, the scavenger hunt sections really pick up the pace and make the book more exciting.
Felix’s family struggles also feel very real. His brothers are both dealing with their own changes, and Felix sometimes feels left out. These kinds of family issues are relatable to things kids experience today, like siblings growing up, changing friendships, and feeling a bit left behind.
Overall, this is an engaging book with a good mystery and meaningful family moments, even if it takes a little time to get fully going.
This book is a creative and interesting story that mixes mystery, music, and family life in a unique way. One of the best parts is the scavenger hunt Felix goes on with his neighbor Marigold. The clues are fun to follow, and it keeps you wanting to know what will happen next.
The story does feel a little slow in some parts, especially when it focuses more on background details. However, the scavenger hunt sections really pick up the pace and make the book more exciting.
Felix’s family struggles also feel very real. His brothers are both dealing with their own changes, and Felix sometimes feels left out. These kinds of family issues are relatable to things kids experience today, like siblings growing up, changing friendships, and feeling a bit left behind.
Overall, this is an engaging book with a good mystery and meaningful family moments, even if it takes a little time to get fully going.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
A wonderful, funny, evocative book where you actually learn something (and what you learn is INTERESTING, too, not boring or a slog). The plot: Felix returns to his old summer haunt with his family, though his older brother is missing - why? we will find out in due time. Felix then makes friends with his next door neighbor, Marigold (love this name for a girl) - and then they find a mysterious box and...I can't say the rest because to do that would spoil all the fun and momentum. Even better this book was written by Meg Wolitzer (everyone knows who she is) and her SON, Charlie Panek. Ever heard of that before? Me neither!
READ this book, you won't regret it and if you are a parent you'll get as much of a kick out of it as your teens...
READ this book, you won't regret it and if you are a parent you'll get as much of a kick out of it as your teens...
May 16, 2026
This is definitely one to listen to—the audio production was full of extra sound effects and taught the reader about sound along the way. I loved the authors' note from mother/son writers and how the son's job as a sound engineer gave them the inspiration for this story.
This is a gentle middle grade, great for younger readers but I could see my 12 yo enjoying the mystery aspects. There's a scavenger hunt and puzzles to solve and some realistic family stuff that gave the story a depth I wasn't expecting initially. I wish there had been a bit more detail surrounding the start of the scavenger hunt and a few plot holes tightened, but overall this was fast and fun and a really clever idea for a story.
This is a gentle middle grade, great for younger readers but I could see my 12 yo enjoying the mystery aspects. There's a scavenger hunt and puzzles to solve and some realistic family stuff that gave the story a depth I wasn't expecting initially. I wish there had been a bit more detail surrounding the start of the scavenger hunt and a few plot holes tightened, but overall this was fast and fun and a really clever idea for a story.
March 28, 2026
Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC. There are some interesting experiences that occur as Felix and Marigold complete the mystery game left in the closet, but it didn’t feel compelling enough most of the time and more as an opportunity to drop sound facts. The family layer needed a bit more characterization to make them more rounded and add to their importance.
If it had added in the above pieces, it could easily have been turned into a book to use in 4-6 grades as a foundational novel for a study involving science and music.
If it had added in the above pieces, it could easily have been turned into a book to use in 4-6 grades as a foundational novel for a study involving science and music.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
4.5
A great mystery/scavenger hunt story with a very sweet surprise at the end! A classic: big city kid goes on holiday in a small town, befriends a local, and they team up solving a mystery. This book takes the trope and turns the volume up a notch. Filled with interesting information about sounds, this book has the perfect balance of fun and intrigue. It kept me wondering who was leaving all these clues until the very end, and I was delighted with the surprise! A great book for all kids, especially middle children who struggle with siblings! Highly enjoyable!
A great mystery/scavenger hunt story with a very sweet surprise at the end! A classic: big city kid goes on holiday in a small town, befriends a local, and they team up solving a mystery. This book takes the trope and turns the volume up a notch. Filled with interesting information about sounds, this book has the perfect balance of fun and intrigue. It kept me wondering who was leaving all these clues until the very end, and I was delighted with the surprise! A great book for all kids, especially middle children who struggle with siblings! Highly enjoyable!
April 27, 2026
A genuinely beautiful book -- read it to a child, read it to yourself.
It has magic in it -- the real deal. I was moved, so moved I teared up, which hasn't happened in a very long time. I'm a bit of a snob -- read a lot of "heavy" lit, Pynchon, Denis Johnson, Alice Munro, Lydia Davis, etc. But this book...If you have a child who likes being read to, prepare yourself. You're going to have trouble getting through it. And if you don't have a child, get it for yourself.
It has magic in it -- the real deal. I was moved, so moved I teared up, which hasn't happened in a very long time. I'm a bit of a snob -- read a lot of "heavy" lit, Pynchon, Denis Johnson, Alice Munro, Lydia Davis, etc. But this book...If you have a child who likes being read to, prepare yourself. You're going to have trouble getting through it. And if you don't have a child, get it for yourself.
May 10, 2026
Meg Wolitzer is my favorite author right now. She is a truly great writer. My disappointment with this book is only that its intended audience is adolescents. I’m definitely way past that stage of life. Otherwise, this book is very well written. The genre is mystery and the clues provided are interesting and well placed. The plot moves quickly and the characters have interesting personal stories and personalities. The ending is moving. C’mon, Meg, please write another adult novel!
April 28, 2026
A fun middle grade novel about a scavenger hunt...but also a deeper theme of sibling relationships and friendship. Certain plot points and characters could have used a bit more depth, but overall a great read for the middle grade audience. Neat facts about the science of sounds and noticing the audio around us!
Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced read.
Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced read.
May 26, 2026
I think many of the reviews of this book are far too harsh. It is an elementary/middle grade book with a scavenger hunt. The characters are different from each other, but similar enough to want to work together. The story includes some unique elements like sound engineering, house swaps, and alienated siblings. I think this will make a great summer read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Netgalley for providing a free advance copy of this book. This story has some interesting aspects, however, it is not an engaging read. I would have liked to see more character development and plot development.
June 6, 2026
For some reason my library had this book in the new adult fiction. This clearly was meant for middle schoolers but was an intriguing read. I actually learned a few things too about sound and recording.
Definitely recommend for a middle schooler.
Definitely recommend for a middle schooler.
June 10, 2026
Cute, but very fast paced. I think this would be very good for students with shorter attention spans to get into reading! I like how the characters reflect on their actions and make things right with one another.
June 11, 2026
Interesting and different summer adventure. I liked the audiobook which included the sounds and made it more interesting. I didn’t always like the narrator’s choice of
voices though, particularly the parents.
voices though, particularly the parents.
May 29, 2026
I recommend listening to the audiobook, it definitely enhances the story.
May 17, 2026
Not really finished but this xxx won’t let me save. Finally finished and ended up writing the review again. Did the combination of listen to some chapters and read others.
P.70. May need to name my next dog Decibel!
Love this mother and son collaboration and hope many kids will grow to be sound engineers from this lovely introduction. Can't wait to read other reviews.
P.70. May need to name my next dog Decibel!
Love this mother and son collaboration and hope many kids will grow to be sound engineers from this lovely introduction. Can't wait to read other reviews.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Review of arc for NetGalley
I’ve never thought much about the science of sound. This book definitely got me thinking more about that. But unfortunately sound was the most interesting thing in the book. I never really connected to any of the characters and the family drama felt forced and unnatural to me. The book was also very slow and didn’t pick up until close to the end. I love stories about treasure hunts, but this just wasn’t interesting enough to keep my attention. That said, I did like the friendship between Felix and Marigold. I thought it was well written, and I was glad that it didn’t turn into them having crushes on each other. I never do enjoy that.
I’m sure this book will find an audience that loves it, but it wasn't for me. I’m glad to have left with some new knowledge about sound, though.
I’ve never thought much about the science of sound. This book definitely got me thinking more about that. But unfortunately sound was the most interesting thing in the book. I never really connected to any of the characters and the family drama felt forced and unnatural to me. The book was also very slow and didn’t pick up until close to the end. I love stories about treasure hunts, but this just wasn’t interesting enough to keep my attention. That said, I did like the friendship between Felix and Marigold. I thought it was well written, and I was glad that it didn’t turn into them having crushes on each other. I never do enjoy that.
I’m sure this book will find an audience that loves it, but it wasn't for me. I’m glad to have left with some new knowledge about sound, though.
June 12, 2026
Mother and son authors write a STEM based story of brothers that collect "found sounds" - noises in the world around them. What seems to be quite a family rift (a now 20 year old brother, Dylan, had been sent off to boarding school for unruly behavior) comes to an unexpectedly ho hum ending (parents: "we could have been more chill" 😑). A passage on using an Ouija board is unfortunate.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews