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Bixby Timmons #1

Bixby Timmons and the Dragonthorp Riddle

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Shy teenager Bixby Timmons hates change. So when her family is asked to care for billionaire Cody Dragonthorp's mansion after he disappears, she's not thrilled to leave her friends and home. But she soon discovers the vanished tech mogul left clues around the manor that could reveal his location and win her a $100 million prize. With help from her family, Bixby is determined to decode the riddle. But four other competitors stand in her way. And with everyone seemingly ready to betray anyone at a moment's notice to gain the lead, she'll have to come out of her shell and find the strength to advance to the next level. Does Bixby have what it takes to unlock the greatest puzzle ever invented?

284 pages, Paperback

Published March 30, 2021

2 people are currently reading
59 people want to read

About the author

Dwight D. Karkan

3 books16 followers

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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
Profile Image for Jessica Renwick.
Author 10 books88 followers
October 26, 2020
Bixby Timmons and the Dragonthorp Riddle is an exciting debut into a world of high-tech gadgets and futuristic technology. Despite having some issues with the other kids in school, Bixby is likeable, quick-witted, and sharp. She is a character any teen can relate to. Along with her quirky family and a host of loveable robot friends, these characters fill the pages with plenty of heart and sincerity. With an explosive ending that will have readers eagerly waiting for book number two, this story is sure to exhilarate young readers.

An immersive new world, endearing characters, clever riddles—Bixby Timmons has it all!
Profile Image for Heather Bowser.
35 reviews22 followers
January 19, 2023
Fantastic

I loved every minute of reading this book. A top new middle grade book. Can't wait to read the next in the series.


Profile Image for John.
541 reviews18 followers
March 26, 2021
A book for older children and the younger end of the YA spectrum, but I’m 73 and loved it. The book is well written, the characters are well developed, the story interesting, and it didn’t need another edit, like most of the books I read on Amazon. Amazon says this is book 1 of 1, but it is obviously going to be a trilogy. I really enjoyed this book. The ending left a lot of the story untold, but it stopped at a good place. If you like YA books, you should enjoy this one. I received this book as an arc, and have voluntarily left this review.
Profile Image for Jennifer Hernandez .
217 reviews1 follower
August 16, 2021
This book is about solving riddles but also making the right choices as 5 compete in this competition. Great Kids book
Profile Image for Brian Shaffer.
105 reviews
June 17, 2021
Bixby Timmons and the Dragonthorp Riddle is a must-read. My summer school class just finished reading the book, and it was fantastic. I loved all of the riddles that were in the book, but mostly I loved Bixby's sarcasm. Tipton is a great friend, and he really helps Bixby out in the end. We had the opportunity to interview Dwight D. Karkan, and he seems like a down-to-earth and caring guy. He even let us meet his daughter, Selah. I can't believe all of his proceeds get donated to TRON. What an inspiration. Thank you for such a great story. I look forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Noah.
23 reviews1 follower
April 3, 2021
(Note: I recieved an ARC (advanced reader copy) from HiddenGems in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

In this book, a girl battles against five other competitors to solve possibly the greatest riddle of all time in order to win 100 million dollars.

Alright, so this book, though promising, didn't click for me. It did get somewhat close, though. But it's probably because of my age— this felt more like a middle grade novel than a YA one.

WHAT I LIKED:

I liked Bixy, the main character, and her witty-ness. Her family and the robots in her house, as well as her friend, Tipton, were excellent addition to the story and I must say I really enjoyed reading about them.

Another thing I loved about the book was the Christian messages. I am, myself, a Christian, and I know these messages will touch the hearts of children who read this.

The world and the technology were another thing that was thought out in this story. The futuristic world swept me in and I must say, I would love to be a part of the world.

WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE:

As I said above, the book felt like it was written for a younger audience than young adults.

The author tended to tell instead of show.

There were a few of plot holes in the riddle and the system.

There were some cringe-worthy moments and cheesy stuff.
Profile Image for book_livre~shū-libro.
178 reviews
June 14, 2021
Awesome series!! Can’t wait to read all four books!!! Kept me wanting to read! I felt like I was IN the book with Bixby! Fantastic!!!!
1 review2 followers
April 18, 2021
Get yourself this book! My 10 year old daughter and I read it together and after every chapter she’d say “Please can we keep reading?!” The blend of futuristic elements, puzzle solving, and relationships between friends and family make it really interesting, exciting, and fun to read. Bixby is a likeable character and strong female lead and role model. We really enjoyed this book and look forward to #2 which is hopefully coming soon!
Profile Image for Rachel.
213 reviews
April 11, 2023
This was a nice middle grade read. It was a little Westing Game meets Lemoncello meets...Hunger Games lite? 😁 A Billionaire disappeared ten years ago and Bixby unlocks the "riddle games" that involves 5 contestants, four riddle games and one winner that supposedly leads to the missing man, a cash reward, and secrets.

PS Randomly, a boy's name from the past popped into my head and I was curious what he has been up to... apparently writing books....so I decided I would read them 😂😁
198 reviews2 followers
October 19, 2021
I enjoyed this book so much! It reminded me of "From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler" by E.L. Konigsburg and "The Westing Game" by Ellen Raskin, two of the favorite books I discovered when my children were young. The setting is the future, with many amazing gadgets and ways of life. However, the story doesn't involve that fact as much as it does the relationships between family members and friends, which is something that remains the same in any age. The mystery and methods of solving small mysteries along the way were very clever. The characters were fleshed-out and likeable. This is evidently the first of a set which makes me very happy. The ending wasn't exactly a cliff-hanger but felt like there was more story to tell. Write quickly, Mr. Karkan!
Thank you to the publisher for an advance copy. The review is my unbiased opinion.
127 reviews5 followers
August 30, 2022
A book written for older kids and YA, this book crosses the lines and is an infinitely enjoyable book for all ages - even seniors! The characters are well developed and identifiable so it’s easy to feel kinship. The plot is cutting edge and even slightly futuristic with high tech issues playing a major role in solving the mystery.
This book works on every level! With not a single fault, I can’t wait for the next offering from Karkan!! Please, keep them coming…..
25 reviews
February 10, 2022
I received this ebook from LibraryThing Early Reviewers.


Bixby Timmons is an average teenager. Not popular but not a loner. She got her love of puzzles and riddles from her grandfather. When her dad gets a promotion they move into a new house and she starts at a new (elite) school. Stuff happens and she starts a huge contest in the holo world set up by its missing creator.

This book cover the set up and then the first of probably 4 challenges. It ends at a solid point (no cliffhanger) but the story definitely should continue. I certainly hope it does because I would like to keep reading.

This book reminds me of Ready Player One's concept (contest from creator of a virtual world that has become a part of everyday life) but puzzles over video games and pop-culture. It is more appropriate for middle grade and young adults. It id definitely worth reading and I eagerly await book 2.
Profile Image for Luke Briggs.
7 reviews
September 7, 2025
Dwight writes with such a passion and realism. Absolutely 5-star guy meeting him in person and getting to know him.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews

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