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Five Cousins: Secret of the Butterfly
Someone is lying. Someone is spying. And someone is doing whatever it takes to hide the truth.
For 11-year-old Adriana and her four cousins, summer vacation in Upper Michigan turns into a dangerous investigation. Venturing away from their coastal cabins, they snoop inside an abandoned house and learn about Mari, a 12-year-old girl who disappeared in 1967.
Curiosity turns the pre-teens into detectives, and chilling pieces begin to fall into place when they realize that the area’s butterflies are leading them to clues. Three suspects emerge, all of whom are nearby, and the kids become certain that someone is spying on them. Whoever it is, they’ll stop at nothing to keep the truth of Mari’s disappearance—and probable murder—under wraps. With the stakes rising every day, the cousins have one week to solve the case. If they don’t, they could become victims themselves!
Join Adriana, Grady, Molly, CharLee and Luke for a summer they’ll never forget—if they survive it.
Get it now!
For 11-year-old Adriana and her four cousins, summer vacation in Upper Michigan turns into a dangerous investigation. Venturing away from their coastal cabins, they snoop inside an abandoned house and learn about Mari, a 12-year-old girl who disappeared in 1967.
Curiosity turns the pre-teens into detectives, and chilling pieces begin to fall into place when they realize that the area’s butterflies are leading them to clues. Three suspects emerge, all of whom are nearby, and the kids become certain that someone is spying on them. Whoever it is, they’ll stop at nothing to keep the truth of Mari’s disappearance—and probable murder—under wraps. With the stakes rising every day, the cousins have one week to solve the case. If they don’t, they could become victims themselves!
Join Adriana, Grady, Molly, CharLee and Luke for a summer they’ll never forget—if they survive it.
Get it now!
220 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 9, 2022
5 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 16, 2023
I don’t read a ton of middle grade books but when I find a good one like this the books tend to be a pure pleasure read.
Pros:
As a Michigander I can say that the author did not embellish or exaggerate the joy of a trip up north. I love the inclusion of things are are so purely Michigan (faygo, koegels, Mackinaw island fudge, super man ice cream) because they are a great way to people to get a taste of the state and for the book.
For me, this felt like a modern Box Car Children. It wasn’t a boy book or a girl book just a good story including both. The family dynamic is as fun and seemed realistic especially with not wanting mom to be right but having to admit on some things she was.
This would be a perfect book to read together as a family to gear up for vacation or if it was on audiobook to listen to on the ride to your location.
Cons:
I want more! I want this to be a series and to have the family taking other vacations to other places in and out of Michigan to learn about those places, the foods and some spooky mystery. I’ll cross my fingers and hope it happens in the future.
Pros:
As a Michigander I can say that the author did not embellish or exaggerate the joy of a trip up north. I love the inclusion of things are are so purely Michigan (faygo, koegels, Mackinaw island fudge, super man ice cream) because they are a great way to people to get a taste of the state and for the book.
For me, this felt like a modern Box Car Children. It wasn’t a boy book or a girl book just a good story including both. The family dynamic is as fun and seemed realistic especially with not wanting mom to be right but having to admit on some things she was.
This would be a perfect book to read together as a family to gear up for vacation or if it was on audiobook to listen to on the ride to your location.
Cons:
I want more! I want this to be a series and to have the family taking other vacations to other places in and out of Michigan to learn about those places, the foods and some spooky mystery. I’ll cross my fingers and hope it happens in the future.
September 15, 2022
Riveting Adventure!
A compelling read that is very well written. I read the book in two days and was unable to solve the mystery. Angela kept my attention throughout with never a dull moment. This is a great book to read whether sunning at the beach, or curled up in a blanket on the couch. You will enjoy!
A compelling read that is very well written. I read the book in two days and was unable to solve the mystery. Angela kept my attention throughout with never a dull moment. This is a great book to read whether sunning at the beach, or curled up in a blanket on the couch. You will enjoy!
August 2, 2022
Move over Scooby Doo gang and the Bobbsey Twins! There are new kid detectives in town!
This entertaining book had me thinking "Those meddling kids!" every time the suspicious acting adults eyed them sideways! With a great supporting cast of Grumpa, Grandma, Mom and 2 dads, the family vacation in the U.P. turns into a harrowing adventure for the 3 older cousins as they try to solve the mysterious disappearance of Mari from 50 years ago. What happened to Mari? Will they discover the truth and be able to bring the culprit(s) to justice for Mari? Only the butterflies know!
This is a very entertaining read for middle schoolers and parents. Enjoy!
This entertaining book had me thinking "Those meddling kids!" every time the suspicious acting adults eyed them sideways! With a great supporting cast of Grumpa, Grandma, Mom and 2 dads, the family vacation in the U.P. turns into a harrowing adventure for the 3 older cousins as they try to solve the mysterious disappearance of Mari from 50 years ago. What happened to Mari? Will they discover the truth and be able to bring the culprit(s) to justice for Mari? Only the butterflies know!
This is a very entertaining read for middle schoolers and parents. Enjoy!
September 11, 2022
I loved this book which can be enjoyed by children 3rd through 8th grade. Five cousins reminds me so much of books I loved and read as I was growing up... the mysteries of old houses, lakes and camps, with the Bobbsey twins, Nancy Drew and Cherry Ames. The characters are well-drawn. One gets a clear sense of who each one is and the mystery persists to the very end. I couldn't put it down once I got into it. The butterflies are a great symbol of elusiveness, beauty and freedom. I am eager to read the next adventure.
August 18, 2022
"No children here but an enjoyable read by this granny age adult. Five cousins, tween and teen, investigate an abandoned house and are are drawn into a decades old (about as many years as their ages put together) mystery. This book reminded me of my summers when Nancy Drew and Donna (was it Clark?) books were read nonstop. Adventure, mystery and murder keeps one guessing until the very end; very enjoyable and recommended."
October 21, 2022
This was such a fun and intriguing read! Angela did a fantastic job developing the characters and setting a realistic scene in summertime in Michigan. I really enjoyed reading the quirks of the family dynamics and following the mystery of the butterfly clues. At many points, I felt like I was right there with the Adriana, Grady, and Molly as they did their detective work. Throughout the read, I remained eager to find out what happened to Mari, and how the cousins would reveal this.
October 2, 2022
For a debut middle-grade mystery, I thought it was very good. I liked the backdrop of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula during summer vacation, and the family dynamics of the cousins, uncles, siblings and grandparents. The way Grady, Molly, and Adriana handled themselves while “investigating” seemed very realistic for 12-year olds. I was impressed.
July 27, 2022
Super Fun Read!
I read this debut book from author Angela Cherniawski and so did my 10-year old daughter and we both loved it! Highly recommended for middle school readers who love exciting mysteries (think Boxcar Children, Hardy Boys, Nancy Drew)
I read this debut book from author Angela Cherniawski and so did my 10-year old daughter and we both loved it! Highly recommended for middle school readers who love exciting mysteries (think Boxcar Children, Hardy Boys, Nancy Drew)
August 6, 2022
An entertaining mystery for young and not so young alike
I got caught up in the moment and was surprised by how quickly I read this book. An easy read with mystery and danger. And all five cousins have a part to play. Even the “littles”.
I got caught up in the moment and was surprised by how quickly I read this book. An easy read with mystery and danger. And all five cousins have a part to play. Even the “littles”.
August 8, 2022
Virtual visit to Mackinac Island
Slow start with lots of details about family trip to Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Then the cousins discover an abandoned house and the suspense builds. See
Slow start with lots of details about family trip to Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Then the cousins discover an abandoned house and the suspense builds. See
August 7, 2022
A great mystery novel for kids. A very fun book that keeps you guessing until the end!
July 27, 2023
G begged me to read this so we could discuss it. For that, I loved it. Lots of Michigan details, but the story itself meandered more than necessary.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews