Friday Fiction: The Mystery of the Radcliffe Riddle by Taryn Souders

Hello, Friday Fiction Fans! I've been reading a good bit of middle-grade fiction lately, and here's another book you'll really enjoy by Taryn Souders. She's becoming one of my favorite MG authors, and The Mystery of Radcliffe Riddle is another great read.

Here's a little more about her book:

When Grady and his dad learn that the town oddball, Eudora "Kooky" Klinch, left something for them in her will, they can only imagine what it might be. When it turns out it's an old scrap of 300-year-old tapestry, they are bitterly disappointed. But the cloth comes with a note saying, "This is no ordinary piece of needlework. It's a treasure map. Riddles and Clues. To the victor go the riches." Grady's dad dismisses it, but Grady thinks this could be the chance of a lifetime. With the help of his friends Thad, Clemmie, and the town dog Ophelia, Grady is determined to crack the clues and find the treasure.

But when someone tries to break into Grady's house one night, and then the local antiques expert who examined the tapestry is found unconscious, Grady realizes that he's not the only one who knows about the treasure map. There's more at risk than he bargained for, and solving this mystery just got a lot more dangerous.

I love a good mystery. Put in a boy named Grady trying to navigate the loss of his mother and life in general, and you have the makings for a first-class story. I really enjoyed the interaction between Grady, Clemmie, and Thad--three totally different children with one goal in mind--to find the treasure.

Souders kept me turning the pages until I found out who the villain was. And it was surprising. So, if you have children between the ages of nine and twelve or just love a good, easy read, pick up a copy of The Mystery of the Radcliffe Riddle today. Or any of her other books. You'll be glad you did!

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Jennifer Hallmark writes Southern fiction with a twist. Her website and newsletter focus on her books, love of the South, and favorite fiction.

She creates stories with unforgettable characters—her stories are a little eerie and otherworldly, but with a positive turn.