Shipwreck Detective

by Duncan Cameron

An activity-packed journal--with a compass embedded in the cover--of a diver's quest for hidden treasure follows Duncan Cameron deep under the sea as he searches for mysterious lost gold.

Genres: Mystery, Childrens

96 pages, Hardcover

First published September 18, 2006

Reviews

[April Helms]

An interactive book, which includes little books within books, envelopes with letters and even a compass. This one is fantastic. The storyline is that Duncan receives an old chest and a cryptic letter from his uncle, who recently passed away. The uncle, through the letter, tells of a treasure he had found at one of his shipwreck dives. He had not been able to retrieve the treasure at the time, and never could go back for it. So the uncle leaves a series of clues - various sunken ships and word clues -- and a deadline for Duncan and his twin sister to find the treasure. This story, as is typical with these interactive books, blends fiction with facts on various sunken ships, on diving, on marine life, navigation and much more. Indeed, this is one of the best interactive books I've seen. I love how the ending does NOT tell you which ship had the treasure trove (you have to go to a website- listed on the book - to find the definitive answer.) But the clues are all there. Very clever! Good for older grade school and above.

[Natasha]

I have never read a shipwreck mystery before and it was very exiting to hear of adventures in our own age but sound like that of another.

[Pat]

I saw this book in a used book store and thought my grandson might like it. After looking it over, I decided to keep it. Engaging story, gorgeous illustrations, and plenty of info on diving and wrecks.

[Mills]

I picked Shipwreck Detective up in a charity shop for £1.99, which I think may prove to be one of my better bargains. I've only had time to skim it so far but it is clear already that it is a very well done interactive book. Many such books are overpriced but I don't think £17.99 (RRP) is askingtoo much for this one. It is packed full of information, pictures and riddles with small 3D clues - letters, post its, a pirate coin, an antique-style world map, a pirate coin and so forth plus your very own dive log to fill in as you try and solve the riddle for yourself. This is a fascinating way for kids to learn about sailing, diving and shipwrecks. Any boy - and, for that matter, almost any girl - will love it.

I can't wait until one of my nephews is old enough to enjoy it.

[Adam]

This book was a book filled with a ton of information which can be really useful to doing school reports.

[Claire]

One of the coolest kids books I've read. The illustrations are fantastic, the story engaging, the facts fascinating and the overall graphic design of the book is superb.