The Multiplying Mysteries of Mount Ten

Seventh-grader Esther, an artist, can’t wait for her week at Camp Vermeer, but when her stepfather gets lost en route, accidentally landing them on the wrong mountain, Esther ends up at Camp Archimedes for math lovers. To Esther’s dismay, a raging storm prevents them from leaving. After she solves a brainteaser to impress the others, though, she becomes captivated by a mysterious math puzzle indicating that someone at the camp will be murdered. As typed clues begin appearing, the campers band together to puzzle them out before someone dies. Esther, whose math skills prove strong, leads the investigation, and readers can join in to test their own puzzle-solving prowess. A tie-in with a nationwide mystery about the Fenimore Forger, who has been getting away with replicating famous paintings for years, adds intrigue. The isolated setting provides the perfect backdrop for this fast-paced mystery by Van Dolzer (The Sound of Life and Everything) starring a quirky crew of well-drawn characters. Though the message about excelling at more than one thing can feel heavy-handed, Esther’s leadership skills and tenacity are inspiring, as is her growth as she forges connections with campers she initially dismisses. Ages 8–12. [em]Agent: Brent Taylor, TriadaUS Literary Agency. (Apr.) [/em]