Synopses & Reviews
Get ready to solve the mystery at the heart of this captivating new middle grade adventure about family — and a house with a mind of its own — from the award-winning author of Game of Fox & Squirrels and Every Bird a Prince, Jenn Reese.
Twelve-year-old Perigee has never met a problem they couldn't solve. So when their Dad's spirits need raising, Perigee formulates the Plan: a road trip to Dad's childhood home to reunite him with his estranged mother. There's something in it for Perigee, too, as they will finally get to visit "Eklund's Puzzle House," the mysterious bed & breakfast their grandparents built but never opened.
They arrive ahead of a massive storm and the House immediately puts Perigee's logical, science-loving mind to the test. Corridors shift. Strange paintings lurk in the shadows. Encoded messages abound. Despite Perigee's best efforts, neither the House nor Grandma will give up their secrets. And worse, prickly Grandma has outlawed games and riddles of any kind.
Even the greatest of plans can crumble, and as new arguments fill the air, the House becomes truly dangerous. Deadly puzzles pop up at every turn, knives spin in the hallways, and staircases disappear. The answer lies at the heart of the House, but in order to find it, Perigee and their new friend Lily will need to solve a long-lost, decades-old riddle... if the House itself doesn't stop them first.
Review
"A deliciously fun adventure full of dangerous magic, secrets, and puzzles. I loved every moment of it!" Stephanie Burgis, author of The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart and The Raven Heir
Review
"Clever, brave, and whimsically charming, this story fed my soul and opened my heart." Deva Fagan, author of Nightingale
Review
"There is magic at work in Puzzleheart — not only in the mansion's constantly moving walls and twisty challenges, but also in the story's beautifully honest exploration of a family's hurt and healing. I loved following Perigee and Lily down every hidden passageway in this brave and clever book. " Caroline Carlson, author of the Very Nearly Honorable League of Pirates series & The World's Greatest Detective
About the Author
Jenn Reese (they/she) writes speculative fiction for readers of all ages. Jenn is the author of Every Bird a Prince, the Oregon Book Award-winning A Game of Fox & Squirrels, and the Above World trilogy. They also write short stories for teens and adults. Jenn lives in Portland, Oregon where they make art, play video games, and build cardboard forts for their cats.
jennreese.com