Extras

The Mystery of the Radcliffe Riddle

When Grady and his dad learn 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 piece of embroidery, they are bitterly disappointed. But it 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.

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

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Awards & Nominations

  • Agatha Award finalist for Best Children’s / YA Mystery
  • Anthony Award nominee for Best Children’s/YA Mystery
  • Kirkus Reviews 12 Must-Read Middle Grade Mysteries
  • Heirloom Book Club Adam winner
  • Heirloom Book Club Eve winner
  • 2023 Jean Lowrie Gold Medal for Older Children’s Literature (Florida Book Awards)
  • 2023 #DogEaredBookAward book
  • 2024 Children’s Book Council, Librarian Favorite of the Year choice
  • 2024 Battle of the Books, Brainerd, MN
  • 2024 – 2025 TOME Society Book Award book
  • 2024 – 2025 Georgia Children’s Book Award book
  • 2024 – 2025 Pennsylvania Young Reader’s Choice Award book
  • 2024 – 2025 Maine Student Book Award book
  • 2024 – 2025 Ohio Buckeye Children’s Book Award book
  • 2024 – 2025 Florida: Sunshine State Young Readers Award book
  • 2024 Quahog Book Award winner
  • 2024 Best New Books For Missouri Students
  • 2025 – 2026 Nebraska: Golden Sower (Honeybee) Award book
  • 2025 – 2026 Missouri: Mark Twain Book Award book
  • 2025 – 2026 Washington: Evergreen Teen Book Award book
  • 2026 – 2027 Virginia Reader’s Choice Award book
  • 2026 National Writers Series Battle of the Books selection

Reviews

“…a properly satisfying ending…” —Booklist

“An entertaining, riddle-focused mystery.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Souders appealingly intertwines a compassionate community and a grieving boy’s struggle to connect with his father to deliver a rewarding mystery.” —Publisher’s Weekly

“An excellently-paced mystery with real danger and high stakes.” —School Library Journal/Post-it Note Review

Extras