Review of The Tree House Detectives and the Missing Crown of Thorns

Verna Coy · Post by **Verna Coy** » 04 Mar 2022, 01:00

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Tree House Detectives and the Missing Crown of Thorns" by Kristy Andrews.]

4 out of 4 stars

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The Tree House Detectives and the Missing Crown of Thorns by Kristy Andrews is aptly named. This book is a fun adventure right from the beginning. The story of clue-finders and mystery caught my attention and kept me turning the pages to find out more.

While visiting her grandmother, Nana, Anna finds an old notebook filled with handwritten clues, lists of suspects, and mysteries. In the notebook, three girls work at solving the mystery of who stole the crown of thorns for the Easter play. Who wrote the notebook? Will the notebook reveal hidden clues? Will the mysteries be solved? To find out, you will have to read this book!

The cover of this book is beautifully designed. The treehouse in the background fits perfectly with the title. The bright and colorful cover art depicts happy children, and the church in the background hints at some of the book's foundational teaching and subject matter.

What I liked best about this book was the character development. The way Kaity, Kristina, and Lizel learn and develop throughout the story is excellent. They adapt to new situations and learn as they go. I found many things about this book adorable. The way that each character has a word to describe them was cute. Kristina was Chief Detective, Kaity was dubbed Chatterbox, and Lizel was called Clue-Finder. Even the way they advertised their detective agency by writing that no case was too small was perfectly suited to this story.

Interspersed throughout the story are black and white illustrations of the team in their pursuit of clues. I enjoyed how the detail in the illustrations helped the action and flow of the book as a whole.

I love how the treehouse detectives work together to find clues and achieve goals. It added the spirit of adventure. The problem-solving aspects of this book are one of the best features. The way that Kaity, Lizel, and Kristina figure things out presents a great example for kids to follow.

I found it sweet that the girls prayed for God to help them solve the mystery so that their Church play would be a success. It shows how important plays and mysteries can be to children and adds a loving aspect to the plot.

Interestingly, the investigation brought up issues such as trust within the Church. Worrying over suspecting certain members was an excellent way to teach by asking essential questions and finding the answers. Although the book is full of references to the Christian religion, prayer to God, and faith in general, I don't feel that the book is written for Christians only. It doesn't seem pushy, so I believe it is suitable for readers of any religion or no religion at all.

The book was exceptionally well edited and free of error. I found no negatives to mention with it. It is an entertaining story that will appeal most to kids who enjoy detective stories with delightful characters. I can't think of any specific readers to whom this book would not appeal. For these reasons, I am pleased to rate it with 4 out of 4 stars.

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The Tree House Detectives and the Missing Crown of Thorns
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Brett Linette · Post by **Brett Linette** » 05 Mar 2022, 13:40

VernaVi wrote: ↑04 Mar 2022, 01:00 The problem-solving aspects of this book are one of the best features.

I love a good mystery now and then, as long as it's not too complicated. Considering this is for kids, I'd like to hope it wouldn't go over my head?

Thank you for the review, Verna.

Blessing Odii · Post by **Blessing Odii** » 05 Mar 2022, 13:46

I would love to find out the content of the old notebook. Interesting review.

peace_m · Post by **peace_m** » 06 Mar 2022, 00:41

I think one of the key element in children's book is the the illustration therein. I happy this book contained detail illustrations. Great review

Nwankwo GC · Post by **Nwankwo GC** » 06 Mar 2022, 01:25

I'm sure children will have a good reading this one. Great storyline. Good review.

Sharon Christanto · Post by **Sharon Christanto** » 06 Mar 2022, 04:04

The cover is eye-catching! And the book plot also stimulates critical thinking. A very nice book. Thanks for the great review

cutemami · Post by **cutemami** » 06 Mar 2022, 08:38

The illustrations in this book seem great and i would love to check them out sometime.

Mbenma Esther 080 · Post by **Mbenma Esther 080** » 06 Mar 2022, 10:45

Reading books open my mind to more realities that can be obtainable unreal life and equips my imaginative mind to be creative. I enjoyed every bit of this review. Awesome and honest review.

Aisha Yakub · Post by **Aisha Yakub** » 16 Mar 2022, 13:17

This book has beautiful art, great storyline, and proper character development. It couldn't be better. Great review.

Ay Obaj · Post by **Ay Obaj** » 26 Apr 2022, 02:03

Thanks for a splendid review. I love this children's book. It seems to contain the right elements for children, and the storyline was perfectly constructed. Many children will definitely enjoy reading this. Kudos to the author for a job well done.