2024
WISE Score
Amazon
Think 'Knives Out' meets 'Cinderella' but with way more secret passages and four very dramatic, very rich brothers.
4.8
4.8View →Our reviews and ratings are 100% unbiased, but as an Amazon Associate, Screenwise earns an affiliate fee if you buy a book or game by clicking one of our links. We don't get any credit if you just Google it instead :)
This series is a winner. It’s the opposite of 'brain rot'—it actually requires the reader to use their head to keep up with the riddles.
It’s catchy, fast-paced, and has just enough teen drama to keep things spicy without crossing into inappropriate territory. If your kid is into 'Knives Out' or escape rooms, this is an easy 'yes' for the bookshelf. It’s one of those rare YA hits that actually deserves the hype.
Perfect for 12 and up. It’s the sweet spot for middle schoolers who want to feel like they’re reading something 'grown-up' without the actual adult content, and honestly, plenty of adults find it just as addictive.
While it deals with massive wealth and some 'dangerous' boys, the core focus is on puzzles, intellect, and a girl trying to stay grounded while her life turns into a riddle. It avoids the toxic 'dark romance' tropes that plague some other YA hits.
Hawthorne House is basically a giant, billion-dollar escape room. The riddles and secret passages are genuinely clever and encourage readers to try and solve the mystery alongside the characters.
Very safe for middle school and up. You'll find some kissing and mild 'teen' language, plus some threats of violence consistent with a mystery thriller, but nothing graphic or gratuitous.
It's a workout for the brain. It rewards logic and attention to detail. It also touches on the absurdity of extreme wealth and the family baggage that comes with it.
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