The London Eye Mystery – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The London Eye Mystery

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2009

87%

WISE Score

4.4

Amazon

A neurodivergent kid's unique brain holds the key to solving his cousin's impossible disappearance from the London Eye.

The London Eye Mystery

book

2009

87%

WISE Score

4.4

Amazon

A neurodivergent kid's unique brain holds the key to solving his cousin's impossible disappearance from the London Eye.

4.4

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Screenwise Verdict

This is exactly the kind of mystery that gets kids hooked on reading. The premise is genuinely intriguing—how does someone vanish from a sealed Ferris wheel capsule?—and Siobhan Dowd doesn't talk down to her audience.

What makes it special is Ted. His neurodivergent thinking isn't a subplot or a 'special lesson'—it's the engine of the entire story. The mystery gets solved because Ted's brain makes connections others miss. That's powerful representation that doesn't feel like a Very Special Episode.

The writing holds up well despite being from 2009. Yes, there are no smartphones, but the core mystery and family dynamics are timeless. Multiple starred reviews and strong reader feedback confirm this is quality middle-grade fiction that keeps kids turning pages.

It's not groundbreaking literature, but it's a solid, engaging mystery with heart and a protagonist kids will root for. That's a win.

Age Fit

Best for ages 8-13. Strong readers as young as 8 can handle the mystery and will appreciate Ted's perspective, while middle schoolers will enjoy the London setting and more complex detective work. The sibling dynamics and family focus keep it engaging across this range.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Models strong sibling cooperation as Ted and Kat overcome their 'prickly relationship' to work together. Features a neurodivergent protagonist whose unique thinking is portrayed as a strength, not a deficit. Family relationships ring true without being saccharine. The mystery creates tension without being mean-spirited or exploitative.

Imaginative

A genuinely clever mystery that invites readers to follow clues and think alongside Ted's 'unique mental circuitry.' The premise—a kid disappearing from a locked Ferris wheel capsule—is intriguing and unusual. Ted's neurodivergent perspective offers a fresh lens for problem-solving. The London setting adds atmospheric detail that sparks curiosity about place.

Safe

Classic middle-grade mystery with no graphic content, violence, or inappropriate themes. The tension comes from the missing-person scenario, which is handled age-appropriately. Common Sense Media reviews and kid reviews confirm it's appropriate for the target audience. No concerning content flags in any reviews.

Enriching

Starred reviews from Booklist and Horn Book highlight the authentic portrayal of neurodivergent thinking. Readers gain insight into how different minds process information and solve problems. Builds critical thinking through the mystery-solving process. Explores family dynamics, self-belief, and bravery. The representation of autism (though not explicitly named in the synopsis) is done thoughtfully and normalizes cognitive differences.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Ted's neurodivergent perspective is the hero of the story—his different way of thinking is what cracks the case, full stop
Sibling dynamics that feel real: Ted and Kat bicker and clash but ultimately figure out how to work together
Actually suspenseful mystery that respects kids' intelligence—starred reviews from Booklist and Horn Book confirm this isn't dumbed-down
Representation done right: Ted's cognitive differences are portrayed authentically without being preachy or turning him into an inspiration prop
Fast-paced thriller that multiple reviews call 'unputdownable'—kids genuinely want to keep reading

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What to Watch For

The missing-person premise creates real tension and worry—some sensitive kids might find the uncertainty stressful
Published in 2009, so some cultural references and tech details (pre-smartphone era) might feel slightly dated
Requires sustained attention for mystery-solving—not a light read, but that's part of the appeal

Conversation Starters

"Ted's brain works differently than other people's—how did that help him solve the mystery? When have you noticed your brain working differently than your friends'?"
"Ted and Kat don't always get along, but they teamed up when it mattered. When have you had to work with someone you found annoying?"
"If you were trying to solve this mystery, what would you have done differently? What clues would you have followed?"
"The police weren't making progress, so Ted and Kat took matters into their own hands. When is it okay for kids to take action, and when should they wait for adults?"

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