This is the debut novel from Mackenzie Reed, a YA writer who rediscovered her love of reading and writing during her college years.
Lily Rosewood has lived with her grandmother, Iris, since her father’s sudden death and her mother’s disappearance a year ago. Iris is in charge of Rosewood Inc., the family’s luxury coat business, and Lily aspires to take over as head of the company one day. But when Iris suddenly dies the night after her birthday party, Lily is devastated, and the company’s quarter-billion-dollar fortune goes missing. In Iris’ will, she only leaves personal belongings and letters to her remaining son and two granddaughters, Lily and Daisy, and they are all immediately banned from the Rosewood Manor. In the letter, Lily finds that Gram has left her a riddle to discover further clues.
Soon Lily is confronted by three familiar faces: Caleb, Quinn, and Leo, who have all received similar letters from Gram containing additional clues. By combining all their clues together, they venture on a treasure hunt around Rosetown to locate and claim the missing Rosewood family fortune. Unfortunately, after the news of the family’s missing fortune goes viral, they’re not the only ones hunting for Gram’s treasure, and soon they become pursued by some very dangerous villains.
The novel is delightful and entertaining from start to finish. The characters are immediately likeable and memorable from the onset, and the story has many different themes, including mystery, adventure, family bonds, and adolescent romance. Although the majority of the story only takes place over a few weeks, it definitely feels like the characters have been through a marathon of adventures, emotions, and growth by the end of it all.
Narrator Shaina Summerville is incredibly convincing as adolescent Lily Rosewood and brings out all the drama and emotion of this fiery character. Summerville also does a nice job narrating the many action scenes in the novel, bringing the right amount of tension and pace to all the unfolding drama. For those who are fans of the popular Inheritance Games series or those looking for a fast-paced and memorable YA adventure, don’t hesitate to check this one out!
