maddiejpearson's review against another edition
4.0
I decided to pick up my favorite childhood book, and this is still phenomenal! What a fun mystery. I really resonated with Hero when I was 10, and I still do to a point. Almost 13 years later and I have to give it a solid 4 stars for nostalgia and an awesome story.
skettska's review against another edition
3.0
Fairly well written, interesting take, but I just didn't subscribe to the theories proposed in this book, which made is frustrating to read.
elsanore's review against another edition
4.0
I was wary because of the odd cover illustration, but Shakespeare's Secret was surprisingly good. This is a good intro to Shakespeare as a cultural figure and puts him into historical context, although the modern storyline is in the forefront. The story is probably best for ages 10 and up since it includes the main character being teased about a misconstrued budding romance.
abigailbat's review against another edition
4.0
Hero dreads starting at a new school again. She's never been popular like her sister Beatrice and she knows that the first day will be the worst. This first day is the worst she's ever had. When introduced to her new class, a girl in the class blurts out that her dog's name is Hero. Henceforth, Hero is known as the girl named after a dog. With no friends at school, Hero begins spending time with her neighbor Mrs. Roth who is telling her about the mystery of the large diamond that is suspected to be hidden in the house that Hero's family moved into. Hero just knows that the diamond is still in the house and she begins to look for it. Mrs. Roth has some clues that point to the diamond once belonging to Anne Boelyn and the two begin to piece together the history behind the diamond and its possible connection to Shakespeare.
I don't normally like mysteries, but I found this one very intriguing. There are clues that Hero and Mrs. Roth find out that lead to the solution to the mystery. There are also interesting facts about Anne Boelyn and the theory that another man might actually be the author of Shakespeare's plays. The author includes a length note about these facts that explains what was fictional and what was true.
Readalike suggestions: For mystery fans suggest "The Westing Game" by Ellen Raskin and "Chasing Vermeer" by Blue Balliett.
I don't normally like mysteries, but I found this one very intriguing. There are clues that Hero and Mrs. Roth find out that lead to the solution to the mystery. There are also interesting facts about Anne Boelyn and the theory that another man might actually be the author of Shakespeare's plays. The author includes a length note about these facts that explains what was fictional and what was true.
Readalike suggestions: For mystery fans suggest "The Westing Game" by Ellen Raskin and "Chasing Vermeer" by Blue Balliett.
hannahshaww's review against another edition
5.0
This is a wonderful book. I love thinking about Shakespeare being one of history's mysteries. Hero is also a very well planned character. She is strong and steady and uncovers a secret centuries old.
veritas19's review against another edition
4.0
I’m not a huge fan of mysteries. I never really have been. Maybe it was because I never really gave any a chance. It might also be in part that I can guess to far in advance how it will end. This was actually really good. I was surprised at the twists and turns. It started out with Hero talking to her neighbor Mrs. Roth. Mrs. Roth tells her the story about the Murphy Diamond. Mr. Murphy sold them the house after his wife died but they couldn’t find the diamond. They claimed it was stolen but never found any evidence of a break in. They suspected it was still hidden there in the house. Together, with Danny and Mr. Roth’s assistance, they attempt to find the diamond which they believe is still hidden somewhere in the house. Mrs. Roth offers them some clues to find them diamond. Will they find the diamond? What is the connection between Shakespeare and Edward de Vere? Find out. It actually a very good book. I really liked Hero, Mrs. Roth and Danny. Mrs. Roth is so nice to Hero and even though he seems like trouble he is the only one other than Mrs. Roth who seems to care about Hero. I also really Mrs. Roth because she is kind, caring and also so hospitable to Hero and Danny when they come over. I also really enjoyed the history and poetry element. These themes weren't overpowering but the right dash of each.
milesofbooks's review against another edition
2.0
Read twice, still cannot seem to remember many details that would allow me to explain the story line to a friend/customer. I do remember enough to know I should give it another shot.
ellieangel's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.5
dontforgetyourpearls's review against another edition
5.0
I read this book a few years ago when I was 12, the age this book is targeted at. Now I'm 18 and I loved it just as much as I did then.