A review by posies23
The Treasure of Alpheus Winterborn by John Bellairs

4.0

Bellairs changes up his pattern again with this, his fourth book for YA readers. Instead of the supernatural gloom of THE HOUSE WITH A CLOCK IN ITS WALLS and its two sequels, this book is grounded more in HARDY BOYS territory. Not that there's anything wrong with that. In fact, this is a fun, escapist thriller, with our protagonist seeking out the titular treasure, which may or may not be hidden in the local library. There are some fun digressions in the plot, and the hero's relationship with the local librarian is charming. Sure, there are a few coincidences that stretch credibility, but it all works in the context of the world Bellairs has created. The finale is suspenseful, and relies on the background of a natural disaster, and not supernatural hocus-pocus, and the ending is clever and wraps everything up nicely.

Recommended.