Review - Beyond the Grave (The 39 Clues Book # 4)

Continuing on in the 39 Clues saga, we now travel with the Cahil kids to Egypt. I really enjoyed the way this particular adventure played out. It was still twinged with reality stretches as these young kids raced around Cairo (and other Egyptian locations). But for some reason this book felt a little more real.

This book began with all previous alliances dissolved (though they were still able to use some previous partnerships to their advantage...such as using a travel card to get into a very swanky hotel). Close calls with Irina were escaped a little too easily considering her espionage background, but the chase sequence felt more believable.

What I especially liked though was the mental deliberations that Amy and Dan went through...questioning their place in this adventure, questioning the motivations of their grandmother. It was rather coincidental that this adventure had them discover information/messages/clues from their grandmother, but it worked well.

I continue to enjoy the "who do you trust" game that the kids are always playing. It's especially fun since we get partially into the heads of their prospective allies. I'm left wondering at the motivations and thoughts of Alistair and Irina. Are they showing compassionate sides? Or are they totally cutthroat and ready to bury the kids? The added non-family alliances in this book were also interesting. The main antagonist force in this book came off as a little predictable to me, but overall I think it was well crafted.

So far, I think this was my favorite 39 clues book in the series. Part of the reason could be my love of ancient Egypt. Though I'd also like to attribute it to a more intricate story and increasing depth in characters and plot.

Still enjoying the series and looking forward to future books. I still need to get online and check out the game that goes along with it...soon.


3.5 stars out of 5

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