The Secret of the Treasure Keepers by A.M. Howell - Book Review

The Secret of the Treasure Keepers by A.M. Howell

Publication Date: 31st March 2022

Genre: Middle Grade, Adventure, Mystery  

4 Stars 

One Liner: Heavy but heartwarming 

Feb 1948

The world still hasn’t recovered from the Second World War. Ruth and her mom are doing their best to find a living despite the hard times. Being an archeologist with no degree means it’s even hard for Ruth’s mom to get the job she wants. When a chance incident at Mr. Knight’s office takes them to Rook Farm, the duo is excited and hopeful for a better future. 

Joe works hard on the farm to help his sick mom, Mary, and their farm girl, Audrey. He doesn’t like Ruth and her mom poking their nose around the farm. So what if there might be some treasure that could help them? He has kept too many secrets and is dealing with the burden alone. 

Joe and Ruth come to a truce as Ruth decides to help his family. However, things go wrong when the treasure is stolen, a snowstorm is brewing, and time is running out. Can Ruth and Joe save the day through sheer determination (and maybe some luck)? Will Joe’s farm be saved? Can Audrey and her fiancé Terry, have a happy life together? Can Ruth’s mom get the job of her dreams? 

My Observations: 

• The book is 336 pages long but is fast-paced. The writing is easy and suitable for middle-graders, making the flow even better for adults. 
  
  
• The themes of war, post-war, monetary problems, family issues, PSTD, divorce, parental death, etc., should’ve been overwhelming in the same book. Yet, they blend together in the setting. The book is a heavy read though still suitable for the target audience. 
  
  
• The moral lessons are seamlessly woven into the story. They also create a sense of safety for Joe and Ruth. It may seem like an easy route for adults. However, the developments felt right as the book was already dealing with painful topics.  
  
  
• Ruth is a little sweetheart with a kind heart and a good brain. She is eager to help Joe’s family and find a way to solve everyone’s problems. She also has no trouble accepting when she makes a mistake. 
  
  
• Joe starts out as a grumpy teen, but we soon see the reason for his behavior. The character arc of both kids seems realistic, though I like Ruth the best. 
  
  
• The book naturally has a happy ending, but it doesn’t feel abrupt. The book’s purpose is to reach the end through a series of adventures. 
  
  
• The story has a picturesque quality to it. I could imagine each scene easily and feel that the book would look better on screen. I’d love to watch the screen adaptation of this one. 

To sum up, The Secret of the Treasure Keepers is a heartwarming story that deals with some heavy topics. It’s fast-paced, heartfelt, and hopeful. 

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Usborne Publishing and am voluntarily leaving a review. 

#NetGalley #SecretoftheTreasureKeepers