York: The Shadow Cipher

Tess and Theo Biederman have always appreciated the work of 19th century New York architects, the Morningstars.  They live in a Morningstar building, and their grandfather was president of the society devoted to solving the Morningstar cipher. 

Even after 200 years, the cipher remains unsolved, and Theo, Tess, and their friend and neighbor Jaime are about to lose their homes thanks to a rich investor who wants to tear down their building. 

When a new clue unexpectedly falls into their hands, they begin to wonder if maybe everyone has been working on the wrong cipher all these years.  What if this new clue can help them solve the real mystery, find the treasure, and save their homes?

It won't be easy, and things start to get dangerous as they solve the clues, but they are determined to find the answers.

Laura Ruby's series opener is a fun puzzle mystery with a touch of science fiction sprinkled in.  Ruby's New York has much in common with ours, but there are plenty of details for readers who are paying attention to show that it is most definitely different--female superheroes get as much box office attention as males, the US didn't break its treaties with Native Americans, hybrid pets are everywhere, and everyone uses solar energy.  It is a large book, and readers will have to pay attention to work out the clues, but fans of Blue Balliet's books, The Westing Game, and Harry Potter will enjoy this.  This was really a fun read.  Highly recommended!