Ivy was thrilled by *National Archive Hunters 1: Capitol Chase*, praising its clever blend of detective work, history, and humor as twin protagonists Iris and Ike race to catch a thief and save their mother's museum. While the ending left her scratching her head enough to dock a star, she found the plot twists and Matthew Landis's seamless weaving of historical facts so compelling that it landed among her favorites. Ivy highly recommends this fun, fast-paced mystery for young readers who love surprises—and is already calling for a book three!
Ivy's Review
National Archive Hunters by Matthew Landis features The Carter twins, Iris and Icarus (Ike). Ike is a genius who loves history and Iris is a super athlete with a photographic memory and a built-in GPS. Together, after a theft from their mother's museum, they work catch the thief and save their mother's sinking museum. Along the way, Iris and Ike befriend National Archives historical specialist Ruby Jones and Stewart "Stu" Gunderson who help them solve the mystery behind the backs of the FBI Art Crime Team, who are trying to prevent the twins from helping them solve the case. This book combines detective work, history, and sneakiness into a very well written book.
This book got a 4.5 out of 5 review because of its ending. I don't know if it's just me, but I did not get it at all! I am currrently reading the second book, in hopes that it will make the ending of the previous book clearer, and also because I want to, but it's not. Other than that, this book is really good with an excellent story and top-notch writing quality. Definitely one of my favorites and, who knows? Maybe one day, I'll get the ending! I loved the plot twists and how beautifully Matthew Landis worked history facts into it. You should definitely pick it up at your local library and give it a try.
I would recommend this book to young-ish readers who love mystery, plot twists, humor, and learning new things! Or not. You don't have to like learning to love this book. I really enjoyed it, and if you are reading this, Matthew Landis, I'm ready for a book three! Just saying, it'd be nice.
I loved this book and I hope you do too! Bye!
About This Book
Twins race to find the thief stealing valuable historical artifacts before their family’s framed for the crimes in this high-octane middle grade action-adventure series starter for fans of City Spies and Alex Rider. Ten-year-old Ike Carter has committed large chunks of American history to memory. That’s what happens when you’re a genius who loves the past. His twin, Iris, prefers the present (aka reality). She’s an elite athlete, dominating the competition thanks to her wicked-sharp spatial awareness. During the opening night of a new exhibit at their mom’s boutique museum in Washington, D.C., Ike and Iris inadvertently stumble onto a robbery in progress. A girl not much older than them is stealing a miniature portrait of George Washington from the collection. It's only the first in a string of crimes, all focused on items that were once gifted by the Marquis de Lafayette to his American friends. With some help from the National Archives Research Center, the twins puzzle out the culprit’s next targets, and are soon hot on the trail of the mystery girl. But their efforts also put them in the crosshairs of the FBI’s Art Crime team, who suspect their family is involved. If the twins can’t catch the real perp as they target the final item, it’ll be game over. An action-packed series opener from highly-acclaimed author Matthew Landis, Capitol Chase introduces a new secret agent team sure to engross fans of National Treasure, City Spies, and Alex Rider with plot twists and turns that make this one unputdownable from first page to last. A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection