S&S Book Club: Emily Ecton’s The Ambrose Deception
Carol and Tina chat about Lidas’s pick: Emily Ecton’s The Ambrose Deception
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Why Lida Picked It
I discovered The Ambrose Deception by Emily Ecton in a list of top-notch middle grade mysteries and decided to give it a try. After reading the first few pages, I was a little hesitant to continue. Three middle school students who appear to be lackluster are secretly watched by two men who snap their photos, and then select them to compete for a ten-thousand-dollar scholarship prize. The winner will solve riddles pertaining to the city where they live: Chicago.
Once the clue hunt is on, the real adventure begins, and the three kids start to shine. The short chapters offer rotating points of view, which completely grabbed my attention. Even though the tone started out a little dark, as I questioned the true purpose of the hunt, it quickly turned around. At first, the kids work independently, but soon discover the benefits of teamwork.
I loved the characters, from the smart little brother to the personal drivers who are responsible for the kids' safety. I liked that the drivers seemed to really have the kids’ backs. The story kind of reminded me of a mash-up of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and the 1963 film, It's A Mad, Mad, Mad World with their unique casts of fun characters and settings. I enjoyed this so much more than I'd expected. In fact, I became totally absorbed and read it in one afternoon! I also loved the way the narrative was broken up by texts, a recap of the clues, and the three main characters’ notes. The variety was a plus, as was the dialogue in helping to shape each person. These initially underrated kids turned out to be smart, smart and smart enough to outsmart some adults. A great book for reminding readers of the hidden potential in everyone.
What Tina Thought
I so enjoyed reading The Ambrose Deception! It was fun and funny. I always enjoy a story of unlikely partners and I loved trying to solve the puzzles along with the kids. I lived briefly outside Chicago and after reading this book, I realized how much I had missed seeing while I was there.
Ecton has a real grasp of the psychology of children, and reading this book reminded me of my years teaching middle school. Each character reminded me of a specific student. It was a lovely reminiscence. In addition, I appreciate any opportunity to teach children that collaboration is better than competition.
I enjoyed being in a young headspace for a couple of hundred pages. This was an easy breezy fun read!
What Carol Thought
I love an underdog story and The Ambrose Deception by Emily Ecton is just that. A mysterious organization selects Melissa, Wilf, and Bondi, middle-school outsiders, to compete for a ten-thousand-dollar scholarship. The kids must each solve three different riddles whose answers are located in Chicago. Skeptical, but with the help of their new—and totally unexpected—personal drivers, they dive in, crisscrossing the city and seeking out its attractions and secrets. They soon begin to wonder if the competition is real and realize that they can only prevail if they work together. A fun treasure hunt with a surprising twist ending.
