The second book in a series about a summer camp that is haunted. Brett and his unlikely friends are back at camp to have a good time since the year before was so disastrous. They caught two criminals the last time and they’re hoping to just have fun. However, when they find a piece of driftwood they believe is from the rumored sunken pirate ship, they go on a mission to find the treasure.

I liked this book a lot like the first one! It’s an action packed adventure with a group of friends. It reminded me of the Goonies and I love that movie. I think kids will have a lot of fun reading this mystery book. The mystery was engaging and kept me intrigued. The addition of new characters was a fun addition as well.

Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Pirate’s Riddle

Our favorite heroes, Emily,Kenneth, and Brett are back at Pirate’s Cove when they are invited back as senior volunteers to
‘make up’ for the bad experience last year. But, of course, whenever these three reach Pirate’s Cove, trouble follows without a doubt.
This time, Brett is determined to make the trip unforgettable, and, sure, the trip starts with a whizz-bang, with Brett's amazing prank, with
him being the practical joker, but, after that, things take a turn.

When Kenneth finds a piece of driftwood with REVENGE carved on it, the three are immediately put on the scent of treasure. And in a night-time escapade,
Brett's sister Amanda, and resident giant Andi accompany them. In the end, two questions lie: Will they find the treasure? And will Brett be able to
survive with his sister Amanda by his side?

This book was so good! The prequel, Pirate's Hideout was amazing, but this was even better! This book had the perfect plot and suspense, and I say, this
book is 5/5. Because almost everything I thought about Pirate's hideout was improved, and the way A.J. Lark writes is so incredibly captivating, that I could NOT put the book down. An ABSOLUTE page-turner!!

Brett, Emily and Kenneth have been invited back to school camp to make up for last year’s bad experience. They are also going to be senior volunteers for the school camp. Brett has decided to do a joke on the kids on the bus coming to camp. The bus is late causing the camp director concern. The bus is heard coming but strangely swerving from side to side with all the children screaming. The camp director can’t believe the children rushing to get off the bus. He realizes that Brett has played a joke. Brett’s excuse is he wanted them to have an unforgettable first day of camp. His friends let him they don’t think it was nice and should apologize to the camp director sincerely. Brett does but the camp director finds it hard to believe. Later, Kenneth shows Brett a piece of wood with the name of the pirate ship that sunk in the cove — Revenge. It starts the beginning of looking for the pirate treasure. Trying to find more information about the sip, they go to the local museum. While there, Brett becomes aware of a man who seems to be following Brett throughout the museum. Brett tries to not worry as supposedly the two criminals who kidnapped Emily last time are still in prison. When they return from the museum the three of them are called to the camp director’s office to see him and two police officers to tell them that Watty has broken out of jail and is thought to be coming back to camp. Brett and the new team inching Amanda (Brett’s little sister and Andi a quiet student decide that they will try to find the tr.easure. Will they succed? Can they find the pirate ship? Will the criminals appear at camp?

I loved the mystery. The plot was well written. I think the author has created a terrific adventure mystery series . I enjoyed the book so much that I wish the next book was printed so. I could continue to follow their next exciting adventure. It here is humor in this book too. The themes of friendship and family relationships are important All I want to know is when the next book will be published!

4.5 stars

This story takes place a year after the first book. Brett has dealt with nightmares since the events the previous summer. He has been in therapy (something I appreciate being included in this story), and although his nightmares have returned since he decided to face the events of the previous year by returning to camp and have a more normal experience (hopefully). The villain from the previous summer is in prison, so he feels hopeful that he can finally put the events of last summer behind him.

While he is now friends with Emily and Kenneth, he still has not had a brain transplant, so he can't help himself and plays a prank on the bus that will once again get him into a lot of hot water. This time his younger sister Amanda (who is taller and probably more mature than him, lol--ah, sibling dynamics, gotta love them!), and Andi, the giant (literally) join them, making for a more expansive story. While we know who the bad guys are, I like that there is a mystery about the Pirate's treasure and how to find it. I loved the moment of discovery, along with their disappointment, but some readers might be able to pick up on the flashing clues about what it was they had found.

Although the story began with Brett making a really stupid decision, just like old times, I like that he realized a lot more quickly why it's better to think before doing, but I also like that he and Amanda actually realized they care about each other. While he has always been the practical joker and she the tattletale, I think this book showed some maturation on both their parts and I liked that.

Overall, I liked this book even more than the first book, and I hope there will be more adventures to come. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Taking place a year after the first book, this sequel is action packed and intriguing. The way the mystery unraveled kept me on the edge of my seat!! Highly recommend it to all middle grade book lovers!!!

This is the second book in the Pirate's Cove series.

I am glad Brett and his friends were given the chance to return to camp, especially after the misadventures they had the last time they tried to attend. Not only does Brett return with a few gags and tricks up his sleeve, but they soon find themselves on the lookout for the pirate's treasure. This time, they just might find it.

Somehow, their archnemesis is back out on the streets, actually in the woods near camp, and not only trying to take out is revenge on the kids, but he's still trying to find the pirate's treasure.

It's a race to stay safe, the kids, and stay hidden from the police, AND find the pirate's treasure, if it even exists!

I have recommended this book to some of my students to read after they complete the first book, Pirate's Hideout.

I was given the opportunity to read this book by NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.