The Twelfth Card by Jeffery Deaver

Emily | Marlboro High School, Grade 11

Rating: ****

Sixteen year old Geneva Settle is attacked while she was researching her former slave ancestor at the library. Thompson Boyd is hired to kill her for reasons that remain unknown. With the threat of murder looming over Geneva, Rhyme and Sachs are brought onto the case. They discover that they have to go back 140 years to search for answers. They believe Geneva was attacked because her former slave ancestor, Charles Singleton, was arrested for theft. Charles left behind several letters that mention a secret, and Rhyme believes this is the key to solving the mystery.

This book was incredible. Right from minute one, it was filled with action. I loved Geneva’s character because she represents a stark contrast to her poor Harlem neighborhood. She values her education highly, which is something I can relate to. Although all of Deaver’s mysteries have twists, this one in particular was deceptive. When I thought I had solved the mystery, it was only just beginning. Characters who most wouldn’t think twice about end up heavily involved in the investigation. This was definitely the best story in the series because of the historical mystery aspect. It reminds me of the movie National Treasure because the characters are in pursuit of an age-old secret. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves intense crime novels.