The Project

Falkner delivers a thriller that melds humor, danger, and history. Luke, a 15-year-old New Zealand native transplanted to Iowa because of his father's teaching job, finds himself researching "the most boring book in the world" for an assignment. By an amazing coincidence, the only copy of that book, Leonardo's River, turns up the next day when Luke and his best friend Tommy help save the university library from flooding. The boys decide to sneak in and grab the book%E2%80%94an eccentric millionaire is willing to pay two million dollars for it%E2%80%94and are chased by mysterious men when they abscond with it. Their research leads to the discovery of lost writings of Da Vinci, complete with the true meaning of the Vitruvian man. They also end up in further danger as they uncover a Nazi conspiracy that could change the fate of the world. Falkner (Brain Jack) mixes some goofy concepts into this otherwise straightforward story, but he sells them well and doesn't let them feel forced. The result is an entertaining mystery with plenty of enjoyable twists and turns. Ages 12%E2%80%93up. (Sept.)