Missing on Superstition Mountain

Broach follows her acclaimed Masterpiece with an exciting adventure set in a real-life Arizona mountain range that boasts numerous legends about colorful historical figures, unsolved murders, strange disappearances, and rumors of a hidden gold mine, which entices fortune-seekers despite the mountain's explicit dangers. The summer that 10-year-old Henry Barker; his know-it-all older brother, Simon; and his fearless younger brother, Jack, move into the house their family inherited from the boys' iconoclastic great-uncle, their parents declare Superstition Mountain forbidden territory. But when their cat runs away, the boys chase after her, and their escapades begin with the discovery of three human skulls. Joined by another newcomer, 10-year-old Delilah, the children research local history and folklore, study old coins and maps, and become acquainted with a variety of odd townspeople in preparation for a secret return to the mountain. Caparo's skillful grayscale illustrations add a spooky element: three skulls mark each new chapter, and images like a black cat sitting on a crooked gravestone inspire chills. Classic horror and thriller elements combine with modern touches in Broach's page-turner, a very promising start to this series. Ages 8%E2%80%9312. (June)