The Billionaire's Curse

Hailing from Australia, Newsome's debut (the first in the Archer Legacy series) is a fun, if generally predictable tale of a boy who suddenly finds himself rich and embroiled in a deadly adventure. Gerald Wilkins has just learned that his great-aunt Geraldine has left him her entire fortune, even though he's never met her. As his absentee parents take off on a trip around the world, Gerald discovers a note from his grandmother informing him that her death was actually a murder, and he is soon on the trail of the missing Noor Jehan diamond. Along the way, he picks up two companions, twins Ruby and Sam, and as the three children make their way through London and the countryside, they discover suspects around every corner. Newsome's world is the sort in which almost all adults are either dastardly or incompetent (Geraldine's mother is practically villainous in her money-grubbing), and the ageism wears thin. Fortunately, the brisk pacing and easy camaraderie between Gerald, Ruby, and Sam should ensure that young readers have a blast. Ages 8–12. (May)