Treasure on Superstition Mountain

Broach builds on the daring escapades and eerie tension established in Missing on Superstition Mountain as Henry, Simon, and Jack Barker; their friend Delilah; and Josie the cat surreptitiously explore century-old mysteries while searching for rumored gold. Two weeks after the children’s hair-raising escape from Arizona’s Superstition Mountain, during which they unearthed a treasure map and a gold nugget, the young adventurers—undeterred by Delilah’s broken leg, their parents’ admonishments, and anonymous warnings—are more determined than ever both to find a hidden gold mine and discover who is trying to stop them. The Barker parents, believing the children have learned their lesson, leave them in the care of the boys’ adored but easily distracted Aunt Kathy. A visit to a ghost town, the spine-tingling discovery that the creepy town librarian has strange connections to her namesake (Caparo’s illustration of the long-dead Julia Thomas alone evokes chills), encounters with rattlesnakes, and terrifying rockslides combine to thrilling effect in this stellar sequel. Readers will be eager for the next installment. Ages 9–12. Agent: Edward Necarsulmer IV, McIntosh & Otis. Illustrator’s agent: Shannon Associates. (Feb.)