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A stolen painting. A series of unexpected events. Two smart children.

Petra and Calder live in a neighbourhood where strange things have started to happen. Seemingly unrelated events connect, a sharp old woman seeks their company – and a priceless Vermeer painting disappears.

Before they know it, the two children are drawn into an international art sensation where no one is above suspicion. They must rely on their intelligence and a newly acquired knowledge of the artist Vermeer to crack an art crime that has left everyone baffled.

Gripping, intelligent mystery novel for young readers.

Described by NEWSWEEK as ‘A Da Vinci Code for tweens’.

On a warm October night in Chicago, three deliveries were made in the same district. A plump tangerine moon had just risen over Lake Michigan. The doorbell had been rung at each place, and an envelope left propped outside. Each front door was opened onto an empty street. Each of the three people who lived in those homes lived alone, and each had a hard time falling asleep that night. The same letter went out to all three:

Dear Friend,

I would like your help in identifying a crime that is now centuries old. This crime has wronged one of the world’s greatest painters. As those in positions of authority are not brave enough to correct this error, I have taken it upon myself to reveal the truth. I have chosen you because of your discriminating eye, your intelligence and your ability to think outside of convention. If you wish to help me, you will be amply rewarded for any risks you take.

You may not show this letter to anyone. Two other people in the world have received this document tonight. Although you may never meet, the three of you will work together in ways none of us can predict.

If you show this to the authorities, you will most certainly be placing your life in danger. You will know how to respond. I congratulate you on your pursuit of justice.

The letter was not signed, and it had no return address. The man had sat down to a late dinner. He liked to read when he ate, and he was on page four of a new novel. Book in hand, he answered the door. His spaghetti and meatballs were cold by the time he remembered them. He sat at the table for a long time, looking first at the letter and then out at the moon.

Was this a joke? Who would go to the trouble of writing and sending such a letter? It was printed on expensive stationery, the kind you buy if you want to be impressive. Or pretentious. Should he feel flattered? Suspicious? What did this person want from him? What kind of reward were they talking about? And who was it who knew him well enough to know he’d say yes?