The Archaeolojesters (Book 1) by Andreas Oertel

Published by Lobster Press

Cody lives in the small town of Sultana, Manitoba where he enjoys spending time with his best friend Eric. Now it's looking like Cody's life is about to get really depressing. Eric and his twin sister Rachel are going to be moving away so that their mother can find a new job. The restaurant she currently works at is so quiet that the owners can't afford to keep her on staff anymore.

Faced with this impending doom, the tricky trio develop an elaborate plan that is sure to bring many people to the sleepy little town and hopefully attract enough tourists to keep the restaurant hopping. The alternative is just too terrible to imagine.

I hadn't heard of the Archaeolojesters until the first two books of the series landed on my desk. Reading the back cover I found myself filled with a mild curiosity and it didn't take me long to work my through the entire first novel. I was greatly surprised. I have read a lot of novels that are geared at a younger audience but this really captured my attention with its style that is reminiscent of the Famous Five, and Secret Seven books by Enid Blyton.

Okay, so there isn't quite as much mystery and the issues seem to be self-created, but the whole dynamic of the group and the adventurous spirit just really captures the imagination of the reader. I can't wait to delve into the second book which continues the adventure as the trio head to Cairo and it's my understanding that a third is due for release in May. A fabulously fun series that is geared towards ages 9-11 and will appeal to boys and girls alike. For me personally, it also has the added appeal that the author is not only from Canada, but is right here in Manitoba. I love to support local writers.

While there doesn't seem to be an author website available, I did find a fun Q&A with Andreas Oertel here on the Lobster Press website.