Warning: Avoid Pseudonymous Bosch At All Costs

(Image from Barnes & Noble)

Warning: While this review contains no spoilers for If You're Reading This, It's Too Late, it may inadvertently spill the beans about events in its predecessor, The Name of This Book Is Secret. Take my advice and read the books in order. Consider yourself warned.

The mysterious Pseudonymous Bosch had some issues with me calling his first book "fun." So, I'll be avoiding the "F" word when I talk about his second mystery, If You're Reading This, It's Too Late. Instead, I'll use PB's adjective: dangerous. As in troublesome, hazardous, unsafe. Avoid this book at all costs. Don't read it. Don't recommend it to your friends. And definitely, definitely don't give it to a child.

Of course, as the title suggests, if you're reading this book, it's already too late anyway. So, I guess a quick plot summary can't do too much harm. If you've read The Name of This Book Is Secret (click here to see my review or just scroll down), you already know our heroes, Cass and Max-Ernest. When the story opens, our favorite pair is waiting anxiously to hear from the Terces Society, which has been silent since their adventures at the Midnight Sun Spa. A coded note in Cass' lunchbag seems to be exactly the communication for which they have been waiting. However, following the instructions on the note puts the kids in hot water once again - well, actually it's cold, ocean water, but still, they're in trouble. Ever resourceful, pair manages to find some clues to the Secret so desired by Dr. L and Ms. Mauvais. When Cass and Max-Ernest finally make it back to land, they have several mysteries to solve: What exactly is The Sound Prism they found aboard the Midnight Sun's yacht? What is a homunculus and why are the bad guys so intent on finding it? And, most importantly, how are they going to find it first?

Obviously, it's a dangerous tale. One Pseudonymous Bosch probably should never have unleashed on the world. Really, you shouldn't read it. Okay, really you should, because it's just so fun dangerous. With an irresistible mixture of magic, secret codes, adventure and mystique, If You're Reading This, It's Too Late is a perfect read for kids. Which is why it should, of course, be kept out of their reach. Anything children find irresistible pretty much equals trouble, so parents, protect your offspring - keep this one for yourselves. Preferably on a high shelf or in a locked cabinet. Just don't let them get to it. If you're reading Mr. Bosch, it's too late for you, but you still have time to save your kids (and all that money for which they're going to be begging you now that his third book is out). You've been warned.

Grade: A

If this were a movie, it would be rated: PG for images that may be frightening to kids under 8 or so.