One False Note

Family continues to betray and prey on kin in this second "The 39 Clues" series book, which finds protagonists Amy and Dan Cahill aboard a train en route to Vienna, Austria. Pursuing a clue regarding composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the siblings find themselves wandering through Salzburg's catacombs. After escaping a dangerous cave-in, the pair eludes angry monks and competitors and travels to Venice, Italy, to follow a lead. Suspense heightens as rival relatives and new foes chase the duo through Venetian canals. This title offers readers the constant action they expect, but stereotyped characters, unrealistic scenarios, and predictable coincidences weaken storytelling. The supposedly malevolent Madrigals are mentioned with no further explanation. Korman's distinct style is occasionally evident in this formulaic book, particularly when giving voice to boys. Humorous scenes depict characters catering to Saladin, their finicky cat traveling companion. Historical information establishes clues, red herrings, settings, and characterizations and is often presented carelessly for entertainment. References to Mozart's sister Nannerl note she was as musically talented as her brother but unappreciated to emphasize Amy's piano skills. The series' premise that the Cahill family includes most major historical figures is implausible and misleading. This book's inaccurate claim that 18th-century painter Gilbert Stuart's great-grandmother was named Gertrude Cahill is irresponsible to cite as fact, especially when some readers might consult these books as sources for history homework.