Join the first citywide book hunt
Start with Book Scavenger, which explains the game, introduces Emily and James, and provides the relationships and clues that later mysteries build on.
Book Series · 3 Books
Book Scavenger Books
In order from Book Scavenger to The Alcatraz Escape.
Three bookish mysteries send Emily and James across San Francisco to crack ciphers, follow literary clues, and outwit people playing for dangerous stakes.
Reviewed by the Bookroo Editors Updated
Reading order
How to Read the Book Scavenger Series
Read the trilogy in numbered order, beginning with Book Scavenger and ending with The Alcatraz Escape. Each game has its own solution, but Emily and James's friendship, family changes, and connection to game-maker Garrison Griswold continue across all three books.
For parents
What Parents Should Know
The puzzles sit inside real danger: an adult is attacked and hospitalized, fires may be arson, children receive threats, and accidents and break-ins put the young sleuths at risk. The suspense is aimed at middle-grade readers and balanced by friendship, family support, books, and solvable codes rather than graphic violence.
Where to start
Where Should My Child Start?
Where the story begins
First Book in the Series
Sale price
$958
Book #1 · Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2015
Book Scavenger
Emily races to solve a book's mystery before danger catches up.
368 pages· 66,684 words· Est. 9.5 hour read
5.5/7 Bookroo
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Twelve-year-old Emily moves to San Francisco, home of her idol, Garrison Griswold, only to find him in a coma after an attack. With her new friend James, she discovers a peculiar book that might hold the key to Griswold's secret game. As they unravel its puzzles, they must stay ahead of those who wish to stop them. Can Emily and James unlock the mystery before it's too late?
In reading order
Book Scavenger Series
3 books · Published 2015–2018
#1
Sale price
$958
Book Scavenger
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2015
Emily races to solve a book's mystery before danger catches up.
#2
Sale price
$958
The Unbreakable Code
Chapter Book · Ages 9–14 · 2017
Can hidden books and a legendary code stop an arsonist's fiery trail?
#3
Sale price
$1049
The Alcatraz Escape
Chapter Book · Ages 9–14 · 2018
A mystery game on Alcatraz turns dangerous as sabotage threatens Emily and James.
Good to know
Common Questions
How many books are in the Book Scavenger series?
There are 3 books in the Book Scavenger series. It began with Book Scavenger in 2015, and the newest book, The Alcatraz Escape, was published in 2018.
What order should you read the Book Scavenger books in?
Start with Book Scavenger and follow the series order — the books above are numbered #1 through #3.
What ages are the Book Scavenger books best for?
The series is best for ages 8–14, based on the age ranges of the individual books.
Which Book Scavenger book is the longest?
The Unbreakable Code (Book #2) is the longest book in the series at 68,778 words (384 pages).
Which Book Scavenger book is the shortest?
The Alcatraz Escape (Book #3) is the shortest at 50,594 words (272 pages).
The people
The Creatives Behind the Books
The people who bring Book Scavenger to life.
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