The Lost Property Office

Written by James R. Hannibal

Part of the Section 13 series

A boy must find a mysterious Ember to rescue his missing father from a secret society's clutches.

3.8/5 Goodreads · 1,828 ratings

416 pages· 70,108 words· Est. 10 hour read

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Bookroo's summary

Thirteen-year-old Jack Buckles has an uncanny knack for finding lost things. But when his father vanishes in London, Jack discovers his dad's secret life as part of a detective society. To save him, Jack must locate the Ember, a powerful artifact linked to the Great Fire of London. As he races against the sinister Clockmaker, Jack's skills are put to the ultimate test. Can he uncover the truth and reunite with his father, or will the secrets of the past remain hidden forever?

From the publisher

Thirteen-year-old Jack Buckles is great at finding things. Not just a missing glove or the other sock, but things normal people have long given up on ever seeing again. If only he could find his father, who has disappeared in London without a trace.

But Jack’s father was not who he claimed to be. It turns out that he was a member of a secret society of detectives that has served the crown for centuries—and membership into the Lost Property Office is Jack’s inheritance.

Now the only way Jack will ever see his father again is if he finds what the nefarious Clockmaker is after: the Ember, which holds a secret that has been kept since the Great Fire of London. Will Jack be able to find the Ember and save his father, or will his talent for finding things fall short?

At a glance

Format
Pages: 416
Words: 70,108
Reading age: 8–12
Audience: Middle Grade
Lexile: 730L

Themes & topics

Books about dads Books about London Books about rescues and rescuing Books about secrets Books about missing persons

What readers & critics say

Reviews

6.0

“I really enjoyed this story, but I would recommend it for an older age group 10+. There is reference to seeing ghosts and some spooky content. It is full of adventure including two siblings looking for their lost dad.”

Mom of Boys

Trusted reviewer

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