The Cryptic Message on the Wall
The Cryptic Message on the Wall: A Review
"The Cryptic Message on the Wall" by Enid Blyton is a mystery-adventure story targeted towards middle-school children. The book follows the adventures of four friends - Peggy, Mike, Nora and Jack - as they stumble upon a hidden room in a castle and discover a message written on the wall that leads them on a thrilling journey.
Plot Summary
The story begins with the four friends going on vacation to a castle owned by Nora's aunt and uncle. During their exploration of the castle, they accidentally find a hidden room which has a message written on the wall that says "Seven find adventure in one night". Intrigued, they decide to investigate further.
Their investigation leads them to a crypt, where they find a hidden compartment that contains an ancient golden key. The key unlocks a secret chamber where they find a treasure trove of valuable items. However, their celebration is short-lived as they realize that someone is watching them and following them.
The friends then embark on a mission to unravel the mystery behind the cryptic message and the treasure they discovered. Their journey takes them on a thrilling adventure that includes secret codes, hidden passages, and dangerous villains who are determined to steal the treasure from them.
Characters
The characters in "The Cryptic Message on the Wall" are well-developed and relatable. Peggy, Mike, Nora, and Jack are all distinct personalities with their own strengths and weaknesses. Peggy is the brains of the group, Mike is the joker, Nora is the practical one, and Jack is the brave but impulsive one.
The villains of the story are also well-written. They are menacing, but not overly evil, which makes them feel more realistic. The characters are believable, and the reader will root for them to succeed in their quest.
Writing Style
The writing style of Enid Blyton is simple yet engaging. The book is easy to read, and the chapters are short, which makes it perfect for middle-school-aged children. The descriptions of the settings are detailed, and the author does an excellent job of building the tension throughout the book.
Themes
"The Cryptic Message on the Wall" touches on themes of friendship, trust, loyalty, and teamwork. The characters rely on each other to solve the mystery and overcome the obstacles they face. The book also shows the importance of perseverance and never giving up.
Overall Impression
I thoroughly enjoyed reading "The Cryptic Message on the Wall." It is a well-written mystery-adventure story that is perfect for middle-school-aged children. The characters are engaging, and the tension builds throughout the book. The writing style is simple, and the descriptions of the settings are detailed. The book touches on themes that are important for children to learn, such as teamwork, loyalty, and perseverance. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun and engaging read.
- Pros
- Well-developed characters
- Simple yet engaging writing style
- Detailed descriptions of settings
- Themes of friendship, trust, and loyalty
- Short, easy-to-read chapters
- Cons
- The villains could have been more developed
In conclusion, "The Cryptic Message on the Wall" is a delightful read that is perfect for children who enjoy mystery and adventure stories. The book is engaging, well-written, and touches on important themes that children should learn. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun and thrilling read.