Explore Chicago with The Ambrose Deception by Emily Ecton

Posted February 12, 2018 by shooting in Book Review / 31 Comments

The Ambrose Deception by Emily Ecton

Review by Lauren

source: copy from publisher; all opinions are my own

Official Summary (add to Goodreads)Melissa is a nobody. Wilf is a slacker. Bondi is a show-off. At least that’s what their middle school teachers think. To everyone’s surprise, they are the three students chosen to compete for a ten thousand-dollar scholarship, solving clues that lead them to various locations around Chicago. At first the three contestants work independently, but it doesn’t take long before each begins to wonder whether the competition is a sham. It’s only by secretly joining forces and using their unique talents that the trio is able to uncover the truth behind the Ambrose Deception–a truth that involves a lot more than just a scholarship.

Review: I love reading middle grade books, and I definitely want to check out more this year. I’m excited to say that The Ambrose Deception is one MG novel that I would recommend, even for older readers like myself! The book is told in three point of views – Melissa, Wilf, and Bondi. There are also other unique story-telling techniques like texts, notes, etc. If this isn’t your type of thing, don’t worry – it’s randomly throughout the book, but most of the story is a regular narrative style.

The Ambrose Deception brings three kids all around Chicago...recommended! #bookreview #ontheblog Share on X

The Ambrose Deception focuses on three middle school students who are chosen to compete in a scavenger hunt style scholarship. None of these kids are the type of get nominated for something like this, but all of them could use the money. Of course, there is a lot more going on than just a scholarship opportunity, and eventually, the kids start to figure this out and come together.

One of the things that I just loved about this book are the clues that take each kid all around Chicago. I’ve been to Chicago a few times now, but I’d love to go back and see some of the places these clues bring the kids. It’s such a fun idea, and it makes the book a bit of an informative read too, which is cool!

31 responses to “Explore Chicago with The Ambrose Deception by Emily Ecton

  1. This sounds like a super fun read! I love that they were unlikely to be put together but end up having to work together to get to the bottom of the “sham” of the competition!

  2. Ooh, I really love the sound of this one! I love reading middle grade books as well, and this one sounds perfect. 🙂 I like the sound of the additional notes/texts/etc. added in! Great review!

  3. This book sounds like fun! I need to read more middle grade. I have a feeling that as my kids get older I’ll read more–now we’re fully in picture book mode and I love it 🙂 But there’s really great middle grade stuff out there too!

  4. This sounds like a really cute book. I love Chicago, and we’ve taken the kids there a couple times. I’d love to read this with my oldest and see if we recognize the places they visit.

  5. I don’t think I’ve ever read a middle grade book but I like the premise of this one. You always read the best books! Thanks for sharing, Lauren!! Xoxoxo

  6. Liz

    Ooh this sounds fun! You know what would be cool? Reading this on-location! Go to Chicago and then whenever the book talks about a specific spot, go to that location and read that chapter. I did this with Angels & Demons when I studied abroad in Rome – what a cool experience it was!

  7. I absolutely love adventure style middle grade novels Lauren and this sounds brilliant! What really appeals to me is the formatting and method of storytelling. I love books that add that touch of uniqueness like using notes, newspaper articles or even messages between characters as a form of communication. Will definitely be checking this one out Lauren, wonderful review! <3

  8. Jen

    This sounds good! I enjoy reading the books my kids read, especially ones like this that have a locale I am unfamiliar with. I learn so much that way!

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