The European Adventures: Mystery at Mouse Castle

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. Affiliate link included. Purchases made through my link cost you nothing extra, but provide this site a small fee. 

About the Book

“Agatha Harrington and her three cousins Maxine, Simon, and Jane are not expecting to be dragged into an investigation of an international crime syndicate when they move to Frankfurt, Germany. But when a series of coincidences leads them to the medieval Mouse Castle on the Rhine River, they quickly realize the thieves have their eyes on a precious coin with ties to the Holy Roman Empire. It is up to them to solve the mystery at Mouse Castle before an important piece of history is lost forever. It’s a race against time and unknown criminals to save the coin.

Rachel Selle writes history-filled mystery stories set in Europe. A teacher at a German elementary school by day, and author by night, she finds inspiration in her travels through Europe.

“Growing up in Alaska, I didn’t have the opportunity to travel to far-away places. I wrote The European Adventures for children who want to experience new cultures and delve into a mystery at the same time.”

Each installment explores its host country’s art, history, food, culture, and language. Stay tuned for the group’s next adventure in France.

Mystery at Mouse Castle is the first book in The European Adventures series.” from Amazon.com

About the Author

“Rachel Selle lives in Wiesbaden, Germany. A teacher at a German elementary school by day, and author by night, she finds inspiration for The European Adventures series in her travels through Europe.

She grew up in Dillingham, Alaska, a rural Alaska fishing village, and while she visited family in Iowa and Boston during the summers, she did not have the chance to explore Europe or other countries until she was much older. As a child, she participated in The Battle of the Books competitions, which opened her horizons to new cultures, and different viewpoints, and most definitely awakened her love of history and books.

She went on to major in art history while studying at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Virginia. After moving to Germany, she fell in love with the many historical points of interest that surrounded her, and thus The European Adventures series was born.

The series is written for children who would like to learn about different cultures and get a nice dose of history, all while solving an exciting mystery.

She is currently working on the sequel to The Mystery at Mouse Castle which will explore France’s rich history and culture while catching a criminal or two…maybe.” from Amazon.com

My Review

Getting middle grade students to read about geography and history isn’t always easy. The European Adventures: Mystery at Mouse Castle gently teaches about Germany in an action and mystery adventure. The story begins with four children who fly to Frankfurt, Germany to begin enjoying the culture and history there. They tour many beautiful places, eat German food, and learn plenty of German words and phrases. From the beginning of the story, they continue running into the same two people and wonder what they are up to. They seem to be hiding something. When they take a cruise on the Rhine River they get off to stay in the Mouse Castle. The same people are there and the children find out that someone is trying to steal the rare coronation coin. Will the children be able to help find out who the thieves are or will they be caught in danger?

Children will love this adventure because of the mystery woven throughout, as well as the trip on the plane and all the other fun things the children experience. And the best part is that kids will learn many new words and things about traveling to Germany.

Purchase: Amazon