Mystery at Blackbeard's Cove

This is a great book. It is hilarious at parts, however terrifying in others. It makes you feel as if you are there, in the middle of the action. The book is full of marvelous descriptions and details. It is a great piece of writing.

(Book 1 in the Blackbeard Quartet) What would you do for a chance at a pirate's treasure? Stephanie, Mark, Billy and Daniel live on Orcacoke Island in North Carolina and enjoy listening to Mrs. McNemmish's tales. Mrs. McNemmish, whose family tree includes the infamous pirate Blackbeard, is fascinated with pirate legends. She dreams of one day sailing on the ghost ship Queen Anne's Revenge with Blackbeard. "Whoever buries me at sea will be as rich as Midas and hold in their hands the wealth of the world. And Mrs. McNemmish keeps her word." After Mrs. McNemmish dies, the four friends decide to honor her last request. Unfortunately, they didn't think it would be this tricky: they will have to somehow transport the body from the church onto the boat. They also must deal with Zeek Beacon, a mean man who is also after Blackbeard's treasure. Throw in cryptic clues, treasure maps and hidden passages and this is turning out to be quite the adventure. Luckily they have some benevolent ghosts looking out for them, including Blackbeard himself! Mystery at Blackbeard's Cove is a wonderful adventure story. It's filled with humor and thrills. The villain is fun to dislike and Stephanie, Mark, Billy and Daniel are really neat kids. I kept turning the pages to find out what happens next. I appreciate all the research that went into this book. It is filled with vivid descriptions and fun facts and trivia about Blackbeard and life as a pirate. I also enjoyed the illustrations. The full-size illustrations add to the excitement and adventure. The smaller illustrations at the beginning of each chapter made me feel as if I were sightseeing on Orcacoke Island. Audrey Penn is a New York Times Bestselling Author, she has written numerous children's books such as The Kissing Hand and The Whistling Tree. This young adult novel is sure to win over new fans and loyal readers. Armchair Interviews says highly recommended! After reading this book you may start singing, "Yo ho, a pirate's life is for me!"

Bestselling children's author Audrey Penn presents Mystery At Blackbeard's Cove, an exciting full-length novel, intended for young adults yet appealing to readers of all ages. Elements of mystery and adventure combine with suspense as a group of friends travel to a North Carolina, seeking to give a beloved eccentric acquaintance the pirate buriel she so greatly desired. Suddenly trapped in tunnels by a local scoundrel, they must race against time to earn their escape and discover a hidden treasure. A wealth of lore concerning the famous pirate Blackbeard and his hideout intertwine with the captivating present-day adventure. Mystery At Blackbeard's Cove is a treat to be savored at length.

I'm always on the prowl for a good book for my 9-year-old granddaughter to read and was delighted to run across the beautifully illustrated and well-written book, MYSTERY AT BLACKBEARD'S COVE, by Audrey Penn. Having spent part of the summer on the Outer Banks in NC this year, I was intrigued with the history of the area, so I thought it a good idea to share something of the area with my 9-year-old through this exciting kids' book. What I like so much about the book is that the characters are so realistic--Stefanie is the typical whiny, skeptical pre-teen girl, not alwasy likable, who flings herself headlong into all sorts of chilling and spooky adventures just to keep up with the boys, not wanting to miss any of the excitement. However, the mystery that unfolds throughout the book makes this one a real page-turner. The old woman, Mrs.McNemmish, is a beloved elder of the community whom the children love to visit; it is she who keeps the local folklore alive in her storytelling, and it is she who holds the secret to the mystery. Because this is a book with a strong emphasis on setting, MYSTERY AT BLACKBEARD'S COVE is a refreshing break from the fantasy that's been flooding the market for several years in kids' lit. What a wonderful way to draw children back into an interest in regional history.

What an exciting story about pirates, secret treasure, hidden tunnels, and more! When four kids get trapped in a dark, seemingly-endless tunnel by an evil scoundrel (and direct descendant of one of Blackbeard's crew), you can't wait to find out what happens next and how it will end! From one compelling twist to the next, it keeps you on the edge of your seat. The characters are interesting and very relatable for kids, and the action is non-stop. I really liked this book!