The Rembrandt Conspiracy by Deron R. Hicks
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers on December 1, 2020
ISBN: 0358256216
Pages: 272
Genres: Mystery
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads

Art Hamilton has grown up around art his entire life, and he still spends most of his free time in the museum where his dad works. With a really big exhibit in the works, Art and his best friend Camille are excited to see so many famous portraits all together at once. Because Art spends all his time in museums, when something seems off, he notices. Convinced that someone is planning to steal a bunch of portraits from the exhibit, Art enlists Camille to help him foil the plot. Is someone actually trying to steal the paintings, or is Art making something out of nothing? Will the two sleuths be able to stop the thieves in time? This is the second installment in the Lost Art mystery series. The characters are likeable enough, and the plot definitely moves along well. There are twists and turns and Red Herrings, and who doesn’t love a good art heist? It is an entertaining read, but there isn’t anything overly amazing about it. It’s missing that wow factor. One bonus is the included material at the end about the real art heist at the Isabella Stewart Gardner museum in Boston. An additional purchase for larger collections or where middle grade mystery is really popular. Recommended for readers 4th grade and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME