Chasing Vermeer

By: Blue Balliett

Narrated by: Ellen Reilly

When a book of unexplainable occurrences brings Petra Andalee & Calder Pillay together, strange things start to happen: seemingly unrelated events connect, an eccentric old woman seeks their company and an invaluable Vermeer painting disappears. Before they know it, the two find themselves at the center of an international art scandal. As Petra and Calder are drawn clue by clue into a mysterious labyrinth they must draw on their powers of intuition, their skills at problem solving, and their knowledge of Vermeer. Can they decipher a crime that has left even the FBI baffled?©2004 Elizabeth Balliett Klein; (P)2004 Random House, Inc. Listening Library, an imprint of Random House Audio Publishing Group

Critic reviews

“Suspenseful, exciting, charming, and even unexpectedly moving” –The New York Times

“Thick with devilish red herrings, this smart, playful story never stops challenging (and exhilarating) the audience.”–Publishers Weekly

“. . . the exciting, fast-paced story that’s sure to be relished by mystery-lovers.”–School Library Journal

“Art, intrigue, and plenty of twists and turns make this art mystery a great read.”
–Kirkus Review

Underrated middle-grade mystery

I had fun reading / listening to this along with my 10 year old son. Would recommend for kids who are problem solvers!

Great mystery and adventure

This is a wonderful story for mystery lovers of all ages. I encourage you to also purchase the book as the images spell out a code. How fun is that!?

Children taught to risk lives

Not sure of the story is entirely safe for kids. Toward the end, one of the 11 year old heroes abandons the other to a criminal, and then she abandons her four sleeping younger siblings in the house so she can look for the criminal, instead of calling the police. It’s a good story, and well written, but much like Harry Potter, the heroes in this story often put themselves and others at risk by not sharing information with their parents or teacher or police.

Decent book

This book is a good book with a couple of flaws. It takes a while for the story to get going but it’s satisfying.

The mystery

This book is an amazing tale of mystery and adventure, while also managing to tie in art and history. Two unlikely friends work together to solve a mystery that is profoundly the most complicated puzzle of all time. Truly an amazing book!