SHIPWRECK DETECTIVE IS THE STORY OF DUNCAN, a young man whose Uncle Joe (a diver) dies and leaves him a mysterious wooden chest. It is filled with odd bits and pieces from the sea but, more importantly, contains a riddle. This leads to a fabulous treasure that Duncan has to find in only three weeks. The reader, together with Duncan, has to decipher the clues and find the treasure.
Written in the form of Duncan's journal, the book provides the clues in the form of interactive maps, notes, pictures and newspaper articles.
There are diving records for each wreck, with a unique story and character that completely sucked me into the book. I loved the way the illustrations drew my attention without disrupting my reading of the actual story.
In addition to the gripping storyline, the book also contains a wealth of information on diving, diving equipment, techniques and safety.
The information ranges from basic to complex, so even readers with some knowledge of diving will find it interesting.
This book will appeal to anyone between the ages of 10 and 14, and adults might have a go at cracking the riddle too! It's not too easy - I had to look carefully and think hard to find some of the more subtle clues, but anyone with a reasonably inquisitive mind should be able to find the treasure.
And for those who don't, you can always cheat and check your answers against the website!
Now that I've found the treasure, I hope to solve many more riddles with Duncan Cameron, the Shipwreck Detective.
Jason Bekker (12)

 (DK, ISBN: 0756622182). Hardcover, 96pp, £17.99