The Eleventh Hour: A Curious Mystery Hardcover – Illustrated, 20 Sept. 1993

This book works for all ages. I read it with my 1 year old son- he loves the rhymes and the unbelievably beautiful pictures, which are just staggeringly well done.I read it with my 5 - 10 year old nephews, who love the story and the challenging words, as well as noticing the hidden details throughout.And then, I read it with my partner. The book is a mystery - on every page are cryptic puzzles, codes and ciphers, stegonographic hints to “who ate the birthday feast”. And when you’ve figured out who it was, another challenge of finding clues you missed along the way awaits you.This book is amazing. If you like books, poetry, artwork, or nice stories, you’ll love it. If you like ARGs, puzzles, Perplex City, or the like, you will ADORE IT.

Beautiful illustrations, an interesting puzzle of a story book! I had a Graeme Base book as a child and adored it, I'm pleased to say this book is more of the same. A poem tells the story of animals attending a fancy dress birthday party, and a mystery which needs solving - the clues are very well hidden within the lavish illustrations, and it even includes a solution at the back if you really can't solve the puzzle.... or , for example, if you've solved the mystery but want to know what exactly the clue on page 8 meant! Highly recommended for children and adults alike

…concept and unusual read that kept me engrossed.

Arrived on time, good condition

This is a wonderful book and one that was a favourite of mine when I was child. I bought it for my niece to enjoy when she is a bit older and I am sure she will love the artistry and the story as much as I did. Fantastic service - the book was delivered in perfect condition within a few days of ordering it.

I remember attempting this when I was in primary school and not coming even remotely near to getting it completed. Even as an adult I got many of the clues in a day of constent studying but having missed a few, still couldn't figure it out. But I find that to be half the fun, its almost impossible to complete but you just want to keep trying. Not for the faint hearted, really, but I would buy it for more mature kids because it is so intellectually challenging and riveting it provides them with a taster that deducing can be fun, which will be needed for keeping them in school later in life, lets be honest.I remember being facinated that it was overtly for children (the pictures and wording) but it was so difficult, I felt almost flattered that adults would thing us kids would be capable of figuring out such a puzzle, which made me want to do it more. Lets be honest, if the kids are being entertained, does it matter whether or not they can complete it, really? I don't think that is the aim of the book, anyway.

Had this book when I was very young and just purchased it again as a gift for my nephew - went down a treat!Nice rhymes in the book with decently challenging language and some frankly beautiful illustrations.Definitely worth reading for any child.

Absolutely fantastic book. Can you solve the mystery of who stole the feast, by uncovering the messages, clues, and codes hidden in the illustrations? Some clues are obvious, and some are fiendishly difficult. A joy for anyone who likes a challenge!Highly recommended. I wish I had several copies so I could give one to each of my friends.