The 39 Clues Book Five: The Black Circle
By Patrick Carman

Winston Churchill (famous British Prime Minister) once called Russia: “…a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma…”. In The 39 Clues Book Five: The Black Circle, Amy and Dan Cahill must uncover some deadly secrets in this fascinating country. You want to join them?

Russia is not only the largest country in Asia, it is by far the largest country in the world, covering more than one ninth of Earth’s entire land area! 142 million people are spread across 11 time zones in this sprawling land. And in each of its main cities you will come face to face with its rich, complicated history and its thriving 21st century life!

St. Petersburg, Russia’s second largest city, is a city of haunting mystique. Home to The Hermitage, which is the largest art museum in the world, and to the mysterious Yusupov Palace on the Moika River. It was here that the last prince attempted to murder Rasputin, one of Russia’s most notorious historical figures. He was a man of mystery and mysticism whose influence over the Tsar and his wife was alarming to many, although as legend goes, he proved very difficult to kill!

Of course a trip to Russia wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Moscow, Russia’s capital city. This pulsing, bustling city boasts many famous landmarks, including: the Kremlin, a historic fortified complex at the heart of Moscow, which also serves as the official home of the President of Russia. Just outside the Kremlin is the famous Red Square. There you can watch the changing of the guard at the Eternal Flame or visit Lenin’s Tomb (where the decaying body of this leader of the Russian Revolution lies in rest!).

During their time here, Amy and Dan make startling discoveries about their family’s connections to the doomed Romanov family, and search for the infamous Amber Room, whose contents were looted in WWII and haven’t been retrieved since.

 Russia proves to be a country where the past and present truly collide!

Don’t forget to log into www.the39clues.com to become a character, and learn more about this wild journey!

Don’t forget to enter your name for your own The 39 Clues™ starter kit, which will include Books One and Two in this fun series the whole family can enjoy! Email mcripps@hamiltonnews.com  and name one of the seven authors of the 39 Clues series.
Draw for names will take place March 22, 2010.