Review by Frank Plowright

Pandora’s parents have disappeared in the mysterious town of Puzzlevale, where a mist can transform the town and where every step toward finding her parents means Pandora has to solve another puzzle.

Readers who’ve already read The Secret Town know what to expect, but that shouldn’t deter new readers as the plot necessary for them to join Pandora’s quest is explained over the first few pages. Pandora has a puzzle comic that’s extremely helpful, and she’s an observant and resourceful child able to see clues and patterns.

Puzzle deviser Paul Duffield explains circumstances clearly, and there’s a quick reference page at the back, which may at first seem a strange location, but is actually thoughtfully placed to be easily consulted. Duffield advises using two bookmarks, one for the page reached during Pandora’s quest and the other to mark the relevant connecting page in the hints and answers section. The puzzles have to be solved sequentially to move Pandora on to the next stage, but some pages, such as Poqu’s beautifully drawn maps of Puzzlevale need referred to several times. Look closely at these and you’ll discover one big illustration of the entire town split into connecting pages.

An introduction to ciphers eases readers in gently while Pandora also discovers a friend she can trust. Siobhan McKenna draws Pandora and other people, and her graphic design is skilled. That’s of greater importance than is the case for most graphic novels, as it’s fundamental to the clarity of the puzzle sections as well as the overall look. As for the puzzles themselves, Duffield supplies a broad and varied selection, this time incorporating sign language, one of several opportunities to learn. Codes, mazes, riddles and assorted visual puzzles appeal, yet Duffield can also surprise with his story moments.

Although the art may suggest an all ages title, it’s going to be a prodigiously smart youngster below the age of ten able to work their way through. With 25 mysteries to be solved overall, and each consisting of three to four puzzles, there’s an incredible amount of fun for any child who enjoys exercising their mind. Despite being the same format as other graphic novels derived from The Phoenix (see recommendations) the sheer time needed to complete all the puzzles makes this a far longer read, and there’s a real satisfaction to solving them.

By the end, though, Pandora still hasn’t found her parents, so the joy continues for another book.