A strong middle grade conclusion to a series perfect for fans of The Westing Game, and future Agatha Christie and thriller fans. The mysteries and puzzles are complex enough to be interesting, while remaining accessible for young readers. I would add this to a well-rounded children's library collection, and ensure at least one library in the consortium has a full set.

I am sad that the lemoncello series is coming to an end, but the last book was a great ending! I love all the puzzles and how the kids need to solve them. I think Grabenstein's books grab kids attention and keeps them involved with the story. I can't wait to see what's in store for the next series that he's creating.

Grabenstein, Chris, Mr Lemoncello’s Fantabulous Finale.

Mr. Lemoncello has just announced that whoever wins his next game will inherit his empire. Thirteen 13-year-olds are picked to compete in a series of puzzles, challenges, and adventures. Winners of each challenge receive a Titanium Ticket and a place in the finale. The finale, however, gets postponed when Mr. Lemoncello disappears. As social media and news outlets disparage his name, Kyle Keeley is positive there is more to the story. Convincing his competitors to head with him to Ohio, the group searches for Mr. Lemoncello. Meanwhile, Charles Chiltington, Kyle’s nemesis from previous books, has implanted his cousin, Teddy into the competition. He plans on using his cousin to take over Mr. Lemoncello’s empire no matter what. Can Teddy be trusted? Will Kyle and his friends find Mr. Lemoncello and save his empire?

The plot is well-developed, engaging, and entertaining. The puzzles interspersed throughout the book are fun to solve and add a layer of fun to the novel. The characters are realistic and well-developed. The world well-built and draws the readers into Kyle’s world. Alliterations not only helps to build the world more but will delight avid readers. Fans of novels like Charlie and the Chocolate Factor, The Puzzling World of Winston Breen, mysteries, adventure, and realistic fiction will want to pick one up. This series, however, makes more sense to reader when it’s read in order. Recommended for all library collections. 5 stars, Gr 3 to 7

Please note: This was a review copy given to us by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. No financial compensation was received.

Kyle Keeley is a whiz when it comes to puzzles and games. Until a year ago, he wasn’t fond of reading. Now, Mr Lemoncello has inspired him to not only love reading, but long to become a game maker like him. After Mr. Lemoncello has announced that whoever wins his next game will inherit his empire, Kyle jumped at the chance to win his Titanium ticket. Now, he and 12 other 13-year-olds are picked to compete in a series of puzzles, challenges, and adventures. Winners of each challenge receive a Titanium Ticket and join him in the finale. At the finale, however, things are not as they seem. Charles Chiltington, his nemesis, has roped several people under his thumb to help overthrow Mr. Lemoncello. Within the finale contestants, one turns out to be Teddy Willoughby, a promising competitor. Teddy’s father provides temporary workers to Mr. Lemoncello and seems to know more than he lets on. Convinced Mr. Lemoncello is in Ohio and needs help, Kyle convinces the group to go with him. Can the group find Mr. Lemoncello and save his empire? Can Kyle stop Charles from destroying everything? Who can he trust?

The plot is well-developed, engaging, and entertaining. Kyle and his friends are likable, realistic, and draw the reader into Kyle’s world. Other characters are a little underdeveloped, but are true to their ages and personalities. The puzzles interspersed throughout the book are fun to solve and add a layer of world building to the novel. World building is well done and believable. Alliterations to other books not only helps to build the world more, but help readers to solve the puzzles. Fans of novels like Charlie and the Chocolate Factor, mysteries, adventure, and realistic fiction will want to pick one up. Readers will, however, need to read the others in the series first. Recommended for all middle grade library collections. 5 stars, Gr 3 to 7

Please Note: A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. No other compensation was received.

The Fantabulous Finale is all that! This is a wonderful finale to a wonderful series. I loved seeing how everything played out and wrapped up. I couldn’t put the book down and finished it in one day. It makes me sad that is over, but I am happy with all that happened and how it ended. I highly recommend this book! I can’t wait to share it with others!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-ARC.

It's the end of an era! Spanning more than a decade, I've followed this series since the beginning, and this book is a wonderful conclusion. Characters from a number of Grabenstein's other books pop in, and it's a true homage to his fans. I can't wait for my students to get to read this Fantabulous Finale.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me review this book. This was a fun read and one I couldn’t put down,wanting to see what happens next. I was a bit sad that this is the finale in the series but was definitely a fun read and series. It was interesting to see who else would join Kyle and his friends in this final book. I love how each book in the series references other children’s books as well. It definitely makes me want to check out the books that are mentioned.