# Masterminds by Gordon Korman: Middle-Grade Mystery Adventure

Middle-Grade: Masterminds by Gordon Korman is the first book in an action-adventure trilogy set in the seemingly perfect town of Serenity, New Mexico. Eli and his friends investigate a mystery that challenges what they know about their community and the adults around them.

- [Original product page](https://best-deals.pro/product/masterminds-gordon-korman-middle-grade-mystery)
- [View offer](https://best-deals.pro/visit/masterminds-gordon-korman-middle-grade-mystery)
- Market: US
- Language: en-US
- Currency: USD
- Category: Books, Music & Hobbies > Books, Music & Movies > Books & Comics
- Price: 5.63 USD
- Previous price: 9.99 USD
- Discount: 44%
- Price checked: 2026-11-12T10:30:04.137Z
- Rating: 4.7 / 5
- Reviews: 2420

Prices and deal status are the latest recorded data, not a guarantee of availability. Confirm the price and availability with the store.

## At a glance

- First book in a trilogy by Gordon Korman.
- Eli's investigation with his friends uncovers secrets behind the apparently crime-free community of Serenity.
- The listing describes a suspenseful, clue-driven adventure involving children, their parents and a town with a hidden history.

## Pros

- A connected mystery with clues and twists may suit readers who enjoy figuring out secrets alongside the characters.
- The story centers on a group of young friends investigating their own community, with stakes that challenge their trust in adults.

## Specifications

### Book details
- Publisher: HarperCollins
- Publication date: February 2, 2016
- Edition: Reprint
- Language: English
- Print length: 352 pages
- Reading age: 9 - 12 years, from customers
- Grade level: 3 - 7
- ISBN-10: 0062299999
- ISBN-13: 978-0062299994
### Dimensions and installation
- Weight listed: 10.4 ounces
- Dimensions: 5.12 x 0.7 x 7.62 inches

## Before you buy

- The listed reading age is attributed to customers, while the grade-level range is supplied separately. These are guideposts, not an individual reading-level assessment.

## A good fit for

- Middle-grade readers who enjoy mysteries, suspense and young characters investigating a hidden conspiracy.
- Readers looking for the opening installment of a trilogy, rather than a standalone story.

## Less suited to

- Readers seeking a self-contained standalone book, since this is identified as the first book in a trilogy.

## Customer feedback

Customer feedback describes the story as engaging and twist-filled, and highlights its characters, thought-provoking elements and appeal to young readers. That enthusiasm fits the book's group investigation and mystery premise, though readers who want a complete ending in one volume should note that it begins a trilogy. Aggregate ratings are strongly positive overall, but do not establish that every reader will respond the same way.
- Positive themes: Customer feedback praises the intriguing, twist-filled storyline and engaging read.
- Positive themes: Feedback highlights relatable characters, including strong female characters, and thought-provoking elements.
- Positive themes: Customers describe it as appealing to young readers and express interest in continuing the series.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is Masterminds about?
Eli Frieden and his friends investigate a mystery in Serenity, New Mexico, and discover that their seemingly ideal community is not what it appears to be.
### Is this a standalone book?
No. The listing identifies it as the first book in a trilogy.
### What age and grade ranges are listed?
The listing gives a customer-sourced reading age of 9 - 12 years and a grade level of 3 - 7. These ranges are guidance rather than a guarantee of suitability for every reader.
### How long is the book?
The listed print length is 352 pages.

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## Add-ons

- [Masterminds: Criminal Destiny: An Action-Packed Middle Grade Thriller about Four Clones Uncovering a Dangerous Conspiracy for Children \(Ages 8-12\)](https://best-deals.pro/visit/masterminds-gordon-korman-middle-grade-mystery)
- [Masterminds: Payback: A Thrilling Science Fiction Adventure about Clones Outrunning Their DNA for Kids \(Ages 8-12\)](https://best-deals.pro/visit/masterminds-gordon-korman-middle-grade-mystery)

## Images

![Masterminds by Gordon Korman: Middle-Grade Mystery Adventure — 1](https://best-deals.pro/i/iz0bjcYet9xJhLKPKYLvzwzmdke0-yQFH1JzBSH4syLpK6LO-6GEFaPN1k0VBtuMfWQbTzMANarBiQWZjlW55AF7ZJ1q4xAGwfOaJfpbzarMFgxZFmmO.jpg)