Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Compelling series finale keeps up the mystery and puzzles.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 1 parent review
Based on 16 kid reviews
Kids say the book delivers a thrilling conclusion to a beloved series, filled with unexpected twists and a satisfying ending, though it may be less intense than previous installments. While some readers appreciated the character development and fast pacing, others found the plot less engaging and wished for more action and depth.
- satisfying ending
- thrilling conclusion
- character development
- unexpected twists
- less intense
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
THE FINAL GAMBIT finds Avery on the verge of turning 18 and, shortly after that, finally coming into the billions of dollars she's set to inherit from Tobias Hawthorne. But in the midst of trying to figure out how to handle all that, the man who was like a father to her gets kidnapped, and it seems he was kidnapped by someone who loved making puzzles and games every bit as much as Tobias Hawthorne did. Avery, her sister, and her best friend, along with the Hawthorne brothers of course, will have to crack codes, solve puzzles, and uncover clues to find out who's behind the kidnapping and why.
Is It Any Good?
This final installment in the mystery series keeps the puzzles and intrigue coming along with a compelling mystery to keep the pages turning. The Final Gambit is as full of twists and turns as the first two books. Romance continues adding to the suspense, too. Readers will enjoy immersing themselves in the world of the immensely rich as much as in the mystery and intrigue, and they can admire the way Avery uses her new-found resources to help others. Favorite characters return, and colorful, well-realized new ones are introduced, too. Plus, a puppy! The ending's satisfying, but leaves room for fans to imagine further adventures for themselves.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the conclusion of The Final Gambit. Did you find it a satisfying end to the series?
Why are mysteries always so popular? What do we love about them? What are some of your favorites?
Did you read the other books in the series first? If you did, which is your favorite? If you didn't, would you like to now?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Mystery
- Topics : Adventures , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Courage , Integrity , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Little, Brown and Company
- Publication date : August 30, 2022
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 12 - 18
- Number of pages : 384
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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