I enjoyed this book. There is a likeable cast of characters, and a central mystery that keeps you guessing until right at the end of the story. 

My only complaint about the book really is one that probably comes from being an adult reading a children's book - why do none of the adults in this book seem to think they should be taking care of a kid whose parents have gone missing? Why are they happy for him to regularly miss school?! 

Overall this book is an entertaining journey that doesn't quite go the way you expect it to.