Oh, yes, some of his best friends are missing and he thinks the new housekeeper may be out to kill him.

Marty's grandfather is a famous archeologist and has recently opened the tomb of Kutkara. He sends an amulet from the tomb to Marty's mother, and she soon disappears. Within no time, the grandfather has fallen into a coma and the rumor is that the curse that protected the tomb has caused it all.

Delve into the book as Marty decides to play Sherlock Holmes, and perhaps Indiana Jones, both at once. Not only does he encounter mummies, ghouls and ghosts, but there are the additional magicians, monsters and an occasional ancient evil.

Marty battles, all with the help of devoted friends, in an attempt to save his mother and grandfather, and even the small town he has just moved into. That is a lot for a 12-year old, but a boy's got to do what a boy's got to do.

I think the action, mystery and adventure, along with the ghouls and monsters, would hold any young reader's attention. It held mine, and I am far from young.