For Cairo’s youngest collector, a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.
On his thirteenth birthday, Max Mead wakes up battered and bruised in the villa of his grandfather, a famous antiquities expert, in Cairo. He has a hard time remembering how he got there, but slowly details of his quest to locate his missing grandfather begin to emerge. Max soon discovers that the Lieutenant, leader of a ruthless antiquities trafficking gang, has left him with more than a few nasty bruises.

"The story flows effortlessly, cleverly integrating the pedestrian and the supernatural. Overall score, 9/10” - BookLife Prize

"Blending fast-paced adventure and magic with realistic cultural and historical detail, the story artfully combines learning and fun. Max is a relatable character, whose struggles with family and with his own identity are sure to feel familiar to middle-grade readers. Although the story incorporates magic and fantasy elements, these are blended cleverly with real-world details that help make the story immersive, while the emphasis on the genuine issue of antiquities theft encourages readers to think critically about history, archeology, and cultural property. Boy Between The Novice Collector is an exciting, informative, and highly entertaining read." - The Children's Book Review

"This is a middle grade adventure set mostly in Cairo, with the protagonist, Max, just about to celebrate his 13th birthday. The Egyptian setting feels authentic with action moving from the museum through the bustling chaotic streets of Cairo to the market and an Egyptian cemetery. The story also covers important themes of antiquity theft and recovery. - NetGalley, Jim