While spending the summer in Tenby, Wales, with their grandfather, American cousins Zoé and Ian assemble an old glass puzzle, inadvertently unleashing ancient forces that threaten the island and allowing them to travel into the past.

"Frank and Joe visit the zoo to see the deadly new Australian tiger snake, but all they find is trouble. Herpetologist Dr. Harrod Michaels, the victim of a snakebite, is slumped over his desk, and poisonous snakes have been stolen."--Back cover

Frank and Joe's game of Wizards and warriors turns deadly serious and the boys must unravel a series of clues that lead them into danger.

The Hardy boys intercept a coded message that points to plenty of big trouble under the big top.

The book focuses on individuals writing in the '90s, but also includes 12 classic authors (e.g., Mark Twain, Louisa May Alcott, J.R.R. Tolkien) who are still widely read by teens. It also covers some authors known primarily for adult literature (e.g., Stephen King) and some who write mainly for middle readers but are also popular among young adults (e.g., Betsy Byars). An affordable alternative to multivolume publications, this book makes a great collection development tool and resource for author studies. It will also help readers find other books by and about their favorite writers.

While on spring vacation at their aunt's house in Maine, the brothers discover some shady dealings among the local people.