The Shadow of the World-Famous Nine

Written by Ben Guterson

Narrated by Elise Arsenault

The New York Times bestselling series returns! 

Zander and Natasha must reverse an evil spell threatening the Number Nine Plaza’s very existence in this puzzle-bending mystery—for fans of The Swifts. 
 
Summer is in full swing at The Number Nine Plaza, the world's largest and most fabulous department store, and best friends Zander and Natasha are looking forward to weeks of discovery after thwarting the vengeful Darkbloom's attempt to destroy The Nine. But has the danger truly passed? Store employees begin acting oddly, a long-lost clue to an ancient store mystery is uncovered, and Zander and Natasha themselves become targets for attack. When a devastating magic spell places The Nine under new peril, the two friends find themselves in a race against the clock to solve the store's ever-deepening riddles and preserve the world-famous Number Nine Plaza from destruction.
 
Featuring word puzzles and clues, this enchanting, out-of-this-world mystery delivers an unforgettable read full of magic and adventure.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Hachette Audio
• Release date: May 13, 2025
• ISBN: 9781668649152

Ben Guterson

Ben Guterson was born and raised in Seattle. Before working at Microsoft as a Program Manager, Ben spent a decade teaching public school on the Navajo Reservation in New Mexico and in rural Colorado. He has written features and book reviews for newspapers, magazines, and websites, as well as a nature-travel guide to the Southwest. Ben and his family live in the foothills of the Cascades east of Seattle. Winterhouse is his first book.