Patrick Carman writes children's and young adult adventure, fantasy and suspense, often incorporating puzzles, websites, video or other interactive elements into the reading experience. The Land of Elyon series begins with The Dark Hills Divide, in which Alexa Daley explores what lies beyond the walls surrounding her city and becomes involved with talking animals, hidden passages and the history of the land. Skeleton Creek combines a printed journal with online video segments that readers watch at specific points, turning a mystery about an abandoned dredge into a cross-media story. The 39 Clues and other collaborative projects also connect his name with fast-paced puzzle adventure. Carman's books are plot-driven and designed for younger readers who enjoy secrets, codes and cliffhangers. The Dark Hills Divide is the better choice for traditional fantasy reading, while Skeleton Creek is the clearest example of his experiments with combining books and digital media. Read more Less