There's something mysterious about the big, old house across the river. So when Archie and his two friends are offered a job tidying the attic, they jump at the chance. But sifting through the mess, they stumble upon something priceless, leaving them with a difficult decision. This exciting story by Chris Powling is illustrated by Martin Ursell.

* Pearl/Band 18 books offer fluent readers a complex, substantial text with challenging themes to facilitate sustained comprehension, bridging the gap between a reading programme and longer chapter books.

* Text type: An adventure story.

* Curriculum links: Citizenship: Choices.