Coming home from the worst possible first day of school, Hero meets the woman next door and learns of the missing diamond that is believed to be hidden within Hero's family's new home. Even more astounding is the necklace to which it belongs and the heritage that is attached to it.

A significant portion of the book is based on the theory that Edward de Vere (a ward of Queen Elizabeth I's court) is the real author of the Shakespearean plays. A convincing case is presented, and it is woven into the story in an intriguing way. A suspenseful, high interest story with fascinating historical tidbits.
related-William Shakespeare, Edward de Vere, authorship, Great Britain-history, King Henry VIII, Queen Elizabeth I, neighbors, mystery and detective stories, reputation, friendship, family separation
RL=5th-8th