The Name of This Book is SECRET

Pseudonymous Bosch

Pseudonymous Bosch is a pseudonym, or as he would prefer to call it (because he is very pretentious), a nom de plume. Unfortunately, for reasons he cannot disclose, but which should be obvious to anyone foolhardy enough to read this book, he cannot tell you his real name. But he admits to a deep-seated fear of mayonnaise.

Visit www.thenameofthiswebsiteissecret.com to find out more.

Awards

Shortlisted - Bedfordshire Children's Book of the Year Award 2009
There are six books on the shortlist and they are being read by all the Chatterbooks groups in the county of Bedfordshire who will then be getting together on 11th October to discuss the titles and vote for their favourite and runner-up. Chatterbooks are children's book groups run by the library service.

Press & Blog Reviews

***** 5 Stars
Betty Bookmark

I cannot tell you what [this book] is called, clearly – it's a secret. I am under the impression that the author's name might just not be a real person's name. The book as it is is only presented to us because, although the contents are so dangerously shocking, life-changing and world-affecting, the author just cannot keep a secret. All attempt is made at putting us off reading, without being aware of what the consequences might be. All the same, we don't know where it happens, when it happens (although it starts on a Wednesday), nor even the characters' real names... I'd strongly recommend the book, and will make no secret of that fact.
The Book Bag

A thoroughly entertaining read, both funny and addictive. Beyond the author's dire warnings, however, is a good adventure story with real warmth and unique and quirky characters.
Write Away

Quirky, original and hugely entertaining this is a debut novel of fantastical proportions. The first in a secretive series, The Name of this Book is SECRET is accompanied by a website, part of which is in code so important information is only given to the brave (or foolhardy). It provides even more insight into the twisted villains and their lair. But shhh ... maybe I have said too much, tell no-one what I have said and whatever you do, don’t visit: www.thenameofthisbookissecret.co.uk
Love Reading 4 Kids

Pseudonymous Bosch is from the Lemony Snicket school of creative writing, talking directly to the reader and issuing dire warnings of the dangers of reading this story... Clever writing depicts the main characters discovering more about themselves and each other as they rush headlong into the investigation of the disappearing magician and his symphony of smells. It is important that Cass is in training (Self taught) as a survivalist and, after facing many dangers and living in very interesting times, they survive to prepare for the sequel.
School Librarian Journal

This book starts with the words 'Do not read beyond this page'. Of course, I did and straight away felt I was part of a secret. There are two main characters: Cassandra (Cass) who has big ears that turn red when she's lying and Max Ernest who tells terrible jokes and talks non-stop. Together they investigate the burnt down house of a magician and discover the magician's notebook which leads to all sorts of secrets, suspense and adventure. The writing style is similar to The Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket, it's very funny and would appeal to boys and girls aged 8 to 11 years.
Flapjack

This is a strange book, it sometimes stops in mid-sentence and tells you it can't reveal any more and then leaves the rest of the sentence blank! It's full of 'you're not supposed to know this...' then leaves you hanging on for more. It's an adventure/fantasy-style book and is really different from all the other books I've read and that's A LOT of books! I liked the characters - they are like soul mates. I would recommend it; it has a great cliffhanger ending.
Teen Titles

When friends Max Ernest and Cass discover a strange box, entitled "The Symphony of Smells", with a secret notebook they become entangled in a mysterious and dangerous adventure. This is the first title in a hugely entertaining (and secretive) series. Full of quirky characters and written with a fun narrative voice, this book is a delight to read, but sssh, just don’t tell anyone...
New Books - Christmas Guide to Children’s Books

If you like books that are funny and adventurous, then this is the book for you. It is about two friends who are always trying to save everybody. There is a magician who dies and Max-Ernest and Cass are suspicious and set out to find out what really happened… If you want to know what adventures they have, READ THE BOOK! I like this book because it is full of surprising and unexpected events. It made me laugh a lot and I always wanted to read on to see what was going to happen next.
Books for Keeps

Many different types of readers will thoroughly enjoy this tale including fans of Anthony Horowitz and Lemony Snicket. The book is an interesting read where many types of emotions overwhelm you such as horror, grief, mystery, anxiety the lot. Mixed with a hint of sweet satisfaction that you have finally read the story. I honestly do not know how I lived without reading the book - it baffles me.
Guardian Children's Books

Reader Reviews

Do you agree or disagree with the reviews below? Why not write your own?

sshhhhhh........
This is the first time I have ever read this, I'm really excited to find out the secret. But remember, don't tell anyone about it......
lindsey anne yu, 29th November 2012

Amazing
I'm so glad I brought this book. It's simply brilliant. If you're looking for a good book to read this is the one. I'm not usually a big reader but we were given a reading challenge and I came across this book and it was a page turner. I couldn't stop reading it!!!!
Harry, 18th August 2012

the name of this review is - secret!
Pseudonymous Bosch, you are greatest genius as a writer. I'm still searching for you...
amritha, 9th November 2011

no words to describe this book, except-secret!
When I first started reading this book, I was surprised at the odd style of narration, though now I don't know if I like any book better than this...
amritha, 9th November 2011

EVERYONE LOOKING FOR THE SECRET MESSAGE READ HERE!
I was looking for the message for a long time, then finally i realized that it's a UK website so its in the UK version, everyone go to www.amazon.co.uk and look for the look inside version of the name of this book is secret. Look inside after THE END REALLY.
chiara, 12th August 2010

LOVE the book, but can't find the secret code!
I read this book and am currently on the second one in the series. This book is BY FAR the best book I have ever read!! I went to that website and I had a whole lot of fun doing the missions and cracking the codes! I can't seem to find that last code though! It says it's in the book but I can't figure it out! It's still a great book! Scratch that. It's an AMAZING book!!!
Emily, 23rd April 2010

Awesome!!!!
I LOVE this book and its series!!!!! I'm soooooo excited for the forth book to come out!!!!!!
Kate, 6th April 2010

Skill
That must have been hard to write p.bosch but it was worth it all of your books are so cool, funny, have action, and mystery. I think that takes a lot of skill to do and that's what you did.
coolman, 6th February 2010

AMAZING
This book is amazing! I only got it yesterday and only put it down to write this review and look at the website www.thenameofthisbookissecret.co.uk where you can crack codes and the last one is in the book. I'm 11 and I really enjoyed it and my Mum, 40, has read some and likes but my little sister read the first page and didn't understand it so I would recommend it for KS3 up as my sister is 8!
Ellie, 31st October 2009

WOW!
This book is THE BEST! I can't stop reading it!
Grace, 21st October 2009

Can you keep a secret?
No,I'm sorry. I'm very bad at keeping secrets. I never should have told my friends about that wonderful, dangerous book. Now all my friends are talking about it. THEY LOVE IT!!!!!!!
fiona, 6th October 2009

most amazing book eva!!!!!!!!!!
I would read these books all day if I could great work P. Bosch. I just wish I knew who you were. ????????
nooneyouneedtoknow, 19th September 2009

Hilarious!
Wow, this book was SO funny! P. Bosch is definitely one of my favourite writers. I read the first two, and I just got the third one, This Book is Not Good For You. I laughed for about 3 hours while reading it. At least.
Falon, 17th September 2009

wwwwooooooowwwww!!!!
I loved the book. Once I started I could not stop!I just loved it I cannot wait until I am reading (If you're reading this it's too late)...
sinead, 8th September 2009

I wish I was 10 again!
This book is wonderful. I spent from 2pm-5.15 today doing nothing but reading it until the end. It's thrilling and exciting it makes me want to travel back in time to give it to my 10 year old self - both to read and to publish it before Bosch. The accompanying website it awesome and so thrilling to explore. I could not recommend this book more.
Lottie, 14th August 2009

IT ROCKS!
IT ROCKS you should seriously check it out dude
rafay, 6th July 2009

The Name of this book is secret
I really really liked this book! There are fantastic codes and the story line is amazing!
Joesphinee, 18th March 2009

AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Glued to the book, read in 2 days, need more!!!!!!!!!! Need 2nd book NOW if you read it you'll know what I'm talking about...
someone, 7th February 2009

Arghhhhhhh
I loved this book! It was so thrilling! I also liked the 2nd book too! But why won't anyone tell me the secret code? I can't get it, I've tried to get it but it won't come to mind!
sonia, 7th January 2009

the name of this book is BRILLIANT!
I have read the book, it is brilliant I have also solved the whole mystery online (you need to read the book to solve it!) and I have found out the AMAZING secret!
Rosslin, 3rd November 2008

The best book ever!
This is the best book I have ever read! The author has really put you in the scene and it feels like you are either Cass or Max-Ernest - two of the main characters. I highly recommend this book to everyone! ***** definitely five stars.
Louise, 25th October 2008

Brilliant!
Brilliant, funny and I like how the author talks directly to you.
Aiden, 6th October 2008

Really Great!!! :D
this book is brilliant!! i love it! it makes you want to read on and on and on! and the website makes you go everywhere cracking lots of secret codes you have to read it! But remember, don't tell anyone!
beth, 28th September 2008

Awesome!
I read it on holiday as well, utter saddness when you want to find out more on the site :( Its the best book ever and never gets boring, I believe that Bosch might actually be Snicket...
Cat, 10th August 2008

What a book!
This book, is one of the best books I have ever read, and I'm a complete book maniac, I've read practically every book under the sun! The annoying thing is, I know what the keyword to the final message is and I have decoded it, but I can't get onto the site, I think it is www.ifyouhavereadthisitisalreadytoolateforyou.co.uk or it might be www.ifyouarereadingthisitisalreadytoolateforyou.co.uk I can't remember...Wait, I've just revealed the site! It wasn't me, honest!
Kate, 7th August 2008

Best ever
I read this book in a holiday apartment with *no computer* in it I loved the book so much and I wanted 2 know more I was prepared 2 buy a pc (I didn't though). Now I'm home I've gone on the website and am running out to the car 2 get the book and message now!! The best book I've ever ever read & would recommend it 2 every one I know but I can't.
excited reader, 20th July 2008

it was great
I loved this book. Some of the stuff cracked me up. ( e.g. the author with his chocolate) I'm doing the mystery. I have the book and code word but can't find the code but I will keep looking. I can not wait for the second book.
lov2read, 4th July 2008

WOW!
This is brill. It is such a thriller. If you like this [which you will] you will love Skulduggery Pleasant....
???????????????????????????????, 22nd June 2008

awesome book!
This book is so awesome! I love it ! PS to all the people playing the mystery the keyword is ******** (ed: shhhhhh!)
taylor, 16th June 2008

me 2oooo! I wanna read it!!! =(
I played the mystery but I need the bk!!! I asked my father but he wont let!!! He said it may just be a hacker!!! GRRRRR!!!
Joelle, 6th June 2008

great read
I spend hours looking for books to read and this one just popped off the shelf and I loved it. I even ended up making a book report on it, I highly recommend this book.
Isabel, 31st May 2008

The Name Of This Book Is Secret
this book is brilliant you have to read it! But remember, don't tell anyone!
Cellie, 30th May 2008

I WANT 2 READ IT!!!!!
omg! this book sounds totally thrilling and mysterious!!! i went 2 the website & tried 2 solve the mystery but then found out that i need the book 2 finish it!!! no I'm gonna HAVE 2 read this book!!!
jessi, 26th May 2008

I love it!
I love this book, especially the website where Bosch sent me all over the place, from one website to another, trying to decode his messages. I must say I am quite impressed by it! Great job!
Amber, 17th May 2008

SECRETS
This book is fabulous for the curious mind. Mr Bosch has created a book very similar to the series of adventures by the pen name of Lemony Snicket. And children who are curious can discover what he has in store on his website. Bosch's story is magnificent with all of the codes, clues, a fabulous story line...the Secret Series is by far the best book I've read this year!
JH, 13th May 2008

The Name of This Book is Secret
I am so excited about this book! It seems very interesting, and goes along well with my imagination! I cannot wait!
Denise, 18th March 2008

Extras

• Booked Up 2011
  The Name of This Book is SECRET is on the Booked Up list for 2011! Find out more at the Booked Up website.
• DO NOT CLICK HERE!
  Warning - do not go to this website. There is no fun to be found there! And whatever you do, do NOT enter the password, which is 'SECRET'.
• Follow Pseudonymous Bosch on Twitter
• 'Like' Pseudonymous Bosch on Facebook
  If you are 13 or older, you might be able to find out more about Pseudonymous Bosch (if that really is his name) on Facebook.
• Read an interview with the reclusive author Pseudonymous Bosch at Love Reading 4 Kids
• Send a SECRET eCard
  Need to send a secret message? Personalise and send an eCard to your friends.
• The Name of This Website is SECRET
  You will find nothing of interest on this website, only misleading information about the writer who goes by that ridiculous pseudonym, Pseudonymous Bosch.