Do Not Answer is a fast paced, children’s mystery book with lot’s of twists and turns. The story follows Riley Hayes and friends who live in a small town that appears to be increasingly boring. After finding a strange phone near their home, things start getting strange quick.
The writing balances simple language with real tension. Chapters move quickly, and each page ending makes you want to read just one more page. This is not a long, academic read. It’s a practical page turner, built for readers who love clear action and clear stakes. The danger grows with every passing page. You feel a real sense of urgency without too much bogging down the plot.
This book, designed for 9-13 year olds, mixes everyday family life with technology and spookiness. You’re with Riley on chores, bike rides, and hangouts, then suddenly you’re trying to save your entire town.
Short chapters, big moments, and quick shifts between scenes work well. You get the sense that the danger is always nearby, even when the kids are doing normal things. The tension builds in small steps until all the big twists begin.
Character spotlight
Riley is the steady hand. This character is practical, careful, and brave in a quiet way. Riley is also written in first-person tense, so readers of any gender can visualize themselves as the protagonist. Riley’s sister Olivia brings energy and fearlessness to the group. She climbs trees, teases danger, and often pushes Riley into action. Dylan, Riley’s best friend (pictured), is the tech mind who wants to solve every problem with gadgets and clever hacks. Together, they form a believable trio that carries the plot forward.
Family dynamics matter in this book. The parents are well meaning but distracted by chores and work. The kids learn to trust themselves and grow through shared experiences. That theme lands well with young readers who often juggle independence and family rules. The book also explores trust, loyalty, and the cost of secrecy. When a plan goes wrong, the characters face the consequences honestly and keep moving.
Tech, mystery and danger
The mysterious phone is the heart of this story. It’s a device that looks ordinary but acts with a cruel edge. The phone’s power grows with each passing chapter, and the danger becomes real in every new scene. The author makes the tech feel plausible without drowning readers in jargon. You don’t need a high level of tech knowledge to follow what’s happening, but you still feel the awe and fear that such power would bring.
The book also gives a clear origin for the threat. A creator figure and a partner with darker aims explain why the device exists and why it behaves like a weapon. This backstory adds weight to the action and keeps the mystery from slipping into a mere spooky story.
Practical takeaways and reader fit
Readers of sci-fi, mystery or spooky stories – will all enjoy this book. It delivers a practical, fast moving plot and shows how teamwork and quick thinking beat brute power. You’ll take away ideas about: staying calm under pressure, using small clues to solve big mysteries, and the risk of overuse of tech in everyday life.
The story also invites you to think about trust, and how to balance curiosity with safety. The characters learn lessons about this through action, not long lectures. That makes the book feel useful in a real world way.
Bottom line
Do Not Answer is a strong choice for fans of spooky but clever books with a tech twist. It offers a tight, action driven story with clear risks and a satisfying arc. The trio of Riley, Olivia and Dylan feel authentic, and their bond gives the adventure heart. The mystery is big and the threat feels real, yet the writing stays accessible.
If you want a book for 9 to 13 year olds that they can finish in a couple of days that hits hard and leaves them thinking about what you’d do in a similar situation, pick this up. It’s a clean, direct read with plenty of tension, a clear arc, and characters you’ll root for. If you like a mystery that blends family life with a threat you can’t ignore, this is a smart, gripping pick. It respects your time, keeps the stakes high, and gives you a memorable, hopeful finish after a wild ride.
