The 39 Clues Book 1: The Maze Of Bones by Rick Riordan

The 39 Clues is a series of 10 books written by 10 different authors linked together by a great story and wonderful characters.  Rick Riordan is the first author in the series and did a great job kicking it off.  In fact this promises to be a great series.  The Maze of Bones was actually published in 2008.  I can't believe it took me this long to find it.   I will definitely be looking for Book 2 - One False Note by Gordon Korman.

When their beloved Aunt Grace dies, Dan, 11, and Amy, 14—along with other Cahill descendants—are faced with an unusual choice: inherit one million dollars or participate in a perilous treasure hunt.

Cahills have determined the course of history for centuries, and this quest's outcome will bring the victors untoward power and affect all of humankind. Against the wishes of their current guardian Aunt Beatrice, who has reluctantly cared for them since their parents' deaths, Dan and Amy accept the challenge, convincing their college-age au pair to serve as designated adult.

Pitted against other Cahill teams, who will stop at nothing to win, the siblings decipher the first of 39 clues and are soon hot on the historical trail of family member Ben Franklin to unearth the next secret.

This is fast paced book that leaves no room for boredom. As the siblings work together to solve puzzles and survive dangers, they develop into well-drawn individuals with their own strengths and personalities. There is even built in history told in a way that even YA readers will enjoy it.