Masterminds

By Gordon Korman | Publisher: HarperCollins

About the book

The first book in the action-packed trilogy from New York Times bestselling author Gordon Korman is perfect for fans of Stranger Things and James Patterson.

Eli Frieden has never left Serenity, New Mexico...why would he ever want to? Then one day, he bikes to the edge of the city limits and something so crazy and unexpected happens, it changes everything.

Eli convinces his friends to help him investigate further, and soon it becomes clear that nothing is as it seems in Serenity. The clues mount to reveal a shocking discovery, connecting their ideal crime-free community to some of the greatest criminal masterminds ever known.

The kids realize they can trust no one—least of all their own parents.


  • A Secret Experiment: Eli and his friends think they live in a perfect town. They’re about to discover they’re not citizens—they’re subjects.
  • Clones of Criminals: The shocking truth of Project Osiris connects these \"perfect\" kids to the DNA of the world’s most notorious villains.
  • Kids vs. Adults: In Serenity, the people you’re supposed to trust most—your own parents—are the ones running the prison.
  • An Unforgettable Escape: When the truth comes out, there’s only one option: a desperate, high-stakes breakout from the only home they’ve ever known.

Editions of Masterminds

Paperback
ISBN 9780062299994
EBook
ISBN 9780062300010

Read an Excerpt

The first book in the action-packed trilogy from New York Times bestselling author Gordon Korman is perfect for fans of Stranger Things and James Patterson.

Eli Frieden has never left Serenity, New Mexico...why would he ever want to? Then one day, he bikes to the edge of the city limits and something so crazy and unexpected happens, it changes everything.

Eli convinces his friends to help him investigate further, and soon it becomes clear that nothing is as it seems in Serenity. The clues mount to reveal a shocking discovery, connecting their ideal crime-free community to some of the greatest criminal masterminds ever known.

The kids realize they can trust no one—least of all their own parents.


  • A Secret Experiment: Eli and his friends think they live in a perfect town. They’re about to discover they’re not citizens—they’re subjects.
  • Clones of Criminals: The shocking truth of Project Osiris connects these \"perfect\" kids to the DNA of the world’s most notorious villains.
  • Kids vs. Adults: In Serenity, the people you’re supposed to trust most—your own parents—are the ones running the prison.
  • An Unforgettable Escape: When the truth comes out, there’s only one option: a desperate, high-stakes breakout from the only home they’ve ever known.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Masterminds about?

The first book in the action-packed trilogy from New York Times bestselling author Gordon Korman is perfect for fans of Stranger Things and James Patterson.

Eli Frieden has never left Serenity, New Mexico...why would he ever want to? Then one day, he bikes to the edge of the city limits and something so crazy and unexpected happens, it changes everything.

Eli convinces his friends to help him investigate further, and soon it becomes clear that nothing is as it seems in Serenity. The clues mount to reveal a shocking discovery, connecting their ideal crime-free community to some of the greatest criminal masterminds ever known.

The kids realize they can trust no one—least of all their own parents.


  • A Secret Experiment: Eli and his friends think they live in a perfect town. They’re about to discover they’re not citizens—they’re subjects.
  • Clones of Criminals: The shocking truth of Project Osiris connects these \"perfect\" kids to the DNA of the world’s most notorious villains.
  • Kids vs. Adults: In Serenity, the people you’re supposed to trust most—your own parents—are the ones running the prison.
  • An Unforgettable Escape: When the truth comes out, there’s only one option: a desperate, high-stakes breakout from the only home they’ve ever known.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Masterminds?

Children’s, Teenage and Educational > Children’s / Teenage fiction and true stories > Children’s / Teenage fiction: Action and adventure stories > Children’s / Teenage fiction: Thrillers / suspense

Where can I read a sample of Masterminds?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780062299994

Is Masterminds part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?

Yes it is a part of series Masterminds

Who is/are the Author/s of the book Masterminds?

Gordon Korman

Who is the Publisher of the book Masterminds?

HarperCollins

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

Masterminds is available as paperback(ISBN 9780062299994) and ebook(ISBN 9780062300010)

Where can I buy Masterminds online or support local independent bookshops?

You can buy Masterminds from below

Where can I buy Masterminds?