Early work
The Sinister Secret of Frederick K. Bower
Spoiler-free summary
Horowitz's first published children's novel, later reissued as Enter Frederick K. Bower.
The locations established in the book's spoiler-light premise, without revealing its later turns. The pleasure lies in identity and danger, shaped by a self-contained narrative organised around one escalating central problem..
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Also published as
Enter Frederick K. Bower · United Kingdom — 1985 reissue title.
Retitle / edition history
First published under this title in 1979 and reissued in 1985 as Enter Frederick K. Bower.
Can I start here?
Yes. The book or collection is designed to be approached without a required earlier volume.
What makes it different
The first book already shows Horowitz's taste for ingenious schemes and young protagonists forced to think faster than the adults around them.
Setting
The locations established in the book's spoiler-light premise, without revealing its later turns.
Content guidance
Peril and themes appropriate to the readership guidance above; consult the publisher edition for any title-specific advisory.
Title & retitling history
This guide uses The Sinister Secret of Frederick K. Bower. Known alternatives: Enter Frederick K. Bower (United Kingdom).
Source-linked extras
Continuity
This book does not require knowledge of a numbered series.
If you liked this
These are affinity matches, not catalogue neighbours. Each card names the connection I used.