Three Mysterious Letters

On a warm October night in Chicago, three strangers receive identical, unsigned letters hinting at a centuries-old crime involving a great painter. The letters invite their recipients to help right a historical wrong, warning of danger if they involve the authorities. This mysterious correspondence sets off a chain of events that will draw together two sixth-graders, Calder and Petra, and their unconventional teacher, Ms. Hussey, into a web of art, secrets, and puzzles. The stage is set for a mystery that will challenge their perceptions and test their courage.

Patterns and Pentominoes

Calder, a boy obsessed with pentominoes—twelve unique geometric puzzle pieces—finds that these shapes help him see patterns in the world. His new teacher, Ms. Hussey, encourages her students to question everything and explore ideas through art, letters, and symbols. Petra, a thoughtful and imaginative girl, is drawn to mysteries and the power of questions. Both are outsiders, but their curiosity and love of puzzles soon bring them together as they notice strange coincidences and patterns emerging in their lives, echoing the mysterious letters.

Unlikely Partners

Initially wary of each other, Calder and Petra become partners in curiosity after a series of chance encounters. Their shared fascination with Ms. Hussey's open-ended assignments and their mutual sense of being outsiders draw them together. As they begin to investigate the mysterious letters and the odd events surrounding them, their friendship deepens. They discover that their unique ways of thinking—Calder's pattern recognition and Petra's intuition—complement each other, making them a formidable team in unraveling the growing mystery.

Art, Lies, and Truth

Ms. Hussey introduces her class to the idea that art can be both a lie and a truth, quoting Picasso. The students are challenged to define what makes something art and to look beyond surface appearances. Calder and Petra become especially interested in the Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer, whose life and works are shrouded in mystery. They notice recurring motifs in his paintings—light, pearls, windows, and letters—and begin to suspect that these repetitions may hold hidden meanings or even clues to the crime hinted at in the mysterious letters.

The Lady in Yellow

Petra has a vivid dream of a woman in a yellow jacket, writing at a table—an image she later discovers matches Vermeer's painting, A Lady Writing, which she had never seen before. This uncanny experience convinces Petra and Calder that something strange is at work, connecting their lives to the world of Vermeer. They begin to keep a notebook of unexplained events and coincidences, determined to uncover the truth behind the mysterious letters and the growing sense that they are part of a larger pattern.

A Stolen Masterpiece

The art world is rocked when A Lady Writing, the very painting from Petra's dream, is stolen while being transported from Washington, D.C., to Chicago. The thief leaves a note challenging the public to reconsider which paintings are truly Vermeer's, claiming that only twenty-six of the thirty-five attributed to him are genuine. The thief demands that museums correct the historical record or risk the destruction of the stolen masterpiece. The city, and Calder and Petra's school, are thrown into chaos as everyone becomes obsessed with Vermeer and the mystery of the missing painting.

The Thief's Challenge

The thief's letters and public statements ignite a worldwide debate about art, authenticity, and expertise. Ordinary people, students, and experts alike are drawn into the controversy, examining Vermeer's paintings for clues and questioning the authority of museums. Calder and Petra's class becomes a microcosm of this debate, with students analyzing paintings, voting on their authenticity, and writing letters to the press. The thief's challenge forces everyone to look more closely, think more deeply, and question what they have always been told.

Suspects and Secrets

As the investigation intensifies, suspicion falls on several adults in Calder and Petra's lives: their teacher Ms. Hussey, their enigmatic neighbor Mrs. Sharpe, and even Petra's own father. Each has a connection to art, Vermeer, or the mysterious letters. Calder and Petra struggle with the possibility that people they trust may be involved in the crime. They also discover that Mrs. Sharpe's late husband was a Vermeer scholar who died under mysterious circumstances, adding another layer of intrigue to the puzzle.

Codes, Clues, and Coincidences

Calder and Petra use pentomino codes, hidden messages, and their growing list of coincidences to guide their investigation. They notice the recurring theme of the number twelve—twelve pentominoes, their shared twelfth birthdays, and other twelves hidden in names and dates. They realize that the thief's clues are embedded in patterns, words, and even the architecture around them. Their ability to see connections where others see only randomness becomes their greatest asset in the hunt for the missing painting.

The Power of Looking

Calder and Petra learn that truly seeing—looking beyond the obvious and questioning assumptions—is the key to solving the mystery. Encouraged by Ms. Hussey and inspired by Charles Fort's writings on unexplained phenomena, they embrace the idea that the world is full of hidden patterns waiting to be discovered. Their investigation leads them to search for secret compartments, analyze architectural details, and trust their instincts, even when adults dismiss their theories as childish or fanciful.

The Hidden Compartment

After following a trail of clues involving pentominoes, patterns of twelve, and the architecture of their school and neighborhood, Calder and Petra deduce that the stolen painting is hidden in a secret compartment beneath a staircase in Delia Dell Hall, a historic building on the University of Chicago campus. Their reasoning is guided by their understanding of patterns, their knowledge of Vermeer's art, and a series of cryptic hints from Mrs. Sharpe. The discovery of the compartment is the culmination of their journey from curiosity to insight.

The Midnight Discovery

Under cover of darkness, Calder and Petra break into Delia Dell Hall and, after a tense search, find the hidden compartment and recover A Lady Writing, wrapped in velvet. The moment is emotional and transformative, as they realize the power of their own curiosity, courage, and collaboration. Their triumph is short-lived, however, as they are pursued by the real thief, leading to a dangerous chase through the snowy night.

The Chase and Escape

As Calder and Petra attempt to escape with the painting, they are chased by the thief—revealed to be Xavier Glitts, a master criminal posing as a neighbor's stepfather. Calder is injured during the pursuit, and the painting is briefly lost again. With quick thinking and bravery, Petra manages to recover both Calder and the painting, leading to the thief's exposure and the safe return of the masterpiece. The children's actions are instrumental in solving the case and restoring the stolen art to the world.

Truths Revealed

In the aftermath, the true motives of the thief and the roles of the various suspects are revealed. Xavier Glitts orchestrated the theft to sell the painting to a private collector, using the public debate as a smokescreen. Mrs. Sharpe's connection to Vermeer and her late husband's research are clarified, and Ms. Hussey is exonerated. The children's insights into patterns, codes, and human nature are recognized as key to solving the mystery, and the adults in their lives come to appreciate their unique gifts.

The Puzzle Solved

Calder and Petra reflect on the many patterns—of twelves, names, and coincidences—that led them to the solution. They realize that their journey was as much about learning to see and think differently as it was about solving a crime. The mystery of Vermeer's lost works, the power of art to inspire, and the importance of questioning authority are all woven together in the resolution. The children's friendship is strengthened, and they are celebrated as heroes.

Art for Everyone

The public's engagement with the Vermeer mystery leads to a shift in how art is viewed and valued. Museums quietly change the labels on some paintings to reflect uncertainty about their attribution, and people everywhere feel empowered to form their own opinions about art. Calder and Petra's adventure demonstrates that art belongs to everyone, not just experts, and that curiosity and careful observation can lead to profound discoveries.

Patterns Beyond the Canvas

In the story's aftermath, Calder and Petra continue to look for patterns and mysteries in the world around them. They recognize that the skills they developed—questioning, observing, and connecting—are valuable beyond the realm of art. The book ends with the suggestion that life itself is a puzzle, full of hidden meanings and connections waiting to be discovered by those willing to look closely and think deeply.

Characters

Calder Pillay

Calder is a sixth-grade boy with a passion for puzzles, especially pentominoes, which he uses to make sense of the world. He is introspective, observant, and sometimes socially awkward, but his ability to see patterns and connections is unmatched. Calder's friendship with Petra brings out his courage and creativity, and together they form a team capable of solving mysteries that baffle adults. Calder's development is marked by growing confidence in his unique way of thinking and a willingness to trust his instincts, even when others doubt him.

Petra Andalee

Petra is a thoughtful and independent girl who loves words, mysteries, and asking questions. She is sensitive to the world's hidden meanings and is unafraid to pursue her curiosity, even when it sets her apart from her peers. Petra's dream of the Lady in Yellow becomes a catalyst for the investigation, and her intuition often leads the way when logic fails. Her partnership with Calder helps her gain confidence and assertiveness, and she learns to value her own perspective as much as anyone else's.

Ms. Isabel Hussey

Ms. Hussey is a new sixth-grade teacher who encourages her students to think for themselves, question authority, and explore ideas through art and inquiry. She becomes a mentor to Calder and Petra, guiding them with open-ended assignments and a willingness to embrace uncertainty. Ms. Hussey's own involvement in the mystery—receiving one of the thief's letters and becoming a suspect—tests her resilience and deepens her bond with her students. She represents the power of education to inspire independent thought.

Louise Sharpe

Mrs. Sharpe is an elderly woman with a deep knowledge of art and a personal connection to Vermeer through her late husband, a murdered art scholar. She is initially brusque and secretive, but gradually reveals herself as an ally to Calder and Petra. Her cryptic hints and challenges push the children to think more deeply, and her own experiences with loss and mystery mirror the themes of the story. Mrs. Sharpe's character embodies the idea that wisdom and insight can come from unexpected places.

Xavier Glitts (Fred Steadman)

Xavier Glitts, also known as Fred Steadman, is the antagonist—a master criminal who orchestrates the theft of A Lady Writing. He is intelligent, manipulative, and skilled at adopting new identities. His plan to use public opinion as a smokescreen for his crime is both audacious and cynical. Glitts's downfall comes from underestimating the perceptiveness and determination of Calder and Petra. His character explores the dark side of intelligence and the dangers of using knowledge for selfish ends.

Tommy Segovia

Tommy is Calder's former best friend, who moves away early in the story but remains connected through coded letters. His own experiences with loss and mystery parallel the main plot, and his eventual return to Hyde Park brings closure to his and Calder's friendship. Tommy represents the importance of loyalty and the pain of change, as well as the value of communication and trust.

Frank Andalee

Petra's father is a physicist who becomes increasingly withdrawn and secretive as the mystery unfolds. His behavior raises suspicions, but he is ultimately revealed to be innocent, his actions motivated by work and personal stress. Frank's character highlights the theme of misunderstanding and the dangers of jumping to conclusions about others.

Vincent Watch

Mr. Watch runs Powell's Used Books, a labyrinthine store that serves as a hub for Calder, Petra, and other characters. He is knowledgeable, eccentric, and secretly receives one of the thief's letters. Mr. Watch's love of puzzles and art makes him both a suspect and a source of insight for the children.

Zelda Segovia

Zelda is Tommy's mother and the unwitting wife of Xavier Glitts. Her marriage to a criminal brings turmoil to her family, and her eventual realization of the truth is both painful and liberating. Zelda's character underscores the theme of hidden identities and the impact of secrets on families.

Charles Fort (influence)

Though not a character in the traditional sense, the ideas of Charles Fort—who wrote about unexplained phenomena and the importance of questioning accepted truths—permeate the story. His writings inspire Calder and Petra to look for patterns, embrace uncertainty, and trust their own observations, shaping the philosophical core of the narrative.

Plot Devices

Pentominoes and Pattern Recognition

The pentominoes—twelve unique geometric shapes—serve as both a literal puzzle and a metaphor for the way Calder and Petra approach the world. They symbolize the search for patterns, the importance of perspective, and the idea that seemingly unrelated pieces can fit together to reveal a larger truth. The recurring motif of twelve reinforces the theme of hidden connections and the power of pattern recognition in solving mysteries.

Letters, Codes, and Secret Messages

The story is driven by mysterious letters, coded messages, and secret communications. These devices create suspense, misdirection, and opportunities for the characters to demonstrate their intelligence and creativity. The use of codes also highlights the importance of interpretation and the dangers of misunderstanding, as well as the thrill of discovery.

Art as Mystery and Mirror

Vermeer's paintings, especially A Lady Writing, function as both the object of the mystery and a symbol of the story's deeper themes. The recurring motifs in the art—light, pearls, windows, letters—mirror the patterns in the narrative and invite readers to look beyond the surface. The debate over authenticity and the meaning of art challenges characters and readers alike to question authority and trust their own perceptions.

Coincidence and Synchronicity

The story is rich with coincidences—shared birthdays, repeated numbers, parallel experiences—that at first seem random but ultimately point to a deeper order. The influence of Charles Fort encourages the characters to see these coincidences as clues rather than accidents, reinforcing the idea that the world is full of hidden patterns waiting to be discovered.

Multiple Suspects and Red Herrings

The narrative structure relies on a shifting cast of suspects, each with plausible motives and secrets. This device keeps readers guessing and forces Calder and Petra to question their assumptions, ultimately leading them to the true culprit through a process of elimination and insight.

Child Protagonists Outsmarting Adults

Calder and Petra's status as children allows them to see what adults overlook, approach problems with fresh eyes, and act with a freedom that adults lack. Their success in solving the mystery is a testament to the value of curiosity, imagination, and independent thought.

Analysis

Chasing Vermeer is more than a mystery novel; it is a meditation on the power of looking closely, thinking independently, and trusting one's own perceptions. Through the intertwined stories of Calder, Petra, and the adults around them, the book explores how art, puzzles, and patterns can reveal hidden truths about the world and ourselves. The narrative challenges the authority of experts, celebrates the insights of outsiders, and suggests that the greatest mysteries—whether in art or life—are solved not by following rules, but by daring to ask new questions. In a world where information is often controlled by gatekeepers, Chasing Vermeer empowers readers of all ages to become detectives in their own right, finding meaning in the overlooked and the unexplained. The story's ultimate lesson is that art, knowledge, and truth belong to everyone willing to look, wonder, and connect the dots.

Last updated: May 20, 2025