what is the cliffhanger at the end of part three

Part Two- Liesel sees three books that remain mostly intact and she steals a blue book called The Shoulder Shrug. She puts it under her shirt even though it is still hot. Although she was ignored by the workmen, Liesel realizes that one person saw her steal the book: the mayor's wife, Frau Hermann.

Part Three- Max finally arrives at the Hubermanns' home.

what was the cliffhanger in part three of the book theif and was it effective? why?