From School Library Journal
Grade 6–9—This sequel to
The Printer's Devil (Little, Brown, 2005) continues the adventures of Mog (Imogen) and Nick, twin orphans in early-19th-century England. Having spent most of their childhood apart under difficult conditions, the now 13-year-old siblings have been reunited and are living with Sir Septimus, a distant relative of their mother, at his rural estate. The youngsters investigate the death of their governess, the whisperings of superstitious villagers, and the return of Damyata, a mysterious man from India who is somehow connected to their past. They soon discover that Sir Septimus has been involved in numerous misdeeds, stumble upon a murderous conspiracy, and end up unraveling many family secrets. Bajoria creates a readable mix of historical fiction, mystery, and adventure. A slow start eventually builds to an exciting climax in which the local ritual of making straw "guys" and burning them becomes a stage for murder. Although the pace lags in some places and races in others, the eerie setting and macabre characters provide enough chills to overcome some uneven plotting. While this novel does not stand alone, readers of the first book will want to know the protagonists' fate. These titles, though not essential purchases, would be good picks for those too young for Philip Pullman's "Sally Lockhart" mysteries (Knopf).—
Caitlin Augusta, The Darien Library, CT Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
--Ce texte provient de la
Hardcover
édition.
From Booklist
Intrepid twins Mog and Nick (
The Printer's Devil, 2005) have been sent to live at Kniveacres Hall in the English countryside. Sir Septimus Cloy, their closest living relative, gives them free reign and rarely shows his face. The kids amuse themselves by exploring the mysterious old castle and grounds until they come upon one of Cloy's servants burying what appears to be a body in the garden. Soon after, the twins narrowly escape several dangerous "accidents," their governess is found hanged, and rumors of a curse make them unwelcome in the nearby village. Bajoria keeps his curious duo busy uncovering secrets, stringing together clues, and calling on their quick wits to sidestep danger. There's a lot happening, but the story never bogs down or becomes confusing, and the ending, when Mog and Nick learn the answers to questions about their past, is completely satisfying. This is a strong sequel, featuring a pair of likable, spirited protagonists and plenty of compelling mysteries for them to solve.
Krista HutleyCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
--Ce texte provient de la
Hardcover
édition.
