Synopses & Reviews
Itand#8217;s wintertime at Greenglass House. The creaky smugglerand#8217;s inn is always quiet during this season, and twelve-year-old Milo, the innkeepersand#8217; adopted son, plans to spend his holidays relaxing. But on the first icy night of vacation, out of nowhere, the guest bell rings. Then rings again. And again. Soon Miloand#8217;s home is bursting with odd, secretive guests, each one bearing a strange story that is somehow connected to the rambling old house. As objects go missing and tempers flare, Milo and Meddy, the cookand#8217;s daughter, must decipher clues and untangle the web of deepening mysteries to discover the truth about Greenglass Houseand#8212;and themselves.
Review
Intrepid Theosodia, age 11, narrates a fantasy steeped in invented and authentic Egyptology, clashing secret societies and pre-WWI European intrigue.
Review
Intrepid Theosodia, age 11, narrates a fantasy steeped in invented and authentic Egyptology, clashing secret societies and pre-WWI European intrigue.
Kirkus Reviews
It's the delicious, precise, and atmospheric details (nicely extended in Tanaka's few, stylized illustrations) that will capture and hold readers, from the contents of Theodosia's curse-removing kit to descriptions of the museum after hours, when Theodosia sleeps in a sarcophagus to ward off the curses of "disgruntled dead things." Kids who feel overlooked by their own distracted parents may feel a tug of recognition as Theodosia yearns for attention, and those interested in archeology will be drawn to the story's questions about the ownership and responsible treatment of ancient artifacts. A sure bet for Harry Potter fans, as well as Joan Aiken's and Eva Ibbotson's readers. This imaginative, supernatural mystery will find word-of-mouth popularity.
Booklist, ALA, Starred Review
"Vivid descriptions of fog-shrouded London and hot, dusty Cairo enhance the palpable gothic atmosphere, while page-turning action and a plucky, determined heroine add to the book's appeal. . . A fine bet for a booktalk to classes studying ancient Egypt." School Library Journal
"There are surprises aplenty in LaFevers's spirited debut, a sort of Indiana Jones for girls and a perfect blend of mystery and humor. . . . Loads of evocative Egyptian history and an oh-so-plucky, resourceful narrator make this the first volume in a series to watch." Publishers Weekly, Starred
"Danger, mysterious museums stuffed with exotic treasures, and children who best adult evildoers are surefire ways to engage young readers, and LaFevers has combined them to good advantage here." Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"...with Theo Throckmorton...girls have a truly independent role model." TimeOut New York
"Readers interested in archaeology will be drawn to the story's questions." Book Links January 2008 Book Links, ALA
Review
A National Book Award Nominee
* andquot;An enchanting, empowering, and cozy read.andquot;
andmdash;Booklist, starred review
* andquot;An abundantly diverting mystery.andquot;
andmdash;Kirkus, starred review
andquot;The legends and folktales Milford creates add to Nagspeakeand#39;s charm and gently prepare the ground for a fantasy twist.andquot;
andmdash;Publishers Weekly
andquot;Give this one to fans of Trenton Lee Stewartand#39;s The Mysterious Benedict Society.andquot;
andmdash;School Library Journal
andquot;The intricately woven connections, large cast of memorable characters, and beautifully detailed writing come together to make this exceptionally engaging story leap off the page.andquot;
andmdash;VOYA
andquot;Milford employs a Westing Game level of cunning in setting up clues, revealing their importance, and immediately pivoting to a higher level of mystery, gratifying readers as she pulls them into the story.andquot;
andmdash;Horn Book Magazine
Synopsis
Theodosia Throckmorton has her hands full at the Museum of Legends and Antiquities in London. Her father may be head curator, but it is Theoand#151;and only Theoand#151;who is able to see all the black magic and ancient curses that still cling to the artifacts in the museum.
When Theoand#8217;s mother returns from her latest archaeological dig bearing the Heart of Egyptand#151;a legendary amulet belonging to an ancient tomband#151;Theo learns that it comes inscribed with a curse so black and vile that it threatens to crumble the British Empire from within and start a war too terrible to imagine. Intent on returning the malevolent artifact to its rightful place, Theo devises a daring plan to put things right. But even with the help of her younger brother, a wily street urchin, and the secret society known as the Brotherhood of the Chosen Keepers, it wonand#8217;t be easy . . . she quickly finds herself pursued down dark alleys, across an ocean, through the bustling crowds of Cairo, and straight into the heart of an ancient mystery. Theo will have to call upon everything sheand#8217;s ever learned in order to prevent the rising chaos from destroying her countryand#151;and herself!
Synopsis
Theodosia Throckmorton has her hands full at the Museum of Legends and Antiquities in London. Her father may be head curator, but it is Theoand only Theowho is able to see all the black magic and ancient curses that still cling to the artifacts in the museum. Sneaking behind her fathers back, Theo uses old, nearly forgotten Egyptian magic to remove the curses and protect her father and the rest of the museum employees from the ancient, sinister forces that lurk in the museums dark hallways.
Synopsis
A rambling old inn, a strange map, an attic packed with treasures, squabbling guests, theft, friendship, and an unusual haunting mark this smartand#160;middle gradeand#160;mystery in the tradition of the Mysterious Benedict Society books and The Westing Game.
About the Author
R. L. LaFevers (Robin Lorraine when shes in really big trouble) has been fascinated by libraries and museums ever since she first set foot in one. When shes not gazing longingly at ancient artifacts or wallowing in old forgotten texts, shes busy trying to keep one step ahead of her two teenage sons. She lives with the aforementioned sons, her husband, and a demonic cat in Southern California.