The Sign of the Sinister Sorcerer

November 1, 2008
Gr 4-7-Strickland continues to add to Lewis Barnavelt's adventures, originally created by John Bellairs. School's out and it's the beginning of summer in 1950s New Zebedee, MI. Uncle Jonathan has given a party, complete with a spectacular magic show, for Lewis and his friends. Then Lewis sees a ghostly figure dressed in red robes disappearing behind the garage, and sinister things begin to happen. The boy becomes fascinated with the "rule of threes," and soon he is knocked out by a foul ball, sprains his ankle, and loses his allowance. But the real troubles, which threaten his uncle's magic and life, arrive when Jonathan's cane and magic disappear. The usual cast of characters is joined by a new, slightly nervous character, Hal Everit. For readers who enjoy trying to solve the mystery as they read, there are abundant clues including an anagram. A quick, exciting read."Kathryn Kosiorek, formerly at Cuyahoga County Public Library, Brooklyn, OH"

Copyright 2008 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2009
Primed for a relaxing summer, Lewis Barnavelt instead finds himself plagued by a series of accidents that lead him, his uncle Jonathan, and old friends Rose Rita and Mrs. Zimmerman to become enmeshed in the magician Schlectesherz's nefarious pursuit of power. Despite some sketchy details and the not-so-spooky tone of the supernatural goings-on, series fans will find this engaging.

(Copyright 2009 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)