(4) 4-6 When the Tinker family travels to Blackford House to fix its elaborate clock, they discover a mystery involving alchemy, animal statues that come to life, and the fast-encroaching Shadow Woods. Delightfully creepy at first, the story is weighed down as its theme of love overcoming fear grows heavy-handed, and the arrival of a handsome stranger at the conclusion feels tacked on for the sole purpose of setting up a sequel.

Reviewer: Rachel Marsh

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Vivienne To. With help from old friends, banshees, and Excalibur, Grubb and his recently discovered father, Alistair Grim, continue their quest to defeat evil necromancer Prince Nightshade, who is searching for animus, a magical power source. This follow-up to Alistair Grim's Odditorium doesn't stand alone, but fans of the first book's (hodgepodge) fantastical elements, action, and mystery will find more of the same here. Final illustrations unseen. Glos.

Reviewer: Andrea Curtis

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Vivienne To. Orphaned Grubb finds himself in an odd place as a new apprentice at Mr. Grim's Odditorium. Objects come to life (including a disobedient pocket-watch) as Grubb and friends (a banshee among them) battle Prince Nightshade. Although the fantasy is a bit of a hodgepodge, readers will identify with unlikely hero Grubb in this adventure that champions courage and good character.

Reviewer: Andrea Curtis