![]() Three young ghost trappers take on deadly wraiths and solve an old murder case in the bargain to kick off Stroud’s new post-Bartimaeus series. ![]() Unlike the author’s previous outings, here her enthusiasm for historical research seems to outweigh her interest in creating a well-founded story. But a rococo chain of events that begins with the notebook’s theft and climaxes in a contrived fire seems inserted just to move the plot along while providing a demonstration of small-town values in action. ![]() Around these and other info-dumps the author wraps an engaging picture of Zoomy’s life with loving, sensitive grandparents. Together the two immerse themselves in a study of Darwin’s life and plan a series of broadsheets (reproduced within) containing extracts from the scientist’s writings. The word “Galapagos” and other clues in the book prompt visits to the local library, where Zoomy makes a high-energy new friend in summer visitor Lorrol. ![]() In a box dropped off by his sociopathic father, Zoomy finds a battered old notebook whose unidentified author was-like Zoomy-compulsive about making lists of tasks and methodically checking off each item in succession. Balliett delivers a loosely constructed tale about a modern lad who discovers an exciting connection between himself and Charles Darwin. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |