The Vanishing Trick by Jenni Spangler
“This was a beautifully creepy, touching story that had me on the edge of my seat throughout. The story is set in a Victorianesque England: the rich live in grand houses with servants and libraries teeming with books; the poor stuggle to survive, often having to steal food and running the risk of being caught or sent to the workhouse. Leander is one of these unfortunates. An 11-year-old orphan, all alone in the world since his mother died and desperate for somewhere to belong. When Leander meets Madame Pinchbeck he is deceived by her offer of food, shelter and the possibility that she can communicate with those in the spirit world. He joins her after being persuaded to part with a precious object and only then does he learn about her sinister vanishing trick and the real truth behind the bargin he has made. Along with his new friends Charlotte and Felix, Leander must discover the secrets behind Madame Pinchbeck’s magic before it is too late… This held my interest from beginning to end. Madame Pinchbeck is a wonderfully scary villain and I was contstantly afraid for Leander, wondering what might happen next. I loved the friendship that developed between the three children and it was so exciting to follow their adventure and uncover clues to solve the mystery. The atmosphere and setting were brilliantly created. It felt like you could just step into the pages of this book and find yourself in its grim and sinster world – I was very happy to be curled up in the warmth drinking hot chocolate as I read along! I would highly recommend this book to readers aged 8+ who love stories with a creepy, gothic atmosphere, danger and magic.”