Laura Amy Schlitz
The master puppeteer, Gaspare Grisini, is so expert at manipulating his stringed puppets that they appear alive. Clara Wintermute, the only child of a wealthy doctor, is spellbound by Grisiniâ€™s act and invites him to entertain at her birthday party. Seeing his chance to make a fortune, Grisini accepts and makes a splendidly gaudy entrance with caravan, puppets, and his two orphaned assistants.,Lizzie Rose and Parsefall are dazzled by the Wintermute home. Clara seems to have everything they lack â€” adoring parents, warmth, and plenty to eat. In fact, Claraâ€™s life is shadowed by grief, guilt, and secrets. When Clara vanishes that night, suspicion of kidnapping falls upon the puppeteer and, by association, Lizzie Rose and Parsefall. ,As they seek to puzzle out Claraâ€™s whereabouts, Lizzie and Parse uncover Grisiniâ€™s criminal past and wake up to his evil intentions. Fleeing London, they find themselves caught in a trap set by Grisiniâ€™s ancient rival, a witch with a deadly inheritance to shed before itâ€™s too late.
Fantasy,Childrens,Middle Grade,Historical,Historical Fiction,Young Adult,Fiction,Childrens,Mystery,Fantasy,Magic,Historical,Childrens,Juvenile
Splendors and Glooms