The Name of this Book is Secret

September 10, 2007
Blending the offbeat humor of Lemony Snicket and insight into the preadolescent psyche à la Jerry Spinelli with the captivating conundrums of Blue Balliett, the debut novel from a pseudonymous author is equal parts supernatural whodunit, suspense-filled adventure and evocative coming-of-age tale. When an unlikely pair of 11-year-old outsiders—survivalist Cassandra and aspiring stand-up comedian Max-Ernest—team up to solve a mystery surrounding the alleged death of an old magician and the strange and wondrous possessions he left behind, they unwittingly cross paths with the villainous Dr. L and his ageless accomplice Ms. Mauvais, who are obsessed with finding the magician's notebook. After the diabolical duo shows up at Cass and Max-Ernest's school, one of their classmates (a gifted artist named Benjamin) goes missing. Convinced that Benjamin has been kidnapped and faces mortal danger, Cass and Max-Ernest track the doctor and his glove-wearing sidekick to an exclusive and remote “sensorium” cum spa, where they uncover an arcane, alchemical, potentially apocalyptic bombshell. Relayed by an often witty, sometimes arch narrator, and loaded with brainteasers—anagrams, coded messages, palindromes and more—as well as such bounty as a brief and idiosyncratic history of Benito Mussolini, the definition of synesthesia and how Earl Grey tea got its name, Bosch's deliberately eccentric offering is likely to acquire a cult following. Ages 8-12.

This audio begins, proceeds, and ends with an intrusive narrator who delays the story, delivers misinformation, and tries to manipulate listeners. David Pittu minimizes the annoyance factor and maximizes a story made exciting by mysteries and puzzles. Even though the narrator refuses to name the characters, we get to know the incessantly talking Max-Ernest through Pittu's speedy speech, as well as the timid heroine, Cass, who tries to quell her fears as she faces scary situations. But the showstoppers are the villains, Dr. L. and Ms. Mauvais, who seek endless youth. Pittu gives them dark, evil voices tinged with a mysterious Eastern-European accent. While the snarky first-person narrator tries to distract listeners, it's these characters who captivate. S.W. (c) AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine