When the Curtain Rises

February 26, 2007
This mystery blends music, magic and self-discovery, and introduces 12-year-old Chloe McBride, who choked on her last recital, shattering her dreams of being a concert pianist. Despondent, Chloe accepts an invitation to spend several weeks with two great-aunts in Canada, intrigued by a tiny brass key enclosed with their invitation. She becomes enchanted by the stories the aunts tell of their father, a circus magician who disappeared decades ago. Chloe reads his memoir (long passages of which appear within the novel) and learns that the key her aunts sent her unlocks a rosewood box with the power to grant wishes. If she can find the box, perhaps her wishes will be granted-but each wish has its price. Readers will be able to identify with Chloe's need to get away from the scene of her humiliation, and the aunts' affection comes through in ways well-suited to each one's personality. Fantasy elements play a large part but do not overshadow the reality of Chloe's blossoming friendships and her enjoyment of the resort. Ages 9-12.

June 1, 2007
Gr 6-8-To escape the memory of her recent attack of stage fright during a piano recital, Chloe visits her father's great aunts, Bess and Kitty, in Little Venice, Ontario. The trip prompts her interest in magician Dante Magnus, their father. He disappeared when his daughters were young, and no one has seen or heard from him since. This mystery intrigues Chloe, as does the house he built, which is full of secret rooms and is rumored to be haunted. As she searches through the secrets of the past, the budding musician stumbles upon a danger that could affect her futurethe same one Dante discovered just before he disappeared. The story begins abruptly, as if an introductory chapter is missing. There is little character development and it is difficult to care about Chloe. Nyssa, a girl she meets in Little Venice, is equally vague, and readers may be startled when she is referred to as a friend, since the two girls talk little and share even less. The only really developed character is that of the long-missing relative. As Dante's unfinished memoir unfolds, his ambition becomes understandable and his story, engaging. But just as the plot becomes interesting, it ends, with all loose ends neatly tied up. Muller's tale of family secrets and magical intrigue will leave readers confused and disappointed."Heather E. Miller, Homewood Public Library, AL"

Copyright 2007 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 9, 2007
This mystery blends music, magic and self-discovery, and introduces 12-year-old Chloe McBride, who choked on her last recital, shattering her dreams of being a concert pianist. Despondent, Chloe accepts an invitation to spend several weeks with two great-aunts in Canada, intrigued by a tiny brass key enclosed with their invitation. She becomes enchanted by the stories the aunts tell of their father, a circus magician who disappeared decades ago. Chloe reads his memoir (long passages of which appear within the novel) and learns that the key her aunts sent her unlocks a rosewood box with the power to grant wishes. If she can find the box, perhaps her wishes will be granted-but each wish has its price. Readers will be able to identify with Chloe's need to get away from the scene of her humiliation, and the aunts' affection comes through in ways well-suited to each one's personality. Fantasy elements play a large part but do not overshadow the reality of Chloe's blossoming friendships and her enjoyment of the resort. Ages 9-12.

Copyright 2007 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.