The Death (and Further Adventures) of Silas Winterbottom

August 2, 2010
Giles makes it clear from the outset of this launch to the Death (and Further Adventures) of Silas Winterbottom series that the Winterbottom clan has faced some unfortunate events. A family tree that opens the book reveals that one ancestor was trampled by an elephant; two were killed by a volcano. In newcomer Giles’s capable hands, the surviving Winterbottoms are a delightfully dysfunctional bunch. Silas, a dying old man with a menacing pet crocodile, has summoned two nieces and a nephew to his mansion in a swamp, promising he’ll select one to inherit the estate. The Mr. Burnsian elder’s interactions with his would-be heirs and the dynamics among the kids are quite funny, particularly the machinations of uppity, greedy Isabella, who convinces unassuming Adele that she wants her to inherit the wealth, while doing her best to doom that innocent’s chances. The nasty and convoluted plans Silas has for all three are revealed in a fast-paced denouement. Giles delivers even the macabre twists of the tale with a light touch, giving readers plenty of incentive to stick with the series. Ages 9–12.

September 15, 2010
Grades 5-7 Three young scions of a notably dysfunctional family find themselves pitted against a dying uncle as evil as he is massively wealthy in this melodramatic kickoff to the Death (and Further Adventures) of Silas Winterbottom series. Invited to visit their reclusive uncle Silas so that he can select an heir, shy Adele, angry Milo, and Isabella (an accomplished liar and sneak thief) start off at odds but slowly come to form an alliance as it becomes plain that Silas intends no good for any of them. What is his malign scheme? Is it connected to the mysterious coffinlike device being constructed in the dungeon below the manor? Readers who relish the sort of tale that features hidden passages, oddball relatives, mad scientists, veiled or not-so-veiled threats, frequent deadly accidents, and the occasional crocodile attack will enjoy the rideand may well be pleased that bad-to-the-bone Silas, who is the most vivid character here, plainly has a role to play in future episodes despite being reduced to a pile of dust at the end.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)