Phyllis Wong and the Return of the Conjuror

Gr 4–6—Young Phyllis Wong is a master conjuror, which is only to be expected, as she comes from a long line of magicians. In this sequel to Phyllis Wong and the Forgotten Secrets of Mr. Okyto (Allen & Unwin, 2013), her friend Chief Inspector Inglis is investigating the sudden appearance of a number of original Shakespeare Folios selling for millions of dollars in the art world. They appear to be completely legitimate but Inglis correctly senses something fishy going on. Of course Phyllis cannot resist helping him, and she begins to have suspicions about a strange person who attends every one of the Folio auctions. Then Phyllis learns from her presumed-dead great grandfather that time travel is possible. Phyllis travels back in time and meets Shakespeare in order to prevent the theft of his long-lost play Cardenio, which is due to be auctioned. With some help from her best friend Clem, the Inspector, and her faithful dog, Phyllis solves the case. McSkimming's description of how time travel is accomplished is exciting, the villain is truly evil, and Phyllis's handy use of magic to get out of tight squeezes is entertaining. Readers will miss the character development that made the first book of the series so involving, but the nonstop plot will keep their interest. Additionally, readers learn quite a bit about Shakespearean London with all its smells, chaos, language, and customs.