Stealing Magic

Gr 4–6—Twelve-year-olds Ruthie and Jack use the magical key they found in The Sixty-Eight Rooms (2010), the first book in the series by Marianne Malone, to shrink themselves down for further adventures (2012, both Random) in the miniature Thorne Rooms at the Art Institute of Chicago. When objects start to go missing from the rooms at the same time that a rash of burglaries begin plaguing Chicago art collectors, the pair suspect that the thefts are related. They use the magical key to shrink themselves so they can investigate the rooms, and use their sleuthing skills to determine who is absconding with the art. There are many elements in this story to keep straight; it's difficult just to remember the rules that govern the magic, and there are multiple plot threads in addition to the main story about the art thefts. Malone does manage to tie everything up fairly neatly at the end, but some listeners may become frustrated with the complexity of the tale. Cassandra Campbell's narration is serviceable, but lacks energy. She nicely distinguishes between Ruthie and Jack, and her voices for the older characters do not sound like stereotypical old ladies. An additional purchase.—Amy Holland, Irondequoit Public Library, Pauline Evans Branch, NY