A delightfully creepy novel from a Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Award winner imbued with magic and seafaring mythology. Lemony Snicket and Jessica Townsend meet Greenglass House, with a hint of Edward Gorey thrown in.
When twelve-year-old Rory applies for a job at a spooky old mansion in his gloomy seaside town, he finds the owner, Lord Foxglove, odd and unpleasant. But he and his mom need the money, so he takes the job anyway. Rory soon finds out that his new boss is not just strange, heβs not even humanβand heβs trying to steal the townspeopleβs shadows. Together, Rory and his friend Isabella set out to uncover exactly what Foxglove and his otherworldly accomplices are planning and devise a strategy to defeat them. But can two kids defeat a group of ancient evil beings who are determined to take over the world?
Another delightfully creepy tale from Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Awardβwinning author Ronald L. Smith.
**
Review
"This atmospheric tale by Smith ( The Owls Have Come to Take Us Away ) conjures up a seaside setting full of secrets and long-lost legends....the intriguing characters, eerie moments, and lurking peril prove a winning combination."β Publishers Weekly
"Anchoring this well-paced story is a solid cast of characters whose central relationships feel authentic and grounded."β *Kirkus
"Once the well-drawn characters and distinctive setting are established, the story becomes increasingly involving, fast-paced, and imaginative."β Booklist
"Smith is a deft hand at creating unforgettable villains."β The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books*
About the Author
Ronald L. Smith is the Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Award-winning author of Hoodoo, The Mesmerist , The Owls Have Come to Take Us Away, Gloom Town, and Black Panther: The Young Prince. He lives in Baltimore, Maryland.
www.strangeblackflowers.com
Twitter: @RonSmithbooks.