The Figure in the Shadows

This is the sequel to The House With a Clock in its Walls. The Figure in the Shadows is just as good, and for many of the same reasons. There's a good level of scary, the characters come across as real, with their own quirks and difficulties. The addition of Rose Rita to Lewis' circle of friends is......more

John Bellairs' series featuring the adventures of young Lewis Barnavelt and his friend Rose Rita is a surprisingly gray and realistic offering, despite the magic and tenderness. in my mind, it is what elevates it: even kids' lit shouldn't always be glowing, romantic wish fulfillment. fiction for chi......more

I flew home from my holiday today and this was the perfect book to read on the plane. I was able to finish it in one sitting. This is the second book in the Lewis Barnavelt series. Lewis has made a friend in tomboy Rose Rita. They make a good pair. Lewis needs Rose to help him grow up a bit. Lewis is......more

Gosh, this was no “The House With A Clock In Its Walls”! I know you can’t duplicate discovering the house and magic for the first time. However, an author ought to continue the ingredients that thrill us. Since reading it, I loved the film that came out, starring Jack Black and Cate Blanchett. As a......more

I read this book as a child. In fact, it was one of my favorite books. It was one of the few books which made the short list of books I read over and over again. I remember that it was the second in a series, and once I found the first in the series (The Clock in the Walls) and read it, but the firs......more