Withering-by-Sea

Gr 4–6—Stella Montgomery leads a lonely, dreary life in a seaside hotel with her overprotective aunts. Her one escape is reading a moldy atlas and imagining adventures away from the Hotel Majestic and Withering-by-Sea. Excitement finds Stella when she witnesses the murder of a guest and is entrusted with a small package by him, a mysterious bottle of swirling silver. This new possession makes her the target of the sinister magician, the Professor, whose designs on the little bottle may send Stella on more adventures than she wished for. This is an enjoyable mix of adventure and fantasy in a historical setting featuring a strong, sympathetic heroine. Stella is eager to explore, investigate, and help, and the challenges she confronts make her relatable. Although the first half of the story moves in fits and starts and the climax is a bit rushed, the interesting and well-drawn characters, from the trainer of operatic cats to the aunts' harried maids, make up for most of the plot's failings. The charming illustrations by the author also enhance the story.