In case you haven't already heard, I have decided that as a special treat for you, my readers, I will be reviewing the entire, amazing "Cynthia's Attic Series", books one through four, followed by an exciting interview with the author, the awe-inspiring Mary Cunningham.
First, I'll begin by reviewing the number one book in the series, which is entitled, "Cynthia's Attic: The Missing Locket":
The Synopsis:
"Magical costumes, disappearing stairs and a spooky attic filled with dusty antiques–what more could two, adventurous, young girls ask for?
Best friends, Cynthia and Gus as she prefers to be called, are as “different as bubble gum and broccoli.” They are, however, equal in their ability to get into trouble without much effort.
In trying to escape the “boring summer” of 1964, the adventurous twelve-year-old girls stumble upon a trunk in Cynthia’s attic that has been in her family for three generations.
They discover its mystical qualities when they are swept into the trunk and whisked back to 1914, literally into the lives of their twelve-year-old grandmothers, Clara and Bess. The mystery of a missing family locket is revealed. Their quest takes numerous twists and turns, including a life-and-death struggle on a large steamship traveling from England to America.
Along with perilous escapades, they make important, sometimes humorous discoveries about their ancestors, and even manage to change history–for the better–along the way."
My Review:
This is the first book in a series of four (so far) exciting stories that are told through the voice of the tomboyish character of Gus (Augusta Lee). Gus and her "girlie-girl" best friend, Cynthia, are exact opposites, but they are also as close as sisters. They have made the discovery that they can travel through time via an old trunk that they found in Cynthia's attic and by doing so, they are having the most delightful adventures with some of Cynthia's ancestors.
In this particular story, these two 12-year-old girls must solve a mystery involving a locket that was lost fifty years earlier when their grandmothers were also 12-year-old best friends. Furthermore, they must also solve the mystery of the disappearance of Cynthia's great-great Aunt Isabelle, who was the original owner of the locket in the first place. They are exciting and sometimes hair-raising adventures as Gus and Cynthia use their wits and humor to solve these mysteries and fix things in their own special ways.
Even though this is supposed to be a children's book series, trust me when I tell you that anyone of any age would enjoy this book (above infants, of course). I'm a little over fifty myself, and I couldn't put this book down, it was so exciting! I loved the characters--they were well-rounded, believable and I actually cared about what happened to them. The story was thrilling and playful, plus you can tell that every step was carefully planned out in advance. I can't wait to read the next book! Ms. Cunningham is a brilliant and thoughtful writer.
My Rating: (poor, fair, good, great, or excellent)
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I would highly recommend it to both children and adults alike, and I assure you that neither age group would be disappointed in the least. I'm so glad that I have all four of these books; that way I can read one right after the other. Don't miss out on reading this fabulous story--you should go out and buy it today!
I give this book an absolute rating of: EXCELLENT! Well done, Mary!
To learn more about Mary Cunningham, visit her at her website here.
Until next time...stay safe, stay well, and may the Lord bless you all.
Cynde
Please visit my other blogs:
Cynde's Daybook ~and~ Usurper Exposed. Thank you!
