September 15, 2019
Grades 3-5 Mineral Wells continues to be a hotbed of criminal activity, as vengeful Kalagan targets his hometown with yet another plot?this time with the Magic Misfits as its intended victims. This third mystery unfolds from talented violinist and levitator Theo's perspective and touches on themes of individuality, camaraderie, and family. The Misfits' rehearsals for the annual talent show aren't going smoothly, and they only worsen when someone begins sowing discord among the group of friends. All signs point to a visiting ventriloquist, who may be another former member of Kalagan and Dante Vernon's (Misfit Leila's father) magician crew. As personal tensions grow among the Misfits, Theo also contends with pressure from his family to focus more on music, as well as the fluttering confusion of a first crush. Series fans will welcome the insight into Theo's life, in addition to a revelation about Kalagan and Mr. Vernon's falling out. Illustrations and magic trick tutorials help break up the story's fraught moments as the Misfits puzzle out their latest case and endeavor to save their friendships.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)