Door by the Staircase by Katherine Marsh-5 stars

Marsh, Katherine, Door by the Staircase. Pgs. 288. Disney Hyperion, 2016. $17.99

Ever since her mother and father were killed in a fire, 12-year-old orphan, Mary Hayes hasn’t had a place to call home. Wanting nothing but to escape from Buffalo Asylum for Young Girls, Maya is thrilled when Madame Z, an elderly woman, adopts her. Her new home is in a village called Iris. This village has more than meets the eye. Despite being filled with magic and razzle-dazzle, something feels off to Mary. As her new mystery of a life unfolds, she discovers that Madame Z is really Baba Yaga-the witch who eats children. Is Baba Yaga the enemy her fairy tale story suggests? Or, is there someone or something else more sinister going on?

Narrator, Laurel Merlington captivating, distinct voices bring Mary’s world and it’s characters to life. Her intonations are an ideal match for this well-paced novel. The plot is well developed and intense.  The rich, layered text adds depth to the story and draws the reader into the story with ease. Fans of fantasy, mystery, and adventure will enjoy listening to this audiobook.

Grades 4 to 7, 5 stars

The Magic of Finkleton by K.C. HIlton-3.5 stars

Hilton, K.C., Magic of Finkleton. Pgs. 199. CreateSpace, 2011. 

When the Finkles’ house burns down and their Uncle Harry dies, it seems fat is driving them to move to Finkleton. Ever since their Uncle’s death, however, weather has been acting abnormally weird for Finkleton. The three siblings, Jack, Robert, and Lizzy, discover that Finkleton has an some kind of magical control over their weather and their uncle’s hourglasses and levers inside the store somehow control it. If the trio don’t figure out how to control the weather, Mr. Lowsley, a mysterious guy who seems to want power, is going to weasel his way into Finkleton. Can the Finkle children figure out a way to fix the weather before it’s too late?

The character dialogues feel forced, but the character are fairly likable and engaging. The plot is a little slow, but the mystery is engaging. Readers who enjoy fantasy, adventure, mystery, and magic will enjoying reading this book. 

Grades 4 to 8, 3.5 stars.

Angeliks by W.J. Madsen-4.5 stars

Madsen, W.J., Arkeepers #2: Angeliks. Little M Books, 2012. Pgs. 206.


In their newest adventure, Inspector Moustachio (aka Jake), his sister, Alexa are from a long line of Angelik ancestry. They and their two pets, Rex and Sandy, have been sent through a magic mirror to try and find some missing cows. Their suspects include a bungling farmhand named Bob Billy Bob, a girl with a tiara-wearing, Pig Latin-speaking pig, who is jealous of the cows’ owners, and some treacherous ranchers. To make matters worse, Mrs. Smythe, the thief from the first book, has escaped prison and her and her boss, Baron von Snodgrass are still after Jake’s magnifying glass. Can Jake and Alexa solve the mystery and make it home?

This humorous mystery has all the elements of a great fantasy. All of the characters are well-developed, funny and likable, whether good or evil. The plot is well-written and holds the reader’s interest while still keeping the air of mystery. Readers who like fantasy, mystery, humor, and adventure will enjoy reading this book.


4.5 stars, Grades 4 to 8