Amazon Editorial Review:

"Meg Pickel’s older brother, Orion, has disappeared. One night, she steals out to look for him, and makes two surprising discoveries: She stumbles upon a séance that she suspects involves Orion, and she meets the author Charles Dickens, also unable to sleep, and roaming the London streets. He is a customer of Meg’s father, who owns a print shop, and a family friend. Mr. Dickens fears that the children of London aren’t safe, and is trying to solve the mystery of so many disappearances. If he can, then perhaps he’ll be able to write once again.

With stunning black-and-white illustrations by Greg Ruth, here is a literary mystery that celebrates the power of books, and brings to life one of the world’s best-loved authors."

I finished this children's novel today. I love historical fiction and this novel fits the bill as it is set in Victorian London. I also love mysteries and this novel provides a mystery to be solved. I also enjoyed that the leading character is a smart, adventurous girl and that Charles Dickens as a role in this work of fiction. I also liked that this novel makes a case for social justice/equality for children as this may start young readers thinking about how they can make the world a better place.

This novel is filled with lovely black and white etchings as well.

As much as I enjoyed many aspects of this novel, I felt it was too long and that the storyline was not that captivating.

Happy reading!!