Reviews
In debut author Voskuil’s scrappy, supernatural-tinged mystery set in the 1930s, two children hope to solve a kidnapping and collect the $1,000 reward. Ten-year-old Dorothy James was last seen at the Mummies of Ancient Egypt exhibit at the local fair, and Tunie happens to be familiar with the Harbortown Natural History Museum that houses the exhibit: she has been doing her father’s janitorial work there ever since he fell ill. Peter, who loves building gadgets, is desperate to go away to Camp Contraption over the summer, but his family can’t afford it. After the kids run into each other in the museum while looking for clues, they are shocked when the smallest mummy comes to life. They soon learn that the undead Horus was cursed for thievery, is desperate for company, and may have details about Dorothy’s kidnappers. In addition to the central mystery, Voskuil explores bullying, forgiveness, and friendship in a light-humored third-person narrative that shifts among Tunie, Peter, and Horus. Readers will enjoy spending time with all three, as well as Tunie’s pet bat, Perch. Ages 8–12. Agent: Mary Cummings, Becky Amster Literary. (Aug.) -Publishers Weekly
A boy and girl try to rescue a kidnapped heiress for the reward money, aided by a boy mummy who suffers from a curse inflicted on him thousands of years ago. It’s 1934, the middle of the Great Depression, and Peter wants to attend a summer camp for young inventors, but it's expensive—he needs that reward money. Meanwhile, Tunie struggles to make extra money and to secretly do her ailing father's custodian job—she could use that reward, too. When Tunie sneaks into the museum where her father works to clean it, she meets Peter, who is looking for clues to the kidnapping. The two white children meet Horus, a boy mummy who can't leave the museum because of his curse, and they all become friends. But when Peter and Tunie are kidnapped themselves as they pursue the reward, they will have to rely on Horus and Perch, Tunie’s remarkable pet bat, to save both them and the heiress. But Horus can’t leave the museum! Could he find a solution to their problem and his curse all at once? Voskuil creates an intriguing character in Horus, her little mummy, who seems poised for more adventures in the afterlife. She introduces just the right amount of tension to keep pages turning, tempering it with the supernatural mummy and the highly intelligent bat, who helps to save the day. A very nice historical mystery with a sweet dose of the paranormal. (Paranormal suspense. 8–12) -Kirkus Reviews
What a great book! I loved it! It’s about family, hardships, friendship, trust, mystery, helping others and even a little bit of history. -Bonnie Whitehead, Stansbury Elementary Media Center, Granite Media Library
Rating: ★★★★★ (5 stars)
Interest Level: Grades Grades 4-6Peter is desperate to escape spending the summer with his wicked step-brothers. Tunie is desperate to earn money for her ill father’s medical expenses. Both of these two join forces to solve a mystery and win the prize money. When they are joined by an ancient cursed mummy the trio is in danger as they get too close to the actual solution of the mystery.
Verdict: A worthwhile addition to your collection. The mystery is teased out and the adventure is thrilling.
October 2016 review by Shelly Jones..
October 2016 review by Shelly Jones, FirstThursdayBookReviews, Oregon Coast Youth Book Preview Center
A girl desperate for money to care for her ailing father; a boy desperate for money to escape his bullying stepbrothers for the summer; a child mummy desperate to break up the boredom caused by an endless curse; a kidnapped girl desperate to be found; and a bat desperate for a nap; this perfectly-paced middle grade novel packs a lot into 200 pages. The book begins with a foot chase and the action doesn't let up until the satisfying conclusion. Set in 1934, post-Depression-era America, and told in alternating chapters, Tunie and Peter meet by chance in the Ancient Egypt exhibit at the Harbortown Natural History Museum; this is also where the mummy Horus spends his cursed nights. The three work together to solve the mysterious disappearance of Dorothy James, racing against time and some shady crooks. The book has likable characters, dastardly villains, touches of humor, suspense, a bit of lucky happenstance, and plenty of pluck. With its message celebrating the power of kindness, the necessity of friendship to survive, and a talented bat friend, the book will be enjoyed by those readers ready for mild suspense and those lovers of mystery and action stories. Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: February 7, 2017
Overall Book Score: excellent
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