Booklist Reviews
Gr. 3-6. Why is Uncle Jonathan so upset about the old iron bridge being torn down and why is he attempting to keep his suspicions a secret from his nephew, Lewis? As Sherlock Holmes would say, "The game's afoot!" Strickland combines the conventions of mystery writing (an old will, a secret passage) with those of science fiction (a piece of a meteorite that glows with swirling colors), folklore (a soul hiding outside the body), fantasy (a magic spell), and horror (a hideous monster rising from the creek). Faithful readers, who have followed Lewis, Rose Rita, Uncle Jonathan, and Mrs. Zimmerman since their debut in John Bellairs' The House with a Clock in Its Walls (1973), will find this mystery entirely up to standard with its familiar characters, twisting plot, and happy ending. Another fast-paced story in a long-running series. --Carolyn Phelan Copyright 2000 Booklist Reviews
Horn Book Guide Reviews
Continuing the adventures of John Bellairs's characters, Strickland pens a briskly paced mystery full of secrets, spells, and the supernatural. Lewis Barnavelt and his friend Rose Rita become enmeshed in a potential disaster. The destruction of an old bridge releases a malevolent force--the legacy of an evil, long-dead magician--but all ends happily despite the menace in this entertaining tale. Copyright 2001 Horn Book Guide Reviews
School Library Journal Reviews
Gr 5-8-Something about Wilder Creek Bridge troubles Lewis Barnavelt, and he enlists the help of his friend Rose Rita Pottinger in his quest to find the source of this menacing feeling. Lewis's guardian, Uncle Jonathan (a sorcerer), and their neighbor Mrs. Zimmermann ("an honest-to-goodness witch") also know that the bridge is evil. In overhearing a conversation between them, Lewis mistakenly concludes that Jonathan does not trust him or Rose Rita, bringing back his old fears of being sent away from the family and friends he has come to love. In fact, Uncle Jonathan distrusts Mephistopheles and Ermine Moote, who are attempting to help bring back The Great Old Ones. If they succeed, the earth will be their dominion and humans will cease to exist. In the end, Lewis and Rose Rita (with a little help from Uncle Jonathan and Mrs. Zimmermann) are able to stop the Mootes and save the world. Lewis learns that his fears of losing his home are unfounded, and his relationship with his uncle is strengthened. A wonderful blend of mystery, adventure, ghosts, and friendship.-Lana Miles, Duchesne Academy, Houston, TX Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.
Voice of Youth Advocates Reviews
In this fast-paced, mystery-adventure, Lewis and his best friend, Rose Rita Pottinger, investigate the strange circumstances surrounding the Wilder Creek Bridge. Lewis's fear that something terrible will happen when the bridge is torn down is justified. Lewis and Rose Rita discover a horrible monster that sucks the life out of every living thing it meets. They also uncover a plot by a long-dead magician and his still-living lawyer to wipe out all of humankind. The bridge was made of metal that kept the monster captive. When the bridge is torn down, the evil is let loose. With the help of Lewis's Uncle Jonathan, Mrs. Zimmerman, and the Capharnaum County Magician's Society, they avert disaster and save the world. In this new story based on the characters of the late John Bellairs, Strickland imitates Bellairs's style well. His characters ring true in this entertaining page-turner that will captivate readers whether or not they are already familiar with Lewis and his friends. The elements of evil magicians, unspeakable monsters, a plot to destroy the world, and good magic that saves the day provide a combination that will appeal to young people.-Deborah L. Dubois. 4Q 4P M J Copyright 2001 Voya Reviews