I loved this, 4.5 for me. What is it about magic that draws us in , that appeals so much? Could it be that we want to believe, that we love the mystery of it, that I still love when my husband does the coin trick even though I know how he does it!! The characters are great, Stuart, who is so different from his Mother and Father in numerous ways finds comfort and hope when he discovers his Uncle Tony was the same, and not only that but a magician with a secret. Stuart follows clues which are intriguing in themselves and also have a touch of magic. The triplets next door reminded me so much of myself, I used to compile a newspaper with stories and puzzles, I'd forgotten til I read this, again, the true wonder of children's fiction. April, one of the triplets ends up helping Stuart, a book with both a girl and a boy lead is great message. The story was fast paced, I loved finding the clues along with Stuart and April, Leonora was a brilliant addition, as was Jeannie, you've got to love a baddie. Highly recommended.

A story of magic. Not the 'Whizzz-bang' kind, more the conjuring and mystery sort. A story of families - of an uncle of the best sort. Everyone should have at least one uncle that is better, more interesting than the rest. I did... Stuart is small, especially when compared to his parents. They are intelligent, though they have little common sense, in the general way of things. When his mother is offered a new job, his father proposes that it might be an idea if the whole family were to move with her.  A proposal that Stuart objects to. Not that that matters.  This is a brilliant tale - with a family mystery, a disappearing relative, a fire, an empty box and an inheritance that isn't quite what it seems...and of course there's that question of magic... Stupendous. An author to watch, without a doubt!