Phyllis Wong and the return of the conjuror by Geoffrey McSkimming
Allen & Unwin, 2014. ISBN 9781743318379
The second of the Phyllis Wong mysteries sees Phyllis,
Clement and Chief Inspector Inglis caught up in a baffling case of
rare Shakespearean manuscripts, which are suddenly appearing in
auctions. How can it be that such rare items as the First Folios of
Shakespeare almost flood the market, when so few of them have
survived the centuries since they were first published?
Of course, if one could travel back in time and buy them firsthand
and bring them back to the present day that would make perfect
sense. But that is impossible - or is it?
Phyllis is astounded to meet her famous great-grandfather Wallace
Wong when he travels through time and reappears in his old basement
of magical wonders, now Phyllis' own workshop. Wallace shares with
Phyllis the secret of 'transitting' through strange Pockets in time
and space, a skill he developed through his dedicated study of
science, inspired by Einstein's theories, as well as his own
application of the mysteries of magic. This certainly explains
Wallace's strange disappearance in the middle of his act in
Venezuela, back in 1936. And - importantly, explains how the nasty
Mistress Colley is obtaining Shakespearean First Folios to sell for
enormous profits. Not exactly illegal, if somewhat unethical but
when it becomes apparent that Mistress Colley intends to steal
original manuscripts written by the Bard, it's time for the
resourceful Miss Wong to step in.
Phyllis, Clement and Chief Inspector Inglis know the only way to
foil the plans of the loathsome Mistress Colley is to transit back
to The Globe and thwart her illicit designs. As one might imagine,
there is bemusement - and amusement - all round for obvious reasons
when strangers appear and try to warn William Shakespeare. However,
as with all satisfying adventure-mysteries, the action rolls on and
the villain is stymied.
Another real page-turner (I read it in one sitting!), this second
volume of Phyllis Wong certainly has me anticipating the next
instalment.
Be sure not to miss out, put these on your shopping list - they are
guaranteed to 'vanish' off the shelves rapidly!
Watch the book
trailer and trailer with
the author.
Check out Phyllis'
FaceBook page as well.
Sue Warren.