Mrs Lowerblast took out her lilacious handkerchief and touched it to the corners of her lavender-lipsticked mouth. ‘Oh, Phylis, I’ve gone over it a hundred times in my head, maybe two hundred times. I’ve tried to remember every single thing that happened when he visited and looked at the bookends, every little detail. But I still can’t work out how he substituted this for the genuine article!’
Phyllis Wong loves conjuring, which is hardly surprising given that she is the great-granddaughter of one of the world’s most successful magicians. When her friend, Mrs Lowerblast, is the victim of a clever theft, Phyllis guesses there’s some sort of magic trick at work, but can’t figure out what’s been done. Then other robberies happen, and Phyllis is sure that they are all linked. Her friend Chief Inspector Inglis is on the case, but he’s baffled. Phyllis is determined to figure out who the thief is, and how he is achieving the seemingly impossible.
Phyllis Wong and the Forgotten Secrets of Mr Okyto is an exciting magical mystery which will intrigue young sleuths and would-be sleuths. The blend of mystery and the world of conjuring makes for an intriguing mix which will keep readers guessing and turning pages.
From the creator of the successful Cairo Jim Chronicles, Phyllis Wong and the Forgotten Secrets of Mr Okyto is sure to be well received by middle and upper primary aged readers.
Phyllis Wong and the Forgotten Secrets of Mr Okyto, by Geoffrey McSkimming
Allen & Unwin, 2012
ISBN 9781742378213
Available from good bookstores or online.