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A Dastardly Plot
A Dastardly Plot
Christopher Healy | 2018 | Children
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Plenty of Peril to Keep the Pages Turning
New York City is gearing up for the 1883 World's Fair, and Molly Pepper is hoping her mother, Cassandra, will be able to snag a spot in the inventor's hall to show case some of her amazing inventions. However, when the spot is given to a man - again - Molly and Cassandra devise a plan to break into the Inventory's Guild. That's where Molly stumbles upon the plans to sabotage the opening ceremonies. Who is the villain? Can Molly stop them?

The book starts out a little slowly, some of which is introducing us to the new characters and new series. Once the plot got going, the pacing certainly improved, and we got some fun twists that kept the pages turning. The climax introduced some new threads, and I can't wait to find out what happens next as the series continues. The characters are strong, and the real and fictional rubbed shoulders with ease. I did feel the book stopped at times to lecture us on equality - an important topic to be sure - but it felt like it slowed things down briefly when it came up. This new series has a slight Steampunk element to it, and I really enjoyed that aspect of it. I also enjoyed the pages at the end that told us about some of the same real people and events that underpinned this fictional world.
  
The Racer is an indie-band from New York’s Hudson Valley. Not too long ago, they released their “I’ll Find You in Dreams” single featuring singer Tiphanie Doucet.

“Head down can’t keep from falling over. Eyes blurred with grief, we’ve grown like the trees, now slowly older, and I’ll never be your island king. The city sings her song to me. The only soul alone on these tangled streets.” – lyrics

‘I’ll Find You in Dreams’ tells an emotional tale of an individual who yearns for something or someone who seems completely out of reach.

The likable tune contains a dreamy storyline, heartfelt vocals, and emotional instrumentation flavored with great piano lines, evocative synths, and nostalgic elements.

The Racer consists of Pete Marotta (vocals, keys), Mike Esserman (guitar, keys), Eric Sosler (bass, keys, sax).

One day, while looking for artists in New Jersey to be on a show they were organizing, they came across Tiphanie Doucet’s music and loved it.

Shortly afterward, they performed live with Doucet at their show. Later, while hanging out, they asked her to sing on their “I’ll Find You in Dreams” single.

At the age of 15, Tiphanie Doucet starred in the film Le bébé d’Elsa, and later in the Glee-like TV series Chante!

Those exposures increased her popularity in France, where she grew up studying ballet and harp. After her career in TV ended, she made her way to America for a fresh start.

Since then, she’s been writing songs and testing them out on street corners, cruises, and cafés throughout New York and Jersey City.