CRIME AND CARPETBAGS

Misadventures and magic in the time of Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee.

In Wishes and Wellingtons (2020), Maeve Merritt found a wish-granting djinni that brought her world-traveling adventures and lifelong friends. It’s now 1897, and Maeve’s only wish is for her favorite sister, Polly, to find wedded happiness with her constable beau. Perhaps there’s something about Maeve that attracts magic, for it’s not long before she’s embroiled in a misadventure involving a missing adopted father, a phony baroness, new magical discoveries, and, of course, Mermeros the djinni. Can Maeve and her friends save the day and secure matrimonial bliss for Polly? Fans of E. Nesbit and Edward Eager will find much to love in this title that is best enjoyed by those who have read the first volume. The historical time and place are strongly developed and buoyed by magical antics, including two puppyish magic carpetbags. Maeve’s opinionated voice is compelling enough to overcome more than a few plot holes. The conclusion tidily resolves all the loose ends while leaving an opening for Maeve to find more magical objects and adventures. As before, the cover depicts Maeve with brown skin and dark hair, but the narrative, in which characters’ appearances are minimally described, never mentions her race, ethnicity, or even her physical appearance.

This action-packed sequel possesses strong voice and setting.