Thieves of Weirdwood: A William Shivering Tale (Thieves of Weirdwood #1)

When two 12-year-old thieves attempt to rob a spooky, deserted mansion in hopes of landing treasure, they instead stumble into a magical adventure. Aspiring con man Arthur Benton wants to pay off his father’s debts, while lockpick and pickpocket Wally Cooper must settle medical bills for his brother, who has been institutionalized due to “grand delusions about his role in a citywide conspiracy.” But when the two break into Weirdwood Manor, they discover that it sits on the border between the mundane and Fae worlds, and its inhabitants are dedicated to protecting both realities. With supernatural threats leaking into their own world, courtesy of a Rift in the Veil and a powerful magical artifact, it’s up to Arthur, Wally, and their new friends to thwart a mad scheme imperiling both Kingsport and Mirror Kingsport. With this rousing escapade, Heidicker (Scary Stories for Young Foxes) and narrator Shivering play with the power of belief and the impact of imagination as heroes face off against otherworldly threats and explore the lingering legacy of a notorious Gentleman Thief and his reclusive creator. Strong worldbuilding and great fun carry the story, and occasional illustrations by Earley visualize the enchantment. Ages 8–12. [em]Agent: John Cusick at Folio Jr./Folio Literary Management. (Apr.) [/em] Correction: An earlier version of this review misstated the illustrator's last name.