The Last Musketeer

Greg Rich’s family isn’t anymore—rich, that is. After squandering a fortune, the ninth-grader and his family travel to Paris to sell heirlooms despite Grandpa Gus’s warning that their treasures—including half a black crystal Mrs. Rich wears on a chain—must never return to France. Sure enough, an evil Louvre employee tries to wrench the necklace away, and in the tussle, the whole clan falls into a portrait in the museum’s throne room, landing in 1615, during the reign of Louis XIII. Greg’s parents are imprisoned, but he escapes and is befriended by Aramis, a cleric at Notre Dame. They recruit teenagers Porthos and Athos to rescue Greg’s parents. Gibbs (Belly Up) weaves quite a bit of French history into his action-packed tale. The skills Greg learned at his tony private school come in handy, and his ability to swim (unheard of!), rock-climb, and use Hollywood action film tricks impress the future musketeers. Gibbs’s screenwriting background is evident in the story’s cinematic plotting and prose, and the ending makes it clear that at least one sequel is in the works. Ages 8–12. (Oct.)