An Uplifting Murder by Elaine Viets

An Uplifting Murder by Elaine Viets

A surprise awaits Laurel and her parents when they move into their new Lakeland, Florida home. Tucked away in a storage shed behind the house is an antique piano. The instrument is promptly promised to Laurel as an early present for her 10th birthday. Initially, she's less than thrilled with the development. After all, accepting the gift means her parents will likely pressure her into continuing piano lessons--a chore Laurel thought she'd left behind in North Carolina. But when an impromptu concert throws the neighborhood into chaos, Laurel discovers that the piano is enchanted. Along with a talking cat, Tatanka, and her ferret, Houdini, Laurel uses the instrument to transport herself across time and space, including into magical realms. She learns about the piano's history through her travels and connects with Daff, a fast-talking fairy. But as Laurel learns more about the piano's past, she's also exposed to the dangers posed by the extraordinary instrument. Can she use magic to right past wrongs? Or will the piano's powers fall into the hands of evil forces? The story is told in four parts. Early in the book, Sedona introduces readers to the German woodcutter who crafted the piano in 1888 and to a 20th century magician who previously used the instrument in his act. But it's not until Laurel arrives on the scene that the story truly begins to take shape, and oh, what a tale. Laurel imaginative and independent, embarks on action-packed adventures. Sedona's writing style will especially appeal to young readers: puns abound, several characters speak in rhyme, and the tale offers plenty of shenanigans. A modern-day fairy tale about a timetraveling heroine told with heart and humor. Kirkus Review

Elaine Viets, like her heroine Helen Hawthorne, has worked several of the dead-end jobs in her mystery novels. She's also the author of the Josie Marcus Mystery Shopper series, as well as a number of short stories. Elaine has received both an Anthony and an Agatha Award.