Title: The Hidden Stairs and the Magic Carpet
Author: Tony Abbott
First published June 1, 1999
80 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780439544085 (ISBN10: 0439544084)
Rating: 3.86
Overview
Beneath the bustling streets of Edinburgh lies a dark and sinister world of secrets and shadows. In Mortal Causes, Inspector John Rebus is called to investigate the grisly murder of a young man, whose lifeless body is discovered hanging from a butcher’s hook in one of the city’s ancient underground chambers.
As Rebus delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of cryptic clues and hidden meanings that suggest this was no ordinary killing. With time running out, Rebus must use all his wits and experience to track down the ruthless killer before they strike again.
But can he unravel the mystery before it’s too late?
About the Author
Tony Abbott is an accomplished American author who writes children’s books. His most popular series, The Secrets of Droon, consists of over 40 books, which have been translated into Italian, Spanish, Korean, French, Japanese, Polish, Turkish, and Russian.
Abbott has sold more than 12 million copies of his books, and his bestseller Firegirl has also received critical acclaim.
Abbott was born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1952, and his father’s extensive library of books became one of his earliest sources of literature. When he was eight years old, his family moved to Connecticut, where he attended elementary and high school.
After attending the University of Connecticut and studying music, psychology, and English, Abbott graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English literature. To further develop his writing skills after college, he attended workshops conducted by Patricia Reilly Giff.
Currently, Abbott resides in Trumbull, Connecticut, with his wife, two daughters, and two dogs. He has two sisters and one brother.
Editoral Review
Tony Abbott’s The Hidden Stairs and the Magic Carpet is a delightful piece of children’s literature that combines fantasy and adventure to capture the imagination of young readers. First published in June 1999, the book is the first installment in the acclaimed ‘The Secrets of Droon’ series that also includes 40 other books.
Abbott, a prolific children’s book author, has a talent for storytelling and has created a magical world that readers won’t soon forget. The novel is set in the fictional land of Droon, where three young friends – Eric, Julie, and Neal – discover a hidden staircase that leads to a magical world filled with amazing creatures and incredible adventures.
The friends soon find themselves in the middle of a battle for the throne of Droon, and they must use their wits and courage to thwart the evil sorcerer Sparr and his plans to take over the kingdom. Along the way, they must also navigate dragon lairs, forest portals, and the dangers of the magical world they have entered.
Abbott’s writing style is captivating, and he creates a vivid world that readers can’t help but get lost in. The plot is full of twists and turns, and the book’s pacing keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
Each character is well-developed and brings something unique to the story, making it easy to root for their success. The themes of friendship, loyalty, and bravery are evident throughout the novel, making it an excellent read for children who are just starting to develop these values themselves.
What makes The Hidden Stairs and the Magic Carpet stand out is its historical and cultural significance. The book was published during a time when Harry Potter and other fantasy novels were taking the world by storm, and it was one of the early success stories in the genre.
Its publication marked the beginning of a trend that continues to this day, and it remains a beloved children’s classic that has influenced generations of young readers. If the book has any flaws, they are minor.
While the plot is captivating and well-constructed, there are moments where the action slows down, and the story loses its momentum. However, these moments are infrequent and do not detract from the overall quality of the book.
Overall, The Hidden Stairs and the Magic Carpet is a must-read for children who love fantasy and adventure. It is well-written, engaging, and thought-provoking, making it an excellent choice for parents looking for a book that their children can both enjoy and learn from.
I highly recommend it, and I give it a score of four out of five stars.
