Splendors and Glooms (Laura Amy Schlitz)

Summary: The master puppeteer, Gaspare Grisini, is so expert at manipulating his stringed puppets that they appear alive.  Clara Wintermute, the only child of a wealthy doctor, is spellbound by Grisini's act and invites him to entertain her at her birthday party.  Seeing his chance to make a fortune, Grisini accepts and makes a splendidly gaudy entrance with caravan, puppets, and two orphaned assistants.  

Lizzie Rose and Parsefall are dazzled by the Wintermute home.  Clara seems to have everything they lack--adoring parents, warmth, and plenty to eat.  In fact, Clara's life is shadowed by grief, guilt, and secrets.  When Clara vanishes that night, suspicion of kidnapping falls upon the puppeteer and, by association, Lizzie Rose and Parsefall.

As they seek to puzzle out Clara's whereabouts, Lizzie and Parse uncover Grisini's criminal past and wake up to his evil intentions.  Fleeing London, they find themselves caught in a trap set by Grisini's ancient rival, a witch with a deadly inheritance to shed before it is too late.  (from amazon.com)

Where can I find it?: Boston Public Library: Adams Street, Brighton, Codman Square, Connolly, Copley, Dudley, Egleston Square, Faneuil, Fields Corner, Honan-Allston, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain, Lower Mills, Mattapan, North End, Roslindale, South Boston, South End, Uphams Corner, and West Roxbury branches, or as an ebook at https://bpl.bibliocommons.com/item/show/3102489075_splendors_and_glooms. 

Tags: Orphans; Witches; England--London; Great Britain; Blessing and cursing; Kidnapping; Puppets; Birthdays