The fall of 1969 brings more mystery, suspense, and self-knowledge to twin brothers Alastair and Peter Montague-this time involving a rock 'n' roll tune that may drive listeners to suicide.NoneFans will be thrilled to learn that this sequel is as engaging as The Witch's Hand (2020) while providing just enough background to draw in new readers. The twins' friend Rachel Bradford-whose cruel father was killed in a car crash-now hangs with their circle, learning from their magic teacher, Rowan. The power of music is a recurrent thread: Former rock singer Gideon Drake watches a performance by the twins' group, Bony Fingers, and his appearance stirs Al's hero worship and Pete's blossoming feelings of same-sex attraction. But why is Gideon really in Port Howl? Will the teenagers be allowed to become "the newest members of a highly secret magical faction"? Is new arrival Uncle Eli truly evil? Intertwining plots are set against the backdrop of an atmospheric setting that includes a decrepit stately home in which a group of menacing, robed figures called the Faculty ask questions; the walls resound loudly if an answer is less than truthful. The first-rate illustrations have a retro feel, the pacing is excellent, period details are used effectively, and the good-natured bantering provides entertainment, balancing serious subjects like mental illness and substance abuse. Rowan reads as Black; other main characters are White.Another winning installment. (Graphic mystery. 12-18)

In this follow-up to The Montague Twins (2020), alluring musician Gideon Drake comes to Port Howl, and both Pete and Al are drawn to him, though for different reasons. Meanwhile, their investigation from volume 1 hasn't gone unnoticed by the Faculty, the shadowy committee overseeing magical activity in their region, and it wants answers. Page and Shannon compellingly build on the plot of the first book, enriching the backstory of Pete and Al's family and the laws governing magic in Port Howl, but there are still more mysteries to explore, like why Gideon is so obsessed with finding copies of his single and what's making some teens act nearly catatonic around town. In between snappy banter, some sweet romance, and solid detective work, Page and Shannon weave in a thoughtful thread about depression and mental illness, and Shannon's superbly colored artwork, full of mid-century period details and expressive character designs, cultivates both eerie atmosphere and a strong sense of place. Perfect for teens after lightly spooky mysteries, but best to start with book one.

The fall of 1969 brings more mystery, suspense, and self-knowledge to twin brothers Alastair and Peter Montague-this time involving a rock 'n' roll tune that may drive listeners to suicide.NoneFans will be thrilled to learn that this sequel is as engaging as The Witch's Hand (2020) while providing just enough background to draw in new readers. The twins' friend Rachel Bradford-whose cruel father was killed in a car crash-now hangs with their circle, learning from their magic teacher, Rowan. The power of music is a recurrent thread: Former rock singer Gideon Drake watches a performance by the twins' group, Bony Fingers, and his appearance stirs Al's hero worship and Pete's blossoming feelings of same-sex attraction. But why is Gideon really in Port Howl? Will the teenagers be allowed to become "the newest members of a highly secret magical faction"? Is new arrival Uncle Eli truly evil? Intertwining plots are set against the backdrop of an atmospheric setting that includes a decrepit stately home in which a group of menacing, robed figures called the Faculty ask questions; the walls resound loudly if an answer is less than truthful. The first-rate illustrations have a retro feel, the pacing is excellent, period details are used effectively, and the good-natured bantering provides entertainment, balancing serious subjects like mental illness and substance abuse. Rowan reads as Black; other main characters are White.Another winning installment. (Graphic mystery. 12-18)