Small Change For Stuart by Lissa Evans

Stuart Horten is small for his age. He is a ten year-old boy who has a good life. He has a treehouse, a nice garden and a 8 speed bike. Then when his mother gets offered a amazing new job which is over 100 miles away, Stuart and his family have to move out. They move to the dreary old town of Beeton but life in Beeton isn't as dreary as you'd expect. This is the story of the Mystery of "Teeny, Tiny" Tony Horten - the magician.

Stuart is unpacking his things into his new wardrobe. He's very bored. He asks his dad if he can go on a cycle around town and his dad says yes. As Stuart is cycling around the town something catches his eye. It's an old house saying "Horten's Miraculous Mechanisims." He starts to climb the fence to the garden but all the windows and doors were boarded up. Stuart climbs back over the fence, gets on his bike and is about to head home but again, somthing catches his eye. On the side of the banner saying "Horten's Miraculous Mechanisims" is a money box. Stuart's dad has one exactly like it.

As soon as Stuart gets home, he asks his dad about the money box. His dad says that when he put money in, it disappeared. Stuart took the box. It was heavy. "It's a trick box!" he exclaimed. He tries twisting it clockwise but it doesn't budge. Then he tries twisting it anti- clockwise and it opens smoothly. Out came three threepence coins and a letter. The letter read: I have to go away and may not be able to get back. If I do not return then my workshop, and all it contains, is yours if you can find it... Affectionately your Great Uncle Tony. Stuart is shocked. He needs to find that workshop.

The next morning Stuart is happy. His mother had booked a family holiday from Friday evening to Monday morning so that they could spend more time together. Stuart decides to visit Great Uncle Tony's house one last time before he leaves. He jumps on his bicycle and rides down the street. When he gets there there are a few builders around. Then one builder comes up to him, "Kid, you shouldn't be here." "Why not?" Stuart said, "because it'll be demolished by Monday morning," he replied. Suddenly, Stuart didn't feel so happy about going on holiday anymore.

Will Stuart be able to solve the mystery and find Great Uncle Tony's workshop in time?

I really liked this book because it was so gripping I just couldn't put it down. This is a great book for people who are into Magic and Mystery.
RATING: 10/10!!!!