ANNOTATION

Matt's investigation of vandalism of life-sized dolls belonging to the strange but well-meaning aunt with whom he and his sister live takes him to the art world of Los Angeles.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

When Matt and Abby go to live with Great-Aunt Gerda in Sierra Madre Canyon after their mother dies, Matt is put off at first by the life-size wooden dolls whom Aunt Gerda talks to and calls her 'children.' However, when someone vandalizes the dolls and two are stolen, it is Matt, with the help of his new friend, Kristin, who foils the would-be thief and returns the dolls to Aunt Gerda.

FROM THE CRITICS

School Library Journal

Gr 4-6-- Newly orphaned Matt and his little sister Abby are invited to live with their great-aunt Gerda in California. Upon their arrival they discover seven life-sized dolls in the front yard that their aunt refers to as her ``children.'' Vandalism and a deliberately set fire turn out to be only the tip of the iceberg as Matt discovers that someone is trying to force his aunt out of her home. When two of the dolls are stolen, Matt becomes convinced that he must get Abby away. In the course of their flight the thief is accidentally discovered, and all is happily resolved. Mild doses of suspense and mystery, an interesting situation, and smooth writing make this an adequate choice. For really spine-tingling suspense mysteries, direct readers to Betty Wright's The Dollhouse Murders (1983), A Ghost in the Window (1987), and Christina's Ghost (1985, all Holiday). --Lisa Smith, Cold Spring Harbor Library, N.Y.