Splendors & Glooms / Laura Amy Schlitz / 384 pages

Set in 1860's London, this book is a wonderful gothic thriller that Charles Dickens would have immensely enjoyed!  Creepy characters, a powerful fire opal, heroic child characters, and good vs evil all delivered with theatrical style.  Beautifully written.  Great selection for our young literary readers.  Recommended for grades 5 & up.