Fantasy

A whole new set of characters and an unravelling of the 'mystery' of the cupboard. This felt like a story written to prolong the saga of the magic cupboard. As an adult, it is hard to understand how the extension of Omri's family history will engage the children that loved Book 1. The novel has some stereotyping that seems out-of-sync with today's respect for other peoples. However, in the context of its day, the story was moderately amusing. Just not remarkable. ( )

"The Indian in the Cupboard" was a great children's story. I did not expect that the "makings" of the cupboard is not that great. This book lacks a strong story plot. It feels like it was not well thought of and is lacking in substance. Even my sister can write a better story than this one. I expected a lot from Lynne Reid Banks because the first two books were exceptional. This one has no climax and is boring. A child would choose playing with real Indian dolls than read this one. If you want to maintain your image of the cupboard - something good and fun - in your head then do not read this one. I was truly disappointed. ( )

My least favourite book in the series so far, because it mostly deals with filling in the back story. Not enough cowboy and indian magic. Hoping the last book will be more fun. ( )

The Mystery of the Cupboard is the fourth book in Lynne Reid Banks' popular Indian in the Cupboard series, and my personal favorite. In this story, Omri's family has moved again, but this time to the Dorset countryside. Omri's mother has inherited a farmhouse from a distant cousin. Little does Omri know that a new chapter in the history of the cupboard is about to begin. The farmhouse is in need of new roofing thatch, and as the old thatch is being removed Omri finds a carefully wrapped package in it. It had been hidden for over thirty years by his great-great Aunt Jessica Charlotte... who also had dealings with plastic figures who came alive through the magic of the cupboard.

I love the back-and-forth feel of this story, as Omri reads Jessica Charlotte's diary and learns where both the cupboard and its key came from. Tied up with the history of his family are the larger historical events that shaped the lives of his ancestors. Distinct personalities emerge from the faded pages of Jessica Charlotte's Account as Omri becomes more and more engrossed in her story.

I enjoyed Banks' departure from a storyline dominated by Little Bear and Boone. A new set of characters are introduced, just as fun and unique as any in the other books. The themes of this story are much more tragic than those of the previous three books, as is fitting for a series that is maturing alongside its readers. The plotting is great and the writing, as usual, is quite good. Highly recommended. ( )