I thought this was going to be a re-read - but nothing seemed familiar. In any case, it's a fun and magical mystery, especially for fans of [b:The Search for Delicious|12759|The Search for Delicious|Natalie Babbitt|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1312009811s/12759.jpg|1785404] but anyone, really, who's looking for a cozy nostalgic comfort read. ( )

I picked this up because I am a big fan of one of the author's other works, Tuck Everlasting. I was mildly disappointed that this didn't rise to the same caliber, but it was still an entertaining tale. Goody Hall is a "long ago tale" involving the residents of a mansion and the inhabitants of a nearby village. Young Willet Goody is convinced his father did not die five years ago as he has been told and enlists the help of his new tutor, Hercules Feltwright, to investigate the matter.
Each character has a very fitting name: Mrs. Tidings is the local gossip, Alfreida Rom is a gypsy, and Hercules Feltwright is the son of a hatter who has had some experiences that seem to mirror the mythical Hercules. The mystery of Willet's father's death/non-death is investigated and resolved rather quickly, and seems to be more of a device by which the characters learn who they really are and what they truly desire out of life. It's a nice parable. ( )

Fiction, Chapter Book, Realistic Fiction, Tutors, Mystery, V, Widow, Treasure

fiction, juvenile