But their troubles have only just begun. The four are shocked when their beloved friend, famous sculptor Siegfried Eckleberger, is murdered. As they investigate, they find clues that his death may be tied to the murder of a rich New York heiress, as well as to their own past.

In this second book in the exceptional Curiosity House series by bestselling author Lauren Oliver and shadowy recluse H. C. Chester, the children must avenge their friend’s death, try to save their home, and unravel the secrets of their past . . . before their past unravels them.

This is the second book in the series and so boasts many wondrous and mysterious things inside, such as:

Howie, the “owl boy,” whose head turns just about all the way around

Some perfectly ghastly wax sculptures

A very thin boy named chubby

An awful mechanical leg it continues not to have:

A cautionary tale about running with scissors

Nutritious and decidedly not delicious vegetables

A perfectly sweet bedtime story about a wayward bunny

Two wet kisses on the cheek from your aunt Mildred