num_pages: 384
description: The master puppeteer Gaspare Grisini is so expert at manipulating his stringed puppets that they appear alive. Clara Wintermute the only child of a wealthy doctor is spellbound by Grisinis act and invites him to entertain at her birthday party. Seeing his chance to make a fortune Grisini accepts and makes a splendidly gaudy entrance with caravan puppets and his two orphaned assistants.Lizzie Rose and Parsefall are dazzled by the Wintermute home. Clara seems to have everything they lack  adoring parents warmth and plenty to eat. In fact Claras life is shadowed by grief guilt and secrets. When Clara vanishes that night suspicion of kidnapping falls upon the puppeteer and by association Lizzie Rose and Parsefall. As they seek to puzzle out Claras whereabouts Lizzie and Parse uncover Grisinis criminal past and wake up to his evil intentions. Fleeing London they find themselves caught in a trap set by Grisinis ancient rival a witch with a deadly inheritance to shed before its too late.
language: English
title: Splendors and Glooms
publisher: Candlewick