Magic Below Stairs by Caroline Stevermer
Posted by: Cindy Dobrez and Lynn Rutan
Lynn: This beguiling book is set in the same world and with some of the same characters as one of my favorite series that began with Sorcery and Cecelia or the Enchanted Chocolate Pot (Houghton 2003). Written by Stevermer with Patricia Wrede the books are set in an alternate regency England where magic works. Think Georgette Heyer meets Diana Wynne Jones. Magic Below Stairs (Penguin/Dial 2010) written just by Stevermer features 11-year-old Frederick recruited from a miserable orphanage to become a footman in the magician Lord Schofield’s home. Unbeknownst to Frederick, a brownie, Billy Bly, has taken a liking to him and aids with small bits of magical assistance, including making Frederick unparalleled in his skill with Lord Schofield’s cravats. But bigger magic is at work in the form of a nasty leftover curse that will bring great harm to the magician. Frederick teams up with Billy to thwart the curse and save the magician in a most satisfying conclusion.
This thoroughly engaging book stands quite nicely on its own but is also a treat for fans of the series with its below stairs inhabitants’ perspectives. This really is a charming romp and the door is clearly open for more magical adventures with Frederick, his feisty friend Bess and Billie Bly. I can’t wait.
