Lisa, Bo, Teena, and Julian are on their way home from a speech contest when a terrible storm arises. Their car breaks down and they have no choice but to take shelter in an old home. They first realize the house is different when they walk in. After while, they are reluctant to search the house, but become hungry. They find the kitchen but are starting to feel unwelcome. Then, one of them discovers a head on one of the chairs. Soon, sound after sound makes them frightened for their lives. They discover that a crazy magician is actually the perpetrator and he is putting on one of his shows. They must sit back and watch the illusions, or perhaps they can put on an act of their own. Their willingness to play his game will decide their fate.

 

         I thought the book was exceptionally good. I hold mystery books to a very high standard and enjoyed every page of this one. Nixon really knows how to leave a person on the edge of their seat. Situations in the book that would seem highly unpleasant in our society were made to be ordinary in the book. I feel that it is necessary in a mystery novel to make the reader feel as if they were the main character, experiencing everything the book has to offer. I feel that all of the characters in the book had courage and endurance which overshadowed their fear. Overall, I thought the book was excellent and would recommend it to and high school student who enjoys suspense.