Synopsis
Washington, D.C., 1864: In a city that's weary of war and eager for entertainment, Joseph and his father's mind-reading act has become the toast of the town. Even President Lincoln comes to see Joseph demonstrate his amazing mental powers. It's all an elaborate hoax, of course, but Joseph is enjoying his fame. Then he meets Cassandra, a young girl who really does have second sight—the ability to foretell events. And she's having terrifying visions about the president. Someone is plotting to murder him. But who would believe such an accusation? It's up to Joseph and Cassandra to interpret the visions, expose the conspiracy, and save Lincoln's life!
Children's Literature
Joseph Ehrlich and his father spend hours each day perfecting their mind-reading act and soon become the performers known as Professor Godunov and Son. Soon, they become "good enough" to perform at the National Theatre and Ford's Theatre in Washington, DC. The story begins in the fall of 1864. Joseph meets a young girl named Cassandra, who actually seems to be clairvoyant. From her visions the two young people believe something bad is going to happen to President Lincoln. As time passes, Joseph becomes more convinced of a conspiracy. How can he warn the President? As the author, Blackwood addresses the reader directly and does so effectively in this story set in the 19th century. This historical novel is peopled with imaginative characters, such as Joseph and Cassandra, as well as real people involved in the conspiracy, such as John Wilkes Booth, Mrs. Surratt and her son, and Davy Herold. Not just wartime Washington, this provides a good glimpse into the social history of the era, a time of reformers, seances, and a wide variety of theatre acts and plays. There is a map at the beginning of the book to help readers locate the boarding houses, theatres, White House, and other places mentioned in the story. An afterword explains how Blackwood "altered" history for his novel. This is readable, entertaining, and informative historical fiction.