The Eyeball Collector

The Eyeball Collector

by F. E. Higgins (Childrens New Books)(J Higgins, F.)(2009)

for ages 12 and up

Hector Fitzbaudly's father has been blackmailed by a clever con man, the eyeball collector. The boy is orphaned after his father's sudden death. After having lived his days on the wealthy side of town, he is now thrust into the seemy side of Urbs Umida where he is taken in by a home for orphans. He uses his knack for riddles to make a living, until the fateful day he runs across the same con man, Gulliver Truepin, aka Bovrik de Vandolin.

His knowledge of butterflies is called upon to take him to Withypitts Hall, where Lord and Lady Mandible live. A giant feast is in the works and both he and the con man Truepin are useful for the preparations. Hector plots revenge, while Gulliver Truepin has his own plans, which include acquiring a different jeweled eyeball for each day of the week. It turns out Lady Mandible has plans of her own as well and the night turns out to be unforgettable as all the plans collide.

This book is a "polyquel" to the Black Book of Secrets and the Bone Magician. The books all stand alone, but there is some cross-over in characters so it is doubly intriquing if you are familiar with the other books. The book moves along and easily absorbs its reader. -SC-

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