Archimedes Nesselrode

Archimedes Nesselrode is an artist who "makes things"--no one knows how--whimsical delights encased in plastic cubes which vanish when opened. He lives by himself in a house which his agent and manager, Frank Shekle, refers to as "a chimera farm.” Enter Ms. Vivian Mare, a woman of formidable talents and determination, who is daunted neither by the artist's guardian basilisk nor by the appalling state of the house. As housekeeper, Ms. Mare must deal with a bespectacled heron, a winged snake, a small bishop who resides in a silver teapot, and a crew of naughty marmosets getting into the crackers. Despite the challenges of the household, which include an appallingly large spider, Ms. Mare's cool and practical nature is charmed to fondness by the gentle artist and his creations. But as Ms. Mare learns more about her employer and his mysterious talents, she discovers they have a dark side. Archimedes Nesselrode can make horrors as well as whimsical novelties, and there are good reasons why he hides himself away in isolation. "If you can imagine Mary Poppins tending to an adult rather than children -- and her charge being the one with the magic -- then you have a sense of what awaits you in Justine Graykin's charming romantic fantasy. Just don't upset the magician." -- Hugo nominee Daniel M. Kimmel, author of Jar Jar Binks Must Die and Shh! It's a Secret.