Magruder's Curiosity Cabinet

By: H. P. Wood

Narrated by: Nancy Wu

Kitty Hayward and her mother are ready to experience the spectacles of Coney Island's newest attraction, the Dreamland amusement park. But when Kitty's mother vanishes from their hotel, Kittty finds herself penniless, alone, and far from her native England. The last people she expects to help are the cast of characters at Magruder's Curiosity Cabinet, a museum of oddities. From con men to strongmen, from flea wranglers to lion tamers, Kitty's new friends quickly adopt her and vow to help find the missing Mrs. Hayward. But even these unusual inhabitants may not be a match for the insidious sickness that begins to spread through Coney Island or the panic that turns Dreamland into a nightmare.

With shades of Water for Elephants and The Museum of Extraordinary Things, Magruder's Curiosity Cabinet sweeps listeners into a mesmerizing world where nothing is as it seems and where "normal" is the exception to the rule.

©2016 H. P. Wood (P)2016 Recorded Books

Critic reviews

"Nancy Wu's narration is filled with empathy.... With clarity and enthusiasm, Wu finds unique vocal mannerisms as the characters display intense emotions, moral fiber, and a strong sense of family. Throughout, Wu maintains the worried but charming persona of Kitty while evoking the black but sweet humor of this fantastical story. " ( AudioFile)

this is a fantastic, and unexpected read

What made the experience of listening to Magruder's Curiosity Cabinet the most enjoyable?

The wacky characters! They are so diverse, and easy to fall in love with.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Magruder's Curiosity Cabinet?

When Zeff pretends he has lost his legs in the plain crash.

Have you listened to any of Nancy Wu’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes, the Lucky Hat Mine by Julie Van Laanen, and some of the Undead books by MaryJanice Davidson. This one stands up really nicely to them! Nancy Wu always delivers a thought out, engaging performance. And this one is particularly impressive because of the sheer number, and variety of characters.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

There was definitely a lot of laughing at some of the characters shenanigans. And a lot of indignation and anger at the treatment of the "unusual's".

Any additional comments?

This book was totally unexpected. It manages to blend a historical setting and a fictional (though based in events that did happen in other locations) plot together with a crowd of diverse characters that make you fall in love with them. It exploits important social issues, and takes you for a wild ride that both entertains and stimulates your mind.

Enthralling

This book captured my imagination and never let go ! I will look for more books by this author

Awesome performance, great story!

This story is jam-packed with fun and crazy. For me, it is better listened to aloud than read quietly because all of the voices bring the story to life. Very dynamic, imaginative, and engaging!

struggled to finish, just couldn't get into it

struggled to finish, just couldn't get into. it just wasn't my taste at all. the cover sounded good though