A good novel for middle-grades and fun, light story for younger YA readers. The family dynamics described in The Headless Cupid have progressed toAmanda accepting her step-family and revealing some inner angst of her own about being loved..
Some of the adventure is more than a little implausible, but the character development is interesting plus an excellent vehicle for understanding a young teen's worries. I have a quibble though: considering that kidnapping is a serious crime, the emotional tone of the story is too bland; and why do David's perceptions dominate the narrative, instead of Amanda's? ( )

The Stanley family is off to Italy thanks to an inheritance left by Molly's uncle (which is just mildly implausible) and because of Amanda's bragging about her rich father, they get kidnapped (which is more implausible). Fortunately, however, the Stanleys are terribly fun to read about with genius six-year-old Janie, and the four-year-old twins, neat-freak "Tesser" and possibly supernatural Blair. They are ingenious and courageous in a scary situation, which young folks will enjoy reading about, and I, at 30 years of age, could not put down. ( )

A great sequel to The Headless Cupid. Continues the wonderful characterization of the 5 Stanley children. An enjoyable adventure. ( )