Although the first book in the series was free of the occult, Bellairs must have decided to stick to what his readership was used to with the second book, so a magic plot to end the world must be defeated. The midwestern setting is fun, and if you're willing to go with John Bellairs' familiar tropes it's all good. ( )

my favourite part is the truck driver singing, "My name is Jon Johnson; I come from Ves Consin."