Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 05/01/2025 Only two weeks have passed since Zander arrived at his grandmother’s world-famous department store, the Nine, but he has already packed in plenty of adventure. Zander and friends quickly solved the mystery of a missing mandala that magically protects the long-standing store, and he’s looking forward to quieter explorations of the Nine, from icecream parlors and magic shops to the rooftop Ferris wheel. But it quickly becomes clear that the store’s resident malevolent spirit, Darkbloom, wasn’t defeated, only briefly bested, and he’s back to destroy the Nine for good. Zander will once again have to decode cryptic clues and face his deepest fears if the Nine is to have any hope of surviving Darkbloom’s sinister schemes. The suspenseful sequel is another feast for passionate puzzlers who enjoy a side of solvable brainteasers alongside a compelling story. Fans of the first installment will delight in delving deeper into the Darkbloom lore and family history, and the decadent department- store setting once again nearly steals the show in its endless variety. Another riveting visit to the most eccentric of emporiums. - Copyright 2025 Booklist.