First introduced in SORCERY AND CECELIA OR THE ENCHANTED CHOCOLATE POT, Cecelia (Cecy) and Kate are two spirited cousins living in Regency England, the era well known by Jane Austen. They write often to each other while going on unusual adventures that typically involve power-hungry wizards. In THE MISLAID MAGICIAN, it has been 10 years since they married James and Thomas in THE GRAND TOUR, but Cecy and Kate have still kept up their frequent correspondence while each taking care of their growing families. Magically speaking, Cecy has improved on her skills as a magician, whereas Kate can only find things and enchant her hair.

James is summoned by the Duke of Wellington, who is now the Prime Minister. A Prussian railway surveyor has gone missing, but since the Prime Minister has been dealing with a matter concerning the Royal family, he has called for James and Cecy to investigate the disappearance. Meanwhile, Kate is helping by looking after the four children --- particularly the twins, Arthur and Eleanor, who have a strong interest in magic, and her and Thomas's own two kids, Baby Laurence and Edward, who has a knack for wandering off and collecting frogs and insects, much to the household staff's dismay. Then Kate's sister Georgina (Georgy) pays an unexpected visit for reasons she refuses to reveal, while on top of that there's a prowler making nightly visits.

The plot thickens when the railway surveyor's disappearance appears to have greater importance than at first glance; there's something strange going on with the railways. Kate, Thomas and Edward rescue a mysterious mute girl named Drina, who is invaluable to them all in more ways than one. Combined with some familiar faces and a few shady acquaintances, Thomas (who happens to be a member of the Royal College of Wizards), Kate, Cecy and James --- as well as their charming children --- begin to unravel an intricate, sometimes baffling mystery that if left unsolved could affect the very existence of England as they know it.

THE MISLAID MAGICIAN OR TEN YEARS AFTER is a novel that has much to offer: a multifaceted adventure, mystery, some romance, plenty of humor and, of course, magic. One aspect that I found most notable was the historical references. I thought that Patricia C. Wrede and Caroline Stevermer's great use of British history and the integration of well-known figures and events made the plot rather intriguing and enjoyable.

Since there are a few areas that can be a bit confusing, I strongly recommend that you read the previous two books, as there are many references from them in THE MISLAID MAGICIAN, particularly from THE GRAND TOUR. By doing so, you will enjoy the novel more and appreciate the characters' personalities and wit. This book is the best yet and fans won't be disappointed.