Heir of Mystery — Philip Ardagh

In this second Unlikely Exploit, Fergal McNally's brain -- last seen in a pickling jar in the basement of Sacred Heart Hospital -- is stolen, and the remaining McNally children are mysteriously drawn to Fishbone Forest and the forgotten crumbling mansion that lies at its heart. Here they meet the terrifying teddy-bear-clutching Mr. Maggs, who plans to make sweeping changes to the world . . . which is all rather unlikely, isn't it? Packed with humor and excitement, this is another surefire winner.