The Magician's Bird by Emily Fairlie is the sequel to The Lost Treasure of Tuckernuck. Bud and Laurie have been put in charge of the next treasure hunt having solved the decades old original hunt. But they might not get the chance.

While the school has gained popularity with the press and local fans from the last treasure hunt, it's still facing a shut down. Now the school's reputation is on the line as rumors have surfaced that the founder might have been the murderer of a great illusionist. Somewhere in this school is hidden his magical bird statue. Whoever has it will learn the truth behind the magician's disappearance.

Good old Tuckernuck school still has secrets and as Bud and Laurie find them, they learn more about the school's history and the career of the magician. While the humor from the first book is here, there's an edge to it too.

The magician's bird brings in a hint of Dashiell Hammett's Maltese Falcon. Everyone wants the bird and some are willing to do anything to have it, or convince others that they have it.

I'm hoping there's a third book planned but if there isn't, these two make a satisfying read. ( )