Ah the madcap adventures continue in this second installment of The Misadventures of Danny Cloke series. Just when he thought he was rid of her...Danny's step-mother (wicked as she is) is back and if it's at all possible she's meaner and more vile than ever before! So, not only is Danny still battling it out with S.L.A.Y (Society of Librarians Against Youth), he's got to deal with her (not to mention the Zero Hex she's placed on him that makes him act in incredibly embarrassing ways in public and which might ultimately threaten his family and everyone he cares about)...he's also got to deal with Hobgoblins (from the spirit world of Gloom, naturally). Can his friends help him...will he be able to stop the hex before he's forced to take a Spell Behind Bars? You know you want to know...you simply must read and find out if Danny can best his step-mother once again! As with the previous book (A Turn in the Grave), this one is humorous and irreverent and just plain fun. Danny's world is just like ours...just a shade darker, with a bit more magic in it...and where all those conspiracies we thought adults were perpetuating on us when we were children are REALLY true!! A Spell Behind Bars will likely be enjoyed as a light and entertaining read for children ages 8-12...after all it is rather fantabulous! ( )