The Letter, the Witch and the Ring [Paperback]

John Bellairs (Author)

Book Description

Rose Rita embarks with Mrs. Zimmerman on a summer adventure that turns evil when they reach their destination--a farm the Mrs. Zimmerman inherited--and it seems to be deserted except for a magical destructive force. Reissue. SLJ. PW.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Is there no end to the suspense John Bellairs can create? (School Library Journal, starred review)

There’s suspense and action aplenty. . . . Perfect for the pre-Stephen King set. (Booklist)

Brace yourself for a wild ride. (Kirkus Reviews) --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Publisher

"Rose Rita is saved from a dull summer when Mrs. Zimmermann inherits a farm and a magic ring from an eccentric uncle....A successful finale that adroitly blends the everyday with the supernatural."--School Library Journal.

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Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Yearling (September 15, 1977)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0440447224
• ISBN-13: 978-0440447221
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 4.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,200,820 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best in the Lewis Barnavelt series!, September 18, 2005

By 

Taran Wanderer (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Letter, the Witch, and the Ring (Lewis Barnavelt) (Paperback)

John Bellairs' "The Letter, the Witch and the Ring" was the last in his Lewis Barnavelt series that he saw through completion before his death in 1991, Brad Strickland then continued the series, but never reached near the great thrill involved in this outstanding adventure. "The Letter, the Witch and the Ring" follows "The Figure in the Shadows" which I found rather disappointing and is the third in "The House with a Clock in its Walls" or Lewis Barnavelt series, this one however, hardly includes Lewis, instead, Rose Rita Pottinger introduced at the end of the first book stars in this great sequel.

Rose Rita Pottinger isn't looking forward to summer, her best friend Lewis is going away to camp and she'll be left all alone, there's an opportunity for her to join a girls camp, but she does not want to spend summer with other girls, mainly because she is a tomboy and believes that boys get to have all the fun. Nearby, Mrs. Zimmermann receives a letter from her late cousin Oley inviting her to pay a visit to the now deserted farm up in Wisconsin, which Mrs. Zimmermann has now inherited as well as an old snake-shaped ring which Cousin Oley believes might be magic. Mrs. Zimmermann invites Rose Rita in what-seems like an ordinary trip to the north, instead what they encounter is a thrilling unforgettable adventure facing the wicked witch Gert Bigger!

When Mrs. Zimmermann and Rose Rita arrive at Oley's Farm in the old green 1950 Playmouth (Named Bessie), they find that the place has been broken into and the ring stolen. Now the mystery is, who would want the ring and for what? Things go very wrong and seem to be getting worse and worse, more frightening for Rose Rita, especially after Mrs. Zimmermann mysteriously disappears. Luckily for Rose Rita, she's able to meet some new friends there, for instance, the Sipes family, who although sometimes become trouble for the girl, their intentions are always good.

What I loved most about this great book was its atmosphere, it seems surrounded by a somewhat gloomy, yet cozy feeling and the different events are chilling, sometimes you might even feel your heart-rate speed up enourmously. Indeed the greatest among all of the Lewis Barnavelt series I have read! A winner!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Conclusion to a Wonderful Series, June 26, 2007

By 

Chris Howard (Metairie, LA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Letter, the Witch, and the Ring (Paperback)

The Letter, The Witch, and The Ring is the final book in John Bellairs trilogy and was a great ending to this series for young adults. This series was first published in the 70's and I'm sure it's well known by many children's and young adult author's today.

The last book in the series turns it's focus from Lewis to Rose Rita, Lewis' best friend. Lewis has gone off to boy scout camp for the summer and Rose Rita is upset because she is left alone, without her friend. Rose Rita is also going through an identity crisis. She's 13 and finding that she's not like other girls. She'd rather dress like a boy and play sports. She's more about adventure and wants to go to boy scout camp with Lewis. Mrs. Zimmerman, Lewis' next door neighboor, picks up on Rose Rita's sadness and offers her an adventure for the summer.

Mrs. Zimmerman has received a letter from her recently deceased cousin. He has left her his farm in his will and along with the farm, he has left her a magic ring. Mrs. Zimmerman is an experienced witch and doesn't know if the ring truly exists but thinks it's in her best interest to go investigate. Her and Rose Rita embark on a summer adventure with many twists and turns in what is definitely the most suspenseful novel of the trilogy.

I really enjoyed this series. The books are witty, adventurous, gloomy, magical, and above all very human. Great for children. Bellairs did a great job examining real life issues in children and young adults. Lewis is a child dealing with the loss of both of his parents, being over weight, unpopular, and not your "typical male". Rose Rita is a tomboy, likes sports, hates dresses, and likes to hang out with boys. He addresses these issues perfectly and builds these characters as strong, bold, unique individuals that are empowered and brave. Two thumbs way up for John Bellairs!

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Even great 15 years later!, June 18, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Letter, the Witch, and the Ring (Lewis Barnavelt) (Paperback)

I remembered this book from when I was a kid, so I bought a copy of it for the nostalgia.. It was still such a great fantasy book! I would recommend it to any child of today.. forget Harry Potter, this is the original!