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The Indian in the Cupboard #4
The Mystery of the Cupboard
In the fourth book in Bank's acclaimed INDIAN IN THE CUPBOARD saga, Omri and his family move to an old farmhouse, where he finds an ancient notebook that reveals a family secret-and the mysterious origins of his magical cupboard.
246 pages, Paperback
First published April 23, 1993
34 people are currently reading
2131 people want to read
About the author
Lynne Reid Banks
99 books404 followersLynne Reid Banks is a British author of books for children and adults. She has written forty books, including the best-selling children's novel The Indian in the Cupboard, which has sold over 10 million copies and been made into a film.
Banks was born in London, the only child of James and Muriel Reid Banks. She was evacuated to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada during World War II but returned after the war was over. She attended St Teresa's School in Surrey. Prior to becoming a writer Banks was an actress, and also worked as a television journalist in Britain, one of the first women to do so. Her first novel, The L-Shaped Room, was published in 1960.
In 1962 Banks emigrated to Israel, where she taught for eight years on an Israeli kibbutz Yasur. In 1965 she married Chaim Stephenson, with whom she had three sons. Although the family returned to England in 1971 and Banks now lives in Dorset, the influence of her time in Israel can be seen in some of her books which are set partially or mainly on kibbutzim.
Banks was born in London, the only child of James and Muriel Reid Banks. She was evacuated to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada during World War II but returned after the war was over. She attended St Teresa's School in Surrey. Prior to becoming a writer Banks was an actress, and also worked as a television journalist in Britain, one of the first women to do so. Her first novel, The L-Shaped Room, was published in 1960.
In 1962 Banks emigrated to Israel, where she taught for eight years on an Israeli kibbutz Yasur. In 1965 she married Chaim Stephenson, with whom she had three sons. Although the family returned to England in 1971 and Banks now lives in Dorset, the influence of her time in Israel can be seen in some of her books which are set partially or mainly on kibbutzim.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 190 reviews
January 22, 2020
This was such a great surprise to read. I enjoyed it so much. The little plastic toys we were familiar with in 'The Indian in the Cupboard' made a small appearance at the end but it didn't take away from the story.
I loved the backstory of the magical cupboard. The letter of admission his great-great aunt Charlotte wrote was like seeing someone of the past come back to life to admit their wrongs. I liked the dialogue between Omri and the people he interacted with. I liked how his parents were involved.
I loved the backstory of the magical cupboard. The letter of admission his great-great aunt Charlotte wrote was like seeing someone of the past come back to life to admit their wrongs. I liked the dialogue between Omri and the people he interacted with. I liked how his parents were involved.
January 9, 2021
I know this is a children's book and I know it is the fourth in a well-worn series, but goodness, I started it this morning and finished it this afternoon: Lynne Reid Banks is such a compelling writer! Her style doesn't grate, her characterisation of Omri and his brothers is spot on, and I just love the moral dilemmas she poses for the thinking youngsters! Wonderful stuff highly recommended for 6 to 10 yr old kids!
January 21, 2016
Omri finally discovers the complex history of the cupboard which has the ability to bring plastic figures to life in this fourth book in the series.
His parents decide to move to the country. At first he's appalled that they would uproot the family just because this mother has inherited a cottage from a distant relative. Then it's his father's turn to be appalled - the cottage is a centuries-old Dorset longhouse with a thatched roof. And the thatch needs repairing - urgently. And at phenomenal expense.
Gradually Omri comes to suspect that the house has something to do with the mysterious cupboard he's locked up in a bank for safekeeping after it causes so many terrible problems in a previous book.
In a clump of thatch, he discovers a carefully wrapped journal written by a former owner of the house. As he reads the spidery brownish handwriting, he comes to understand the mind of an actress who lived by her wits and psychic abilities many years before. But who was so jealous of her sister that her revenge on her twisted to hurt those she loved.
A nice wrap-up to the series. Even though, on reflection, the story is somewhat contrived to take account of all the events in the previous books, it doesn't really feel that way while reading it.
His parents decide to move to the country. At first he's appalled that they would uproot the family just because this mother has inherited a cottage from a distant relative. Then it's his father's turn to be appalled - the cottage is a centuries-old Dorset longhouse with a thatched roof. And the thatch needs repairing - urgently. And at phenomenal expense.
Gradually Omri comes to suspect that the house has something to do with the mysterious cupboard he's locked up in a bank for safekeeping after it causes so many terrible problems in a previous book.
In a clump of thatch, he discovers a carefully wrapped journal written by a former owner of the house. As he reads the spidery brownish handwriting, he comes to understand the mind of an actress who lived by her wits and psychic abilities many years before. But who was so jealous of her sister that her revenge on her twisted to hurt those she loved.
A nice wrap-up to the series. Even though, on reflection, the story is somewhat contrived to take account of all the events in the previous books, it doesn't really feel that way while reading it.
March 12, 2019
The 4th book in the series, and it was just as riveting as all the rest! It explained about the cupboard, the key, and the magic. One of my all time favorite series!
November 2, 2018
At last, after over a year, I'm finished! It was good. I'm always excited to meet new little people from different eras, and there were some good ones in here. The story of how Omri's great-great-aunt and first-cousin-twice-removed created the magical key and cupboard together was very far-fetched, of course, but also compelling and very moving.
I do wish, however, that it was Omri's mother who got let in on the secret, not his father. It was her family, and I'm fond of her, too.
Omri and Patrick still don't have that much in the way of characters. They're pretty good, average kids, Patrick being impulsive and stubborn, and Omri...not being impulsive and stubborn. That's pretty much it.
I hope Emma features in the next one, but I'm not counting on it.
I do wish, however, that it was Omri's mother who got let in on the secret, not his father. It was her family, and I'm fond of her, too.
Omri and Patrick still don't have that much in the way of characters. They're pretty good, average kids, Patrick being impulsive and stubborn, and Omri...not being impulsive and stubborn. That's pretty much it.
I hope Emma features in the next one, but I'm not counting on it.
April 10, 2021
It got weird really quick. We loved the first three, but this one put in a bunch of dark stuff that the series was fine without. To creepy for kiddos.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2018
I enjoyed this much more than I expected to. I think children's books used to be written more carefully and complexly even as recently as the 90s. Considering it was the fourth in a series (the first was even made into a movie) I really wasn't expecting much.
Omri and his family are relatively believable- neither in perfect harmony nor really any of them bad people either. At times he madly loves his parents and other times he is angry and sullen. His brothers are difficult to get along with. Omri's interest in the cupboard is compared at one point to a drug addiction, the overarching theme of the book is to try to understand and connect with instead of judging others. The character of Jessica who initially only comes through her journal is a case in point- she is the "wicked" great aunt, but her wickedness is largely constructed by her circumstances and people also experience her as warm, generous and charming.
The character of Jenny, is another one who is constructed differently depending which context she finds herself in- one version of her would not be recognised by people in the other setting though both are authentic to who she is.
Patrick seemed a really lovely character, I was sad the plot was so dismissive of him. One of the characters die (I won't ruin it by saying who) and that is treated well within the text. Many little historical titbits and details (as well as the way morals and social systems change over time) come through in the little people- few in number though they be. I suspect the character of "Little Bear" is slightly problematic in terms of being a white person's stereotypical view of a Native American ("Indian") but I think the ignorance here is not malicious at least. Kitsa's side-story also was very cool (and unfolded nice and slowly).
While initially expecting to feel nothing more than mild irritation or smirking tolernace as I read the book, I was in the end actually intrigued. I will probably keep and eye out and if I see a cheap copy of any of the others read that too.
Omri and his family are relatively believable- neither in perfect harmony nor really any of them bad people either. At times he madly loves his parents and other times he is angry and sullen. His brothers are difficult to get along with. Omri's interest in the cupboard is compared at one point to a drug addiction, the overarching theme of the book is to try to understand and connect with instead of judging others. The character of Jessica who initially only comes through her journal is a case in point- she is the "wicked" great aunt, but her wickedness is largely constructed by her circumstances and people also experience her as warm, generous and charming.
The character of Jenny, is another one who is constructed differently depending which context she finds herself in- one version of her would not be recognised by people in the other setting though both are authentic to who she is.
Patrick seemed a really lovely character, I was sad the plot was so dismissive of him. One of the characters die (I won't ruin it by saying who) and that is treated well within the text. Many little historical titbits and details (as well as the way morals and social systems change over time) come through in the little people- few in number though they be. I suspect the character of "Little Bear" is slightly problematic in terms of being a white person's stereotypical view of a Native American ("Indian") but I think the ignorance here is not malicious at least. Kitsa's side-story also was very cool (and unfolded nice and slowly).
While initially expecting to feel nothing more than mild irritation or smirking tolernace as I read the book, I was in the end actually intrigued. I will probably keep and eye out and if I see a cheap copy of any of the others read that too.
November 28, 2009
This stupid website ATE MY REVIEW! I am so frustrated because I took all this time to write a nice review and goodreads ATE it and spat out an empty window. Now I have to start all over and I have other things to do so I cannot write as thorough a review.
I liked this book very much and recommend it to anyone who likes children's literature and fantasy. It's spell-binding and enthralling.
Unfortunately, it is a sequel, and I hadn't read the previous books, and it referred back tot hem constantly. This got very annoying, but I guess that's not the author's fault. She probably assumed people had read the earlier books in the series.
Omri's Mom inherits a house that belonged to her Uncle Frederick, who she never knew. Turns out it previously belonged to his great great aunt who was the first to call back the little people. But her journal, which he finds as the roof is being rethatched, reveals a terrible secret or two.
I liked this book very much and recommend it to anyone who likes children's literature and fantasy. It's spell-binding and enthralling.
Unfortunately, it is a sequel, and I hadn't read the previous books, and it referred back tot hem constantly. This got very annoying, but I guess that's not the author's fault. She probably assumed people had read the earlier books in the series.
Omri's Mom inherits a house that belonged to her Uncle Frederick, who she never knew. Turns out it previously belonged to his great great aunt who was the first to call back the little people. But her journal, which he finds as the roof is being rethatched, reveals a terrible secret or two.
December 13, 2011
"The Indian in the Cupboard" was a great children's story. I did not expect that the "makings" of the cupboard is not that great. This book lacks a strong story plot. It feels like it was not well thought of and is lacking in substance. Even my sister can write a better story than this one. I expected a lot from Lynne Reid Banks because the first two books were exceptional. This one has no climax and is boring. A child would choose playing with real Indian dolls than read this one. If you want to maintain your image of the cupboard - something good and fun - in your head then do not read this one. I was truly disappointed.
March 22, 2022
Somehow they just keep getting better and better. I'd say the first two are worth reading for the third and the first three are made all the more enjoyable by the fourth which seems to complete the whole series despite there being one more left.
It was a fun concept to begin with but the later books start to explore the how of the cupboard and that is what I was really interested in! And this one takes the cake as far as world building goes. It was a slower start to the story but the execution couldn't have been better!
It was a fun concept to begin with but the later books start to explore the how of the cupboard and that is what I was really interested in! And this one takes the cake as far as world building goes. It was a slower start to the story but the execution couldn't have been better!
August 3, 2007
This book was just strange, and weird, and I didn't like the plot very much.
October 23, 2019
I imagine it's challenging to keep such a unique construct alive and fresh across a series. This one sagged a bit in explaining the historical provenance of the cabinet and its magic, but as always, it comes alive when Omri encounters more of his "little people."
May 19, 2024
definitely the worst of the first four in series
The writing almost felt like someone else took over
And the story outside of the history of Jessica Charlotte, felt half there
I'm hoping the final book picks it back up to where it has been
The writing almost felt like someone else took over
And the story outside of the history of Jessica Charlotte, felt half there
I'm hoping the final book picks it back up to where it has been
August 26, 2018
Boys and I both enjoyed this one--me quite a lot, especially in comparison to the last one. The novel explains the origin of the magic and the cupboard through a diary of Omri's great-grandmother's sister.
March 27, 2021
Very thrilling and entertaining. As the books go on they get better and better. A lot of suspense and adventure!
May 27, 2022
I actually really loved how this last book tied everything together in this classic series. It was a fun read with our kids.
March 26, 2022
A pleasant surprise. I thought I was largely done with this series, but my kids talked me into this fourth entry and I'm glad they did. A departure for the series, full of surprises and nicely written.
February 9, 2017
I read the first book in this series to the kids last year. Honestly, I had been saving that book for the kids for a long time. My third grade teacher read it to our class, and I remember LOVING it. It was one of the best memories from my childhood---sitting around listening to that book after PM-recess every day. And everyday ending on some huge cliff hanger that would have us begging for another chapter (She was a great teacher if you can't tell.) Anyway, I digress. suffice it to say that I had been hoping to create these same wonderful memories with my OWN children. So I saved "Indian in the Cupboard" until my oldest was in 3rd grade. I read the first book in this series to them, which they LOVED too.
However, reading it as an adult gave me a whole different reaction to the series I didn't like it as much as I did as a child. There were also a couple of moments which I disagreed with as an adult. (For example, the main character Omri has to sneak into his parents liquor cabinet to steel whisky for the cowboy. REALLY?) My kids loved it though, and had me read through the whole series.
The second book in this series was just OK--not as good as the first. (But sequels rarely are.) And the third book in this series seemed more filler than plot. I was honestly ready to be finished with this series and did NOT want to read the last book. My children begged me though, so I gave in. I have to admit that I was pleasantly surprised. It seems that Ms. Lynne Reid Banks got her inspiration back while writing this book! It had lots of twists and kept us entertained throughout.
However, reading it as an adult gave me a whole different reaction to the series I didn't like it as much as I did as a child. There were also a couple of moments which I disagreed with as an adult. (For example, the main character Omri has to sneak into his parents liquor cabinet to steel whisky for the cowboy. REALLY?) My kids loved it though, and had me read through the whole series.
The second book in this series was just OK--not as good as the first. (But sequels rarely are.) And the third book in this series seemed more filler than plot. I was honestly ready to be finished with this series and did NOT want to read the last book. My children begged me though, so I gave in. I have to admit that I was pleasantly surprised. It seems that Ms. Lynne Reid Banks got her inspiration back while writing this book! It had lots of twists and kept us entertained throughout.
April 2, 2015
Now THIS is how an author is supposed to write an epicly twisted tale that the reader just can't get enough of. Omri continues his adventures with his plastic-come-to-life friends in "The Mystery of the Cupboard".
There are so many individual elements that had to come together throughout time to create the story of "The Indian in the Cupboard" as we know it. This book pieces the puzzling history together in a fantastic and almost unbelievable way. But once you read it, you'll realize there truly was no other way that such a magical thing could happen.
Plus, the ending is FABULOUS.
Next up, I cannot wait to read the 5th and final book in the saga.
There are so many individual elements that had to come together throughout time to create the story of "The Indian in the Cupboard" as we know it. This book pieces the puzzling history together in a fantastic and almost unbelievable way. But once you read it, you'll realize there truly was no other way that such a magical thing could happen.
Plus, the ending is FABULOUS.
Next up, I cannot wait to read the 5th and final book in the saga.
July 2, 2009
This was strange, not having the Indians in it as such!
For me, the magic started to fade after I started book 3 - The Indian In The Cupboard is a timeless classic from my childhood, and I'm slightly disappointed in myself for reading the rest of the series and being let down!
I see the whole point in trying to discover why the cupboard/key possess magic, I just can't help feeling, the author, however talented a writer she undoubtedly is, should've stopped after two.
As kids books their great - but for a big kid like me, I think its a sign I need to get back to a proper adult novel!
For me, the magic started to fade after I started book 3 - The Indian In The Cupboard is a timeless classic from my childhood, and I'm slightly disappointed in myself for reading the rest of the series and being let down!
I see the whole point in trying to discover why the cupboard/key possess magic, I just can't help feeling, the author, however talented a writer she undoubtedly is, should've stopped after two.
As kids books their great - but for a big kid like me, I think its a sign I need to get back to a proper adult novel!
November 22, 2010
Sharkjumping. That'd make a great shelf name for book series that do so...
This book just... felt ridiculous to me. Perhaps because I'm not the target audience anymore. For me, it was such a long stretch from putting a plastic Indian in a cupboard and having it come to life to this. Too much of a stretch.
This book just... felt ridiculous to me. Perhaps because I'm not the target audience anymore. For me, it was such a long stretch from putting a plastic Indian in a cupboard and having it come to life to this. Too much of a stretch.
November 28, 2019
This was my least favorite of the series. It got away from most of the characters that we know and followed a sort of mystery plotline that, most of the time, felt generally uninteresting. It wasn't terrible, and my kids still seemed to enjoy reading this at bedtime, but to me it lost much of what made the first books so likable.
May 11, 2021
I really did not like this book. I am just disappointed with it. This desires deserved a better ending book. The lady Charlotte's whole background was not interesting at all. Plus she was not a good person. Then she comes to life as a miniature!??
November 13, 2009
The story BEHIND the cupboard was very interesting. Just as interesting as the stories in the cupboard.
August 29, 2021
I give this book a 3 because it kind-of caught my attention, but in the end it probably wasn't my favorite. But if you like journal entries and tiny talking figures, then go ahead and read this.
October 25, 2020
This is a really good book, even with the characters of old missing. Learning how the cupboard and the key came to be was fascinating. After re-reading the first book, I also discovered that my childhood belief that it was a "small cupboard" (as the book said) was all wrong, and that it was more like a regular-sized medicine cabinet! (Surely no smaller than the one in my grandparents' bathroom.)
One big question that bothers me (and I see it's been carried over to the final book)...why the change to Little Bull? I know that Natives taking new names to mark significant moments in their lives means that the change could've been brought about by Little Bear becoming chief, but why wasn't that done all the way back in the second book, rather than arbitrarily popping up in the fourth?
That (seeming) error and one more made me suspicious that books four and five might be ghostwritten: fortunetelling was illegal in England (and Great Britain later on) until the year after . As I suspected, fortunetelling was covered under witchcraft laws in their various forms until the final one was repealed in 1951. (more info) A woman who has lived in the UK all her life would not only know that, she'd probably use it to have Either way, someone who knew what they were doing wouldn't casually write that their secondary protagonist made a living telling fortunes without any significant legal repercussions.
One big question that bothers me (and I see it's been carried over to the final book)...why the change to Little Bull? I know that Natives taking new names to mark significant moments in their lives means that the change could've been brought about by Little Bear becoming chief, but why wasn't that done all the way back in the second book, rather than arbitrarily popping up in the fourth?
That (seeming) error and one more made me suspicious that books four and five might be ghostwritten: fortunetelling was illegal in England (and Great Britain later on) until the year after . As I suspected, fortunetelling was covered under witchcraft laws in their various forms until the final one was repealed in 1951. (more info) A woman who has lived in the UK all her life would not only know that, she'd probably use it to have Either way, someone who knew what they were doing wouldn't casually write that their secondary protagonist made a living telling fortunes without any significant legal repercussions.
August 25, 2023
"The Mystery of the Cupboard" by Lynne Reid Banks is the fourth installment in the INDIAN IN THE CUPBOARD series. In this book, Omri and his family move to an old farmhouse, where they stumble upon an ancient notebook that unveils a family secret and sheds light on the origins of the magical cupboard.
Banks delivers another fantasy adventure that combines elements of time travel and magical realism. The narrative delves into the history behind the enchanted cupboard, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the series' foundation. While the story maintains its engaging pace, there are moments that feel slightly hurried, yet this adds to the sense of progression.
The writing style is suitable for a young audience, particularly preteens and young teens who enjoy tales of adventure and magic. Although the book offers some continuity with the previous volumes, it primarily functions as a complementary piece that provides backstory to the trilogy. It is recommended to have read the earlier books to fully appreciate the context of "The Mystery of the Cupboard."
Lynne Reid Banks' ability to create an immersive world with relatable characters continues to shine in this installment. The book stands as a testament to her skill in weaving together fantasy elements with relatable themes, making it a worthwhile read for fans of the series and those seeking an engaging adventure.
Banks delivers another fantasy adventure that combines elements of time travel and magical realism. The narrative delves into the history behind the enchanted cupboard, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the series' foundation. While the story maintains its engaging pace, there are moments that feel slightly hurried, yet this adds to the sense of progression.
The writing style is suitable for a young audience, particularly preteens and young teens who enjoy tales of adventure and magic. Although the book offers some continuity with the previous volumes, it primarily functions as a complementary piece that provides backstory to the trilogy. It is recommended to have read the earlier books to fully appreciate the context of "The Mystery of the Cupboard."
Lynne Reid Banks' ability to create an immersive world with relatable characters continues to shine in this installment. The book stands as a testament to her skill in weaving together fantasy elements with relatable themes, making it a worthwhile read for fans of the series and those seeking an engaging adventure.
September 26, 2019
I had read only the first book of the series, which I remember with great fondness. I think I missed a lot in not reading the intervening three, because the book didn't make a lot of sense to me. When Omri first puts away the cupboard, he promises himself it will be forever, but something happens to change his mind. The family moves from the city to an old country farmhouse that his mother inherited from a great-great aunt. Omri finds a hidden notebook written by this Aunt Jessica Charlotte when she was near death and which reveals how the cupboard and its magic were created. He thinks there was a wrong done in the past that he must make right, so he decides he must open the cupboard once more. As I understand it, we are acquainted with different characters than were made alive before. I don't know why Omri didn't tell his parents in the first place. With their wisdom, they could have helped him make the proper decisions. I love the drawings! They added tremendously to the book.
December 15, 2020
I am a teacher that has had the privilege to loop up with my 4th grade class. We started this series as one should logically start, with the first book, The Indian in the Cupboard, and my students have been wrapped up in Omri and Patrick's world ever since. They are now in 5th grade, and have finished the fourth book in the series and are begging to read the fifth and final chapter. This story has everything - action, heart, imagination, mystery, you name it. I'm so glad I was able to read these stories with my students, and I cannot wait to send them each home with the entire collection at the end of the year. I hope their love of reading this book will continue to ignite the spark of love of reading into their later school years!
July 3, 2022
I was obsessed with this book as a child. I lost my copy Of it, long after it had fallen apart and been taped back together from how often I read it. And I could never remember the name Of it, but after all these years I can across a copy Of it in a thrift store and recognized the cover immediately. This book holds up so well, even as it is technically a kids book. The story is so heartbreaking. It’s also probably why, to this day, I have an obsession with time travel books. This was the blueprint. There’s so many times in the story where I just get total body goosebumps. There’s no higher praise than a book you loved as a child still keeping you captivated when you pick it up again as an adult.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 190 reviews