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Troubletwisters #4
Missing, Presumed Evil
The next book in the gripping series from the fantasy masters … Magical twins, mystery and danger,
unexplained events, and an Evil that refuses to be contained
Twins Jaide and Jack Shield are finally settling into their roles as troubletwisters when an unexpected plea for help arrives from Grandma X’s twin Lottie, who they discover has been trapped in the realm of The Evil for over forty-five years. The rescue becomes urgent when the twins find out about Project Thunderclap, a plan to neutralise the threat of the Evil permanently, sealing the gaps between the two worlds—and trapping Lottie on the other side forever. As Jaide and Jack struggle through a series of examinations to become senior troubletwisters, they must also find a way to save Lottie. But nothing goes as planned, and soon Jack finds himself lost in The Evil dimension. Can the twins learn to control their growing powers and get everyone safely home to Portland?
unexplained events, and an Evil that refuses to be contained
Twins Jaide and Jack Shield are finally settling into their roles as troubletwisters when an unexpected plea for help arrives from Grandma X’s twin Lottie, who they discover has been trapped in the realm of The Evil for over forty-five years. The rescue becomes urgent when the twins find out about Project Thunderclap, a plan to neutralise the threat of the Evil permanently, sealing the gaps between the two worlds—and trapping Lottie on the other side forever. As Jaide and Jack struggle through a series of examinations to become senior troubletwisters, they must also find a way to save Lottie. But nothing goes as planned, and soon Jack finds himself lost in The Evil dimension. Can the twins learn to control their growing powers and get everyone safely home to Portland?
Paperback
First published April 29, 2014
12 people are currently reading
855 people want to read
About the author
Garth Nix
236 books14.9k followersGarth Nix was born in 1963 in Melbourne, Australia, to the sound of the Salvation Army band outside playing 'Hail the Conquering Hero Comes' or possibly 'Roll Out the Barrel'. Garth left Melbourne at an early age for Canberra (the federal capital) and stayed there till he was nineteen, when he left to drive around the UK in a beat-up Austin with a boot full of books and a Silver-Reed typewriter.
Despite a wheel literally falling off the Austin, Garth survived to return to Australia and study at the University of Canberra. After finishing his degree in 1986 he worked in a bookshop, then as a book publicist, a publisher's sales representative, and editor. Along the way he was also a part-time soldier in the Australian Army Reserve, serving in an Assault Pioneer platoon for four years. Garth left publishing to work as a public relations and marketing consultant from 1994-1997, till he became a full-time writer in 1998. He did that for a year before joining Curtis Brown Australia as a part-time literary agent in 1999. In January 2002 Garth went back to dedicated writer again, despite his belief that full-time writing explains the strange behaviour of many authors.
He now lives in Sydney with his wife, two sons and lots of books.
Despite a wheel literally falling off the Austin, Garth survived to return to Australia and study at the University of Canberra. After finishing his degree in 1986 he worked in a bookshop, then as a book publicist, a publisher's sales representative, and editor. Along the way he was also a part-time soldier in the Australian Army Reserve, serving in an Assault Pioneer platoon for four years. Garth left publishing to work as a public relations and marketing consultant from 1994-1997, till he became a full-time writer in 1998. He did that for a year before joining Curtis Brown Australia as a part-time literary agent in 1999. In January 2002 Garth went back to dedicated writer again, despite his belief that full-time writing explains the strange behaviour of many authors.
He now lives in Sydney with his wife, two sons and lots of books.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
October 10, 2014
Good end to the series! I wasn't sure where this series was headed, what with the foreshadowing dropped in earlier books. But this book was roundly satisfying. From the Evil dimension to Grandma X's real name, all was finally revealed. I read it aloud to my kids, and we were all hooked.
I hope they end the series here, because I think further books would detract from the high note this one ends on.
Edit: Also, Missing, Presumed Evil is a MUCH better title than The Missing. What dumb marketer thought that was a better choice???
I hope they end the series here, because I think further books would detract from the high note this one ends on.
Edit: Also, Missing, Presumed Evil is a MUCH better title than The Missing. What dumb marketer thought that was a better choice???
May 19, 2014
The plot seemed a little too close to "Subtitle Knife," for my taste.
Aleksander has something he calls Project Thunderclap, which he hopes will close off the bridge that allows the Evil access to Jack and Jaide's world.
The description of the home world comes from a movies scene in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest.
Over-all its a depressing read.
Aleksander has something he calls Project Thunderclap, which he hopes will close off the bridge that allows the Evil access to Jack and Jaide's world.
The description of the home world comes from a movies scene in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest.
Over-all its a depressing read.
June 14, 2020
Very busy plot as the twins try to attend school, soccer practice and save the world! A new troubltwister is introduced as the apprentice to the twins' dad. As each of the troubletwisters face their "examinations" to move up the ladder in the force against evil, they must meet their daily tasks as well. I like the characters, I like the atmosphere the twins are growing up in in Seattle and I loved the ending. I missed book 3, so I will have to go back and read that. Hopefully, there will be more to this series as the twins mature into young adults.
August 7, 2017
Decent conclusion to a decent series.
July 19, 2019
Finished the series but not really happy how it ended. It was a feeling of... that was it?
August 18, 2025
Great book, listened to with my ten year old. We’ve enjoyed the whole series and love the characters.
January 15, 2017
The best of the series! Young adults will most definitely enjoy reading this series particularly if the Harry Potter series was within their reach. It's a great series and easy to relate to.
July 13, 2014
We’re back with Jack and Jaide for their darkest and most dangerous adventure yet. Missing, Presumed Evil is still full of wit and humour, but there’s a definite dark tinge to everything that happens, signalling how far the twins have come since we met them.
This book begins with a letter that almost strangles Jack in its eagerness to be read: Grandma X’s sister is still alive in the realm of The Evil, asking for a rescue. An exciting adventure follows, with our twin protagonists Jack and Jaide beginning a series of Examinations that will bring them closer to being full Wardens, and an insufferable new houseguest named Stefano who will try their patience.
I was surprised to find how accepting Jaide, in particular, is of Grandmother X’s silence throughout this book. After three books of chaffing at being treated like kids (they’re twelve, it’s a hard time for everyone involved!), the twins now understand that sometimes their father and grandmother keep them in the dark to keep them safe. They have also come a long way in understanding and controlling their Gifts, and I really liked how they had to learn how to use their new abilities in this book.
One of the things I liked about Missing, Presumed Evil is that Jack and Jaide no longer sound, to me, like they’re twelve years old. They sound much older in the ways they speak and think, which was great for my enjoyment, but it was confusing to be reminded of exactly how young and inexperienced they are.
Introducing Stefano, another troubetwister, is an interesting choice. Like the twins, I didn’t really know what to make of him. On one hand he’s a great contrast to Jack and Jaide – he doesn’t really get along with his own twin and he is slightly further along in his training than they are. But I’m not sure whether he actually added anything to the story – many of the lessons he was able to impart could have been taught by existing characters. I spent a large part of this book waiting for Jaide to develop a crush on the exotic troubletwister, but thankfully she didn’t.
Of all the exciting developments in this book, perhaps the one that disappointed me the most how the authors dealt with The Evil. After spending three books telling readers that the entity is very bad and horrible, so nefarious that it only needs to be called ‘The Evil’, the mythology is completely turned on its head in the last few chapters of this book. Suddenly, there’s a whole new way to look at the situation, one that isn’t naive and black-and-white. In my opinion, this revelation was handled clumsily, and I would have liked more clues to have been left in earlier instalments, and a less rushed ending.
Missing, Presumed Evil is a great adventure and I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with Jaide and Jack. I am unsure whether there will be more books in the series, but I’d absolutely read more if there are. Packed with fun, danger, magic, family and friends, the Troubletwisters series is perfect for younger readers and those who enjoy rollicking adventures.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for review.
You can read more of my reviews at Speculating on SpecFic .
This book begins with a letter that almost strangles Jack in its eagerness to be read: Grandma X’s sister is still alive in the realm of The Evil, asking for a rescue. An exciting adventure follows, with our twin protagonists Jack and Jaide beginning a series of Examinations that will bring them closer to being full Wardens, and an insufferable new houseguest named Stefano who will try their patience.
I was surprised to find how accepting Jaide, in particular, is of Grandmother X’s silence throughout this book. After three books of chaffing at being treated like kids (they’re twelve, it’s a hard time for everyone involved!), the twins now understand that sometimes their father and grandmother keep them in the dark to keep them safe. They have also come a long way in understanding and controlling their Gifts, and I really liked how they had to learn how to use their new abilities in this book.
One of the things I liked about Missing, Presumed Evil is that Jack and Jaide no longer sound, to me, like they’re twelve years old. They sound much older in the ways they speak and think, which was great for my enjoyment, but it was confusing to be reminded of exactly how young and inexperienced they are.
Introducing Stefano, another troubetwister, is an interesting choice. Like the twins, I didn’t really know what to make of him. On one hand he’s a great contrast to Jack and Jaide – he doesn’t really get along with his own twin and he is slightly further along in his training than they are. But I’m not sure whether he actually added anything to the story – many of the lessons he was able to impart could have been taught by existing characters. I spent a large part of this book waiting for Jaide to develop a crush on the exotic troubletwister, but thankfully she didn’t.
Of all the exciting developments in this book, perhaps the one that disappointed me the most how the authors dealt with The Evil. After spending three books telling readers that the entity is very bad and horrible, so nefarious that it only needs to be called ‘The Evil’, the mythology is completely turned on its head in the last few chapters of this book. Suddenly, there’s a whole new way to look at the situation, one that isn’t naive and black-and-white. In my opinion, this revelation was handled clumsily, and I would have liked more clues to have been left in earlier instalments, and a less rushed ending.
Missing, Presumed Evil is a great adventure and I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with Jaide and Jack. I am unsure whether there will be more books in the series, but I’d absolutely read more if there are. Packed with fun, danger, magic, family and friends, the Troubletwisters series is perfect for younger readers and those who enjoy rollicking adventures.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for review.
You can read more of my reviews at Speculating on SpecFic .
June 21, 2014
Nalini Haynes reviewed this book; for more reviews by Nalini, see Nalini Haynes on Dark Matter Zine.
Missing, Presumed Evil is the 4th in the Trouble Twisters series for children aged 8 to 12 by Garth Nix and Sean Williams. I previously reviewed The Monster and Mystery of the Golden Card, the 2nd and 3rd in the series respectively.
Jack and Jaide, the magical Troubletwister twins, discover an animated letter that attacks Jack in an effort to be read, revealing Grandma X’s twin sister is alive in the Evil dimension. Stephano, an arrogant over-achiever only a little older than the twins, comes to stay with them. Rivalry erupts almost immediately.
The Evil tries to break through to Earth and succeeds. Nights are spent housecleaning: killing insects that are part of the Evil’s gestalt intelligence.
The Warden council decides to seal off Earth so the Evil can never again re-enter the world.
Jack and Jaide discover the Wardens have factions, some of whom argue to preserve the Evil. This shades-of-grey trope is one of my favourites but in Missing, Presumed Evil this trope didn’t come into full force until the denouement. At the very end, this trope bore forcefully down upon the reader who anticipates future installments.
I’m pretty sure reserves on sports teams attend sports practice. I can’t help but wonder if it’s been so long since Garth and Sean attended school that they’ve forgotten. Wink
Those who follow Sean Williams on social media will be aware of his love for Brussel sprouts that almost amounts to a fetish. Hector, Jack and Jaide’s father, also loves Brussel sprouts; Hector’s love for the green vegetable is viewed as an anomaly. Nice touch.
Missing, Presumed Evil is a story about family and friendships amid fantasy, with middle-schoolers battling a monstrous enemy while learning about life. While the first chapter or two seems intent on expanding reading ability by using words with which the target age-group may not be familiar, I think the rest of the novel settles into a more comfortable groove. Highly recommended for primary and middle school readers.
Missing, Presumed Evil is the 4th in the Trouble Twisters series for children aged 8 to 12 by Garth Nix and Sean Williams. I previously reviewed The Monster and Mystery of the Golden Card, the 2nd and 3rd in the series respectively.
Jack and Jaide, the magical Troubletwister twins, discover an animated letter that attacks Jack in an effort to be read, revealing Grandma X’s twin sister is alive in the Evil dimension. Stephano, an arrogant over-achiever only a little older than the twins, comes to stay with them. Rivalry erupts almost immediately.
The Evil tries to break through to Earth and succeeds. Nights are spent housecleaning: killing insects that are part of the Evil’s gestalt intelligence.
The Warden council decides to seal off Earth so the Evil can never again re-enter the world.
Jack and Jaide discover the Wardens have factions, some of whom argue to preserve the Evil. This shades-of-grey trope is one of my favourites but in Missing, Presumed Evil this trope didn’t come into full force until the denouement. At the very end, this trope bore forcefully down upon the reader who anticipates future installments.
I’m pretty sure reserves on sports teams attend sports practice. I can’t help but wonder if it’s been so long since Garth and Sean attended school that they’ve forgotten. Wink
Those who follow Sean Williams on social media will be aware of his love for Brussel sprouts that almost amounts to a fetish. Hector, Jack and Jaide’s father, also loves Brussel sprouts; Hector’s love for the green vegetable is viewed as an anomaly. Nice touch.
Missing, Presumed Evil is a story about family and friendships amid fantasy, with middle-schoolers battling a monstrous enemy while learning about life. While the first chapter or two seems intent on expanding reading ability by using words with which the target age-group may not be familiar, I think the rest of the novel settles into a more comfortable groove. Highly recommended for primary and middle school readers.
September 4, 2014
This book was an entertaining adventure and a fitting conclusion to a good storyline.
The Troubletwister twins, Jack and Jaide, are still trying to combat "The Evil," the mysterious presence from another dimension. This is the darkest and most dangerous adventure so far with a dark tinge over much of what happens. The twins’ characters have grown up during the series and are less quarrelsome and more thoughtful, although there is still some humour in some of the things that happen and how the twins perceive them.
This story starts with a letter being found and, when it almost strangles Jack in its eagerness to be read, they realise that Grandma X’s sister, Lottie, is still alive in the realm of The Evil. She is asking for someone to rescue her. This begins a series of events that leads up to the satisfying conclusion, with both the disappearance of Lottie and what to do about The Evil being dealt with. On the way Jack and Jaide begin a series of Examinations that will bring them closer to being full Wardens, Stefano, another Troubletwister, joins them when he is sent to learn from Grandma X and Jack and Jaide are separated and have to find out about their strengths on their own and how to best use their gifts to survive.
There will be more in the series but there will have to be a slight change of direction.
The Troubletwister twins, Jack and Jaide, are still trying to combat "The Evil," the mysterious presence from another dimension. This is the darkest and most dangerous adventure so far with a dark tinge over much of what happens. The twins’ characters have grown up during the series and are less quarrelsome and more thoughtful, although there is still some humour in some of the things that happen and how the twins perceive them.
This story starts with a letter being found and, when it almost strangles Jack in its eagerness to be read, they realise that Grandma X’s sister, Lottie, is still alive in the realm of The Evil. She is asking for someone to rescue her. This begins a series of events that leads up to the satisfying conclusion, with both the disappearance of Lottie and what to do about The Evil being dealt with. On the way Jack and Jaide begin a series of Examinations that will bring them closer to being full Wardens, Stefano, another Troubletwister, joins them when he is sent to learn from Grandma X and Jack and Jaide are separated and have to find out about their strengths on their own and how to best use their gifts to survive.
There will be more in the series but there will have to be a slight change of direction.
June 5, 2014
This is my favourite of the Trouble Twisters series and I find it hard to believe the Good reads blurb that says this is the final installment, there is at least one more book left that needs to be read. While this is a middle grade book (and aimed at an audience far younger than me) it still has delightful complexities woven into the non-stop suspense of the narrative. I think Williams and Nix do a brilliant job if fleshing out Jaide and Jack, and sending Jack to the realm of the Evil early in the book made sure I couldn't put it down until the end. If you're not into books aimed at fairly young teenagers this may not be the book for you, but a great read all round.
June 19, 2014
Jack and Jaide Shield have defended themselves against The Evil before -- but it's never been as dangerous as this. It isn't just the town of Portland that's threatened, it's the whole Earth . . . and certain dimensions beyond.
The Wardens have devised a plan to get rid of The Evil once and for all. The only problem is that destroying The Evil may also mean abandoning some innocent people -- including one of the twins.
The battle against The Evil is going to places it's never been -- places Jack and Jaide would have never even imagined possible. Their mission is clear: survive the storm that's coming, and save the ones who are missing.
The Wardens have devised a plan to get rid of The Evil once and for all. The only problem is that destroying The Evil may also mean abandoning some innocent people -- including one of the twins.
The battle against The Evil is going to places it's never been -- places Jack and Jaide would have never even imagined possible. Their mission is clear: survive the storm that's coming, and save the ones who are missing.
August 8, 2014
...And so I guess this closes the Troubletwister series? OH MAH GOSH, THESE BOOKS - SO AMAZING. The Missing basically wraps up everything this series has been hiding since book 1, and I loved it all. Very satisfying. The ending was the best part for me, as I didn't foresee it turning out that way at all. It was unpredictable and even a little bittersweet. Jack and his friends going into the I thought it would've been scarier, but whatever. Gwahahaha.
...You know I wouldn't be surprised if the series DID continue, and if it did, I can somehow see it being scarier than the others...! GO GRANDMA X!
...You know I wouldn't be surprised if the series DID continue, and if it did, I can somehow see it being scarier than the others...! GO GRANDMA X!
July 22, 2014
Seriously disappointed to the level that I didn't even read on past the first chapter or two as after the initially excting 3 books to find that in this 4th installment the authors have let us down by making the two lead characters-the twins Jaide and her brother turn out to behave no better than spoilt little upstarts when confronted with all the other Wardens in the Hall of Mirrors is just awful, I cringed instantly in frustration and closed the thought of reading any further!
September 21, 2014
Jaime and Jack are tested to see how they are coming into their powers. At the same time they learn about Grandma X's twin sister and that she may be alive. Grand and scary adventure follows as the twins seek to find a way to stop the evil and save Grandma X's sister. Well done. This has been a good series with lots of action but good lessons too.
June 29, 2014
3.5 stars
Oh Troubletwisters you sure do get yourselves into some big trouble. I love you Garth Nix, and while these are getting better they're still no Keys To The Kingdom. I'm not entirely sure I understand the ending. Im not sure I understand the how. Maybe kids will grasp the concept better than me but I'm confused with this complex concept.
Oh Troubletwisters you sure do get yourselves into some big trouble. I love you Garth Nix, and while these are getting better they're still no Keys To The Kingdom. I'm not entirely sure I understand the ending. Im not sure I understand the how. Maybe kids will grasp the concept better than me but I'm confused with this complex concept.
October 29, 2014
Good book, nothing amazing, but nothing bad. Just in the middle. I don't know if I'll be continuing this series, but then I'm not sure it's even continuing at all. It kind of wrapped up nice and neatly, though there were a number of possibilities for future stuff too. Still, I don't think I'll read them anyway.
July 29, 2014
This is one of the few Garth Nix books endings that I liked. I mean, I liked the other books, but the endings just didn't seam to work for me. Although, I would like to know if Jaide and Stefano get together. And what the fourth Examination is. But No one died, Grandma X is good, and Lotte is back! I'd say that is a very good ending.
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December 4, 2015Katharine is a judge for the Sara Douglass 'Book Series' Award. This entry is the personal opinion of Katharine herself, and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of any judging panel, the judging coordinator or the Aurealis Awards management team.
I won't be recording my thoughts (if I choose to) here until after the AA are over.
I won't be recording my thoughts (if I choose to) here until after the AA are over.
July 31, 2015
Finished my first book of summer. It wasn't the conclusion I expected but now I know why she was called Grandma X! All 4 books were well written. I like how the non magical kids were sucked into the dark other world and how the 4 folks made it back to our reality.
March 24, 2016
The plot was a little too close to "Subtitle Knife" for my taste. When Jack gets transported to the world where the Evil originated, the description sounds close to where Jack Sparrow wakes up in "The Dead Man's Chest."
March 8, 2015
A very solid conclusion to the series. Not too predictable and all the secrets and mysteries are wrapped up well. Probably my favorite book in the series!
August 3, 2015
This book seems to fill in a lot of the plot holes. I am not sure what direction the 5th book will take. There are still a lot of unknowns in terms of Grandma X.
May 22, 2014
I love this series - lots of fun, adventure and bravery by all. Good fun and a rollicking great read.
June 21, 2015
3.5 stars is about right for this book. Great end to the series with a few surprises.
September 4, 2014
This was an excitement to read. i loved it so much, i was hoping there would be a fifth book
March 14, 2015
Fast-paced. Kids will love all the magical creatures, supernatural powers and good vs. evil.
May 26, 2015
Garth Nix and Sean Williams are definitely moving up on "My Favorite Authors List". Each book gets better and better. It's a reaaly good series, even if there is only 350 pages per book.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews