Dancing Til Dusk

by D.G. Thomas

On a hot lazy summer day in John’s Island, South Carolina, 7 year old Ethan and his 9 year old sister Jessie play outside to pass the time away. They decide to go back to the attic and take another look inside of the magic chest to satisfy their curiosity. When Ethan takes a brass trumpet out of the chest and begins to play the instrument, the attic fills with the sight of music notes, bright lights and the sound of classical music that became louder and louder until Ethan and Jessie were overcome by the bright lights and loud music. Suddenly, the children are encircled and taken away by the sands of time and in an instant they disappear completely from the attic.

Travel through time and space on an adventure to a stage show in the 50's with Jessie and Ethan. They'll learn some new music and dance moves with an extraordinarily talented and bold new friend as they learn the mystery behind the brass trumpet in book two of The Magic Chest Book Series: Dancing til’ Dusk.

40 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 3, 2015

About the author

D.G. Thomas is an author, storyteller, and independent publisher who writes engaging books for readers of all ages. From cozy mysteries filled with small-town secrets to imaginative children’s picture and chapter books, her stories blend warmth, humor, and unforgettable characters—always rooted in themes of family, friendship, community, belonging, and the power of human connection.

Her writing celebrates the beauty of everyday life through African American main characters, because she believes representation matters. Whether her characters are uncovering hidden truths in a charming Southern town or traveling through time to explore their ancestry, D.G. Thomas creates stories that entertain, inspire, and leave readers feeling seen.

She began her writing journey with The Magic Chest: Sands of Time, inspired by the bedtime stories she created for her children. That spark grew into a series that includes Dancing ’Til Dusk, Halloween Hideout, and Seaside Treasure. She’s also the author of several picture books including the anti-bullying book Norris and Twig and The Flower Power Unicorn series of moral tales for children, crafted to delight young readers with fun educational adventures.

For mystery lovers, she writes The Thorne Sister Sleuths Cozy Mystery Series, a charming collection of whodunits full of suspense, heart, and Southern flair. Each book in the series invites you into a world where secrets are hidden among the blooms and danger lurks beneath the surface of small-town charm. Whether they’re unraveling clues left in a rose garden, uncovering scandals tied to local landmarks, or confronting dark motives rooted in greed and jealousy, the Thorne sisters bring wit, courage, and a unique perspective to every case.

A graduate of the University of Louisville and a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, D.G. Thomas lives in Kentucky with her daughter, son, and their ever-curious cat.

Reviews

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I decided to download this book for my nephew as I love to read with him. This book was wonderfully written and had such beautiful illustrations. Jessie and Ethan are brother and sister. They are very adventurous and are playing in the attic. Ethan plays a brass trumpet and the children are suddenly taken out of the attic and go into an entire different world. My nephew loved the adventure in this book and it kept his interest. I would recommend this book for children!