Last Updated on January 28, 2023 by ellen
I have always been fascinated by antique typewriters and antiques in general. I love the history that they bring with them along with an air of mystery when you think about what part they played in other people’s lives. I guess that’s one of the reasons I chose to live in a home built in 1865. 
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The Whizbang Machine by Danielle A. Vann
After years of running from his tragic past, Jack Yale books a flight home. With him is a typewriter that is intended to be a gift for his granddaughter, Elizabeth.The minute Elizabeth’s fingers cradle the large black and cream keys the machine responses: popping, sizzling, and roaring to life with a Whiz-Whiz-BANG!
Elizabeth quickly discovers the typewriter has powers beyond anything she has ever seen. The more she types, the more the machine spells out guarded secrets. Each secret leads them deeper into a haunted past. Each secret must be revealed in order to set history straight and remove a curse that has been on their family for centuries.
To solve the mystery, Elizabeth Yale, alongside Jack, will have to crack the code of the Whizbang Machine. What they find challenges their most basic assumptions of their family, the history of the typewriter, and even Elizabeth’s father’s death. The ultimate goal is to remove the curse. The question is: will Jack and Elizabeth be able to carry out their mission?
My thoughts:
When Elizabeth is given an antique typewriter by her Grandfather, she doesn’t want anything to do with it. Until her Grandfather urges her to try it. Once she begins typing, the typewriter starts insisting that she correct history. Working with her Grandfather, she starts to explore her family history which leads her to discover dusty boxes in her attic, secrets in the New York Public Library and danger all the way in The Netherlands.
The Whizbang Machine was an amazing story that managed to blend both historical facts and make-believe. I loved reading about Elizabeth’s journey and all the facts she uncovered about her family’s genealogy and their immigration to the United States. It was also fun to learn about some of the history in The Netherlands where they traveled. If you (or your tween/teen) enjoy historical mysteries with a bit of make believe, you’ll want to read The Whizbang Machine.
I see that the author has book two available for pre-order now with a ship date in August 2017. I hope I’ll be able to review that book for you too!
Ellen is a mom of a 25-year-old son and 30-year-old daughter. She is Grandma to one adorable toddler. In what little spare time she has, she loves to read, watch movies, and check out the latest toys and games.
Oh that looks so good! I love how its the typewriter that gives the out the messages! I cannot wait to read and see what all Elizabeth and Jack uncover!
I’m sure you’ll enjoy it!