A book in which not much seemed to happen

Magic Below Stairs by Caroline Stevermer had all the trappings of a book I would like: a hint of magic, clever children, a bit of mystery.  And yet....it fell short.  I learned more about how to be a top-notch servant than about any magic.

Frederick is a miserable orphan at the beginning of our story, who manages to escape a horrible punishment with the help of a mysterious creature by the name of Billy Bly.  He uses the advantage to become a sort of helper to the less-than-talented "cook."  He is, of course, clever, so he learns to sharpen knives properly and tie knots.  Frederick suddenly finds himself in the employment of a wizard, thanks to the fact that the livery suit mysteriously fits him.  And then....more about being an effective servant.  There IS a mysterious curse that surrounds the wizard family, and Frederick's knot-tying talents DO save the day, but, honestly, it's too little, too late.

If you like Downten Abby, minus the romance, and mostly about the work, this is the book for you.