Festergrimm (Legends of Eerie-On-Sea #4) by Thomas Taylor Illustrations by Tom BoothPublisher: Walker Books US
Format: Hardcover
Number of pages: 336 pages
Published: April 25th, 2023
Source: Publisher
Opening Line: "It was a cold and blustery day at the wrong end of November when trouble returned to Eeerie-on-Sea."
As the story opens, Herbie Lemon (Lost-and-Founder at the Grand Nautilus Hotel) and his friend Violet (Vi) are accompanying Mr. M0llusc (the manager of the hotel) to the train station. A special guest is due to arrive at any moment, and Lady Kranken (the owner of the hotel) demanded a grand welcome. When the train finally pulls into the station, they're surprised to find none other than Sebastian Eels waiting for them on the platform. As you may or may not recall, Sebastian Eels has caused Herbie and Vi many a problem in previous books, to the point that he's even tried to kill them a time or two. Herbie and Vi feel that he's still up to no good, despite Sebastian Eels stating that he's changed his ways and the only thing he wants to do now is to reopen the towns long-shuttered waxworks museum. Convinced that he has nefarious plans, Herbie and Violet begin to investigate. Soon the duo uncovers clues to the town's past and find links to the famous toymaker and inventor Ludovic Festergrimm. What ensues is a wild chase to prevent Eeels from controlling the one thing he desires.
Taylor's books are always slightly creepy (the elevator that reminded me of the haunted mansion), are exciting and filled with moments of danger (the Netherways). With a few twists thrown in. I quite enjoyed the story within the story in Festergrimm, that explained the tragic past of Pandora, Mr. Festergrimm's daughter. There's lots of fast paced action, adventure and a mystery. Sebastian Eels is the perfect villain, a sort of vaudeville style villain in a top hat, long cloak, with a wicked smile. One moment sniveling about being innocent and then the next striking out at you with his cane. Always hinting that Herbie has property of his that he wants back, and that Herbie is a crucial part in the key to Eerie's deepest secret. Not to mention that the story includes these clockwork robots that sound equally delightful and terrifying. And a waxwork museum, that's creepy in itself. So yeah, lots of fun. It's best if these books are read in order so I'd start with Malmander. The illustrations by Tom Booth were absolutely wonderful. I just love seeing Herbie in his Lost-and-Founder cap and Bagfoot the seagull rapping on the window was quite comical. Poor Violet. It's utterly delightful reading each of the books in the series. Sad to see that the final book, Mermedusa has been released, but I am eager to read it now.
**A huge thank you to Walker Books US for the hardcover copy in exchange for an honest review. **
I hope you'll check out all the other Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday posts at Greg Pattridge's blog HERE
I know many middle graders who are always asking for a creepy story to read. This one certainly fits the bill. The characters and story line have me adding this to my future read list.Thanks for being a part of MMGM this week.
ReplyDeleteThat's great that you're still enjoying the series. And it's good to know that we'd need to start with book 1. Thanks for sharing it this week.
ReplyDeleteI don't do creepy very well, but I have plenty in my family who do. Thanks for telling me about this book.
ReplyDeleteNice review. I agree with Rosi--but lots of kids love creepy!! CaroL Baldwin
ReplyDeleteSounds a wonderful series, which I must check out. Thanks for the recommendation!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like such a fun series! I will have to check this out. Your descriptions of the villain cracked me up. I love stuff like that. Thanks for sharing this review. :)
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