The Mallow Marsh Monster

May 1, 2020

Gr 4-7-This sequel picks up right where the previous volume, A Bad Night for Bullies (2018), left off-in the Goolz's kitchen with a severed foot. Found in the swamp, the Farrell Twins are convinced this foot, boneless and stinking, is proof that their mother is the latest victim of the Mallow Marsh Monster. But that's just a legend, right? The Mallow Marsh Monster cannot possibly be real. Harold, Ilona, and Suzie team up once again to find out. The story unfolds as a fast-paced paranormal action adventure that kicks into high gear when, during the investigation, Harold is bitten and begins to change into the very thing they are hunting. The ending will leave readers curious about what is next for Harold and the Goolz. Character relationships feel authentic-both friendships and a budding romance. This, coupled with a bit of humor, helps keep the title spooky rather than scary. VERDICT An additional purchase; good for libraries where the first title and other middle grade spooky mystery series like R.L. Stine's "Goosebumps" or Jonathan Stroud's "Lockwood & Co." are popular.-Jessica Caron, Bancroft School, MA

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 15, 2020
Wheelchair-using seventh grader Harold Bell and his ghost-hunting neighbors return to take on the town monster. Days after the events of A Bad Night for Bullies (2018), Harold and the Goolzes--horror author Frank Goolz and his daughters, beautiful Ilona and her impish kid sister, Suzie--accept a gruesome new assignment. The unnervingly "synchronized" Farrell twins explain that their mother has disappeared...except for the severed foot they've found. Claw marks, discarded teeth, and an ominous message--"I'll be back for you"--suggest that their mother's turned into the dreaded Mallow Marsh Monster, Bay Harbor's local legend. Anyone the monster bites becomes a monster themselves--so when the monster bites Harold, the Goolzes must act fast to lift the curse. Unfortunately, this sequel to a likable first volume feels unevenly paced and somewhat halfhearted. Though budding monster Harold's seismic belches might raise some giggles, the previous book's humor is largely absent. Harold and Ilona's budding romance is awkwardly sweet, but most characters are one-dimensional caricatures, lessening suspense. The twins, in matching, old-fashioned clothes and perfect unison, resemble "creepy mannequins in a tacky haunted house," and their "nerdy" scientist parents are "discreet, bespectacled, and unfashionable"; a "giant," likely overweight character is messy and inexplicably eats napkins. However, the Goolzes' matter-of-fact inclusion of Harold is heartening. After a somewhat hasty resolution, a cliffhanger ending sets up another adventure. Most characters appear white; one twin has two different-colored eyes. Monsters notwithstanding, weak characterization and uneven pacing create a rather toothless read. (Horror. 8-12)

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