Offering a bit of mystery, magic, and the macabre, this middle-grade tale combines just the right amounts of fun and fright. The Amadeuses have hosted an All Hallows Eve party each year for the residents of Nevermore. It was the most anticipated event of the year with elaborate decorations, freakish puppets (hand-crafted and available for purchase), and fantastic food. All of that ended, however, when 6-year-old Beatrice Willoughby vanished during one tragic party. Mort Amadeuses was blamed for the crime and Beatrice was never found.
Fast forward 13 years and a few select residents have received mysterious invitations for an All Hallows Eve party at the Amadeuses' creepy mansion. Presumably one of the guests was responsible for Beatrice's disappearance and those in attendance are tasked with solving the mystery and bringing the true culprit to justice. But they only have until midnight and time is running out. Will the mystery be solved or will more people face the same fate?
A perfect tale for Halloween with a storyline to get a youngster's heart racing but hopefully not enough to give nightmares. Has the creep factor of the Addams Family and readers are kept guessing until the surprising & satisfying conclusion. This could be a good family read for children 8-11, or a read alone for 12+ audiences. All in all, it was a clever story with lots of interesting "reveals" along the way.
Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy of The Curious Vanishing of Beatrice Willoughby from NetGalley for review. No other compensation was received. The opinions expressed are my own.
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