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rjdenney's review against another edition
4.0
Re-read: November 2019!
Loved just as much as I did the first time I read it. It's a perfect autumn read. :)
Loved just as much as I did the first time I read it. It's a perfect autumn read. :)
posies23's review against another edition
5.0
John Bellairs continues to improve as a writer, and the second in the JOHNNY DIXON books. As with previous books, there is a nice mix of mystery and spookiness. This time, Johnny is trying to find a long-lost will left behind by an eccentric millionaire. Of course, things are never easy for poor Johnny, and pretty soon he's in the need of help from The Professor. This book has some genuinely creepy moments, and Bellairs does a nice job of getting into Johnny's thoughts and motivations. Bellairs continues to impress me with his consistency, and I honestly can't believe no movie studio or TV producer hasn't snapped up the rights to Bellairs catalogue -- it seems like such a perfect fit! (Of course, they'd probably screw it up . . . but I'm sure Bellairs' heirs wouldn't mind some money thrown their direction!)
Highly recommended!
Highly recommended!
amlibera's review against another edition
4.0
Like all of Bellairs gothic children's books, this is simultaneously cozy and truly creepy.
amyeewing's review against another edition
2.0
I do love John Bellairs, but this installment was decidedly meh. I got to the end and then thought to myself "Wait. Was there a climax moment? Did something important happen and some point?"
schwimfan's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
Not my favorite Professor and Johnny adventure - mainly because the Professor isn't in it all that much. Still, we do get to meet Fergie. My favorite adventures involve all 3, but at this point, we are still getting to know everyone.
novelesque_life's review against another edition
3.0
3 STARS
"When Johnny Dixon searches a deserted mansion to find H. Bagwell Glomus's hidden will, he accidentally stumbles upon a mysterious and terrifying force."
A great mystery paranormal children's novel.
"When Johnny Dixon searches a deserted mansion to find H. Bagwell Glomus's hidden will, he accidentally stumbles upon a mysterious and terrifying force."
A great mystery paranormal children's novel.
deepfreezebatman's review against another edition
4.0
I know I would've loved this book as a kid (hell, I loved reading it now as an adult!). Creepy old house, a mysterious riddle, a hidden will, AND a mummy? I was sold from the first chapter!
I have a few more of John Bellairs' books to enjoy (picked up a few over the years at HPB), and I hope they don't disappoint!
I have a few more of John Bellairs' books to enjoy (picked up a few over the years at HPB), and I hope they don't disappoint!
calistareads's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoy these books. This is about Johnny Dixon and he needs money to help his grandparents so they can pay their doctor bills. A widow is looking for a lost Will and she will pay 10,000 who can solve the puzzle of where it is. Surprise - Johnny finds the Will.
Written in the 80s, it has a gothic feel to them and they are set in the 50s. It is a safe and cozy creepy factor. These are great for pre-teens and teens. Heck, I still enjoy them. They aren't groundbreaking or all that surprising. They are a great read a night in front of the fire, or snuggled in bed to just relax too.
Many of these books are being forgotten and I hope they have a resurgence. They are fun books and need to stick around for the next generation.
Written in the 80s, it has a gothic feel to them and they are set in the 50s. It is a safe and cozy creepy factor. These are great for pre-teens and teens. Heck, I still enjoy them. They aren't groundbreaking or all that surprising. They are a great read a night in front of the fire, or snuggled in bed to just relax too.
Many of these books are being forgotten and I hope they have a resurgence. They are fun books and need to stick around for the next generation.
calistareads's review
4.0
I enjoy these books. This is about Johnny Dixon and he needs money to help his grandparents so they can pay their doctor bills. A widow is looking for a lost Will and she will pay 10,000 who can solve the puzzle of where it is. Surprise - Johnny finds the Will.
Written in the 80s, it has a gothic feel to them and they are set in the 50s. It is a safe and cozy creepy factor. These are great for pre-teens and teens. Heck, I still enjoy them. They aren't groundbreaking or all that surprising. They are a great read a night in front of the fire, or snuggled in bed to just relax too.
Many of these books are being forgotten and I hope they have a resurgence. They are fun books and need to stick around for the next generation.
Written in the 80s, it has a gothic feel to them and they are set in the 50s. It is a safe and cozy creepy factor. These are great for pre-teens and teens. Heck, I still enjoy them. They aren't groundbreaking or all that surprising. They are a great read a night in front of the fire, or snuggled in bed to just relax too.
Many of these books are being forgotten and I hope they have a resurgence. They are fun books and need to stick around for the next generation.
molliekay's review against another edition
3.0
I remember being absolutely terrified for days when I read this book. Twenty-five years later? Not so much. But it's still a fun book, especially if you like treasure hunts.