Theodora Hendrix and the Curious Case of the Cursed Beetle

By Author / Illustrator

Jordan Kopy, Chris Jevons

Genre

Adventure

Age range(s)

Publisher

Walker Books Ltd

ISBN

9781406392623

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

07-10-2021

Synopsis

If you think monsters don't exist, just ask Theodora Hendrix. The second in a brilliantly funny new series, perfect for fans of Amelia Fang.

After facing down an evil hag, a thieving skele-crow and an army of the undead, ten-year-old Theodora Hendrix is certain she can handle anything - that is, until she meets the unpleasant Inspector Shelley and her even more unpleasant pet rat. Shelley and Ratsputin have come to spy on the MLM, and are determined to make trouble at every turn. Then Theodora makes a discovery of her own: a cursed beetle. She needs to destroy it without attracting the attention of the inspector - and fast. The stakes couldn't be higher: if Theodora fails, her beloved monster family will rot in the dankest, darkest prisons of Transylvania...

Reviews

Get ready for a second adventure with the MLM (Monstrous League of Monsters) and their only (and highly against the MLM rules) human family member, 10 year old Theodora Hendrix in Theodora Hendrix and the Curious Case of the Cursed Beetle. Abandoned at birth and adopted by the monster clan, Theodora loves her very unusual and unique family blend - where her mummy is, well, actually a Mummy (the type wrapped in bandages and with a whole range of sarcophagi dotted around the place.)

This story is lively, fun and full of heart as the supernaturally stylish adventure finds Theodora pitted against some malevolent monsters who threaten her family and her human place amongst them. Inspector Shelley and her sidekick Ratsputin are investigating the MLM for evidence of any further rule breaking and, if that wasn't stressful enough, the appearance of a cursed beetle poses a very real danger to the whole family. School is no respite for Theodora. A monster-free zone it may be, but headmistress Miss Frumple is herself up to some monstrous and mean management decisions (cancelling art and dealing out severe punishments for poor attendance.)

Fast paced, dramatic and gleefully ghoulish throughout with illustrator Chris Jevons' delightful characterizations of each of the MLM cast, Theodora Hendrix and the Curious Case of the Cursed Beetle is a real joy to read. There is humour, plenty of peril and some quite nerve wracking and grotesque scenes for the book's young readers . Author Jordan Kopy revels in conjuring up a nasty, villainous creature in Abrax the mummy with a fierce and furious battle to thoroughly entertain and excite the reader and, of course, Theodora herself is a wonderfully determined, loyal and endearing character who throws herself into action to help save her one-of-a-kind family. A fantastic, energetic and appealing story, just the perfect blend of scary and silly!

288 pages / Reviewed by Jenny, teacher