Publishers Weekly
Beleaguered nine-year-old Tom, first introduced in Ghosthunters and the Incredibly Revolting Ghost!, must take on the spirit of a bad-tempered baroness that inhabits the landlady of Gloomsburg Palace in Ghosthunters and the Totally Moldy Baroness! by Cornelia Funke. Soon to follow: Ghosthunters and the Muddy Monster of Doom! (Scholastic/Chicken House, $4.99 each 148p ages 7-10 ISBN 978-0-439-86267-7; Jan.; Doom 978-0-439-86269-1; Apr.) Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information.
School Library Journal
Gr 3-5
In Moldy Baroness , expert ghosthunter Hetty Hyssop, her young assistant Tom, and Hugo the ASG (or Averagely Spooky Ghost) track down the awful specter of a 17th-century baroness with a nasty streak. Hetty has invented ghost-catching technologies that come in handy when confronting the ghost of Jaspara von Gloomstone, who rides around Gloomsburg Castle on her spectral horse, body-nabbing anyone unlucky enough to be nearby, and thriving on the castle's electrical power. The only way to defeat her is for Tom to reenact her death, wearing one of her old gowns, and to persuade her to touch that dress. In Muddy Monster , the now-11-year-old Tom is ready to take the exam for his GhostHunting Diploma. Suspiciously, Professor Slimeblott gives the boy an "easy" assignment-to capture a ghost (only a Danger Category Three) in the village of Bogpool. But when Tom and the other ghosthunters arrive there, it soon becomes clear that solving the mystery of what's haunting Bogpool won't be safe or easy at all. These tales are more humorous than horrific, and their plots gallop along, accompanied by fun pen-and-ink cartoons. Hugo's constant tricks and complaints provide fine comic relief, and Hetty Hyssop always has another ghost-catching invention or formula up her sleeve.
—Walter MinkelCopyright 2006 Reed Business Information.
JUN/JUL 07 - AudioFile
The third in the Ghosthunters series by Cornelia Funke (INKHEART) should attract an appreciative audience. More lighthearted than INKHEART, this slightly silly tale is geared to younger listeners. The ghost-hunting trio of Tom, Hetty, and Hugo are once again on the job. This time they’re attempting to stop Gloomburg Castle’s long-dead owner, the moldy Baroness, from haunting its present occupants. John Beach delivers distinctive personalities with endearing quirks. His engaging tone will have listeners immersed in the ghostly hijinks. Given the Inkheart movie, Funke’s works should generate increased interest, and audiobook fans won’t be disappointed in this performance. M.H.N. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine
