The Mallow Marsh Monster

by Gary Ghislain

Overview

In this second book in the comic-horror The Goolz Next Door series, twelve-year-old Harold and his quirky neighbors contend with a legendary monster that lives in the nearby Mallow Marsh.

Immediately picking up where A Bad Night for Bullies left off, Harold is now an official member of the Goolz team, comprised of eccentric horror author Frank Goolz and his daughters Suzie and Ilona (who is also Harold's kinda-sorta girlfriend). A set of twins has come to the Goolz for help in finding their missing mother, whom they believe has been taken by the monster rumored to live in the Mallow Marsh. When the (very real) monster bites Harold, his bizarre symptoms cause him to fear he is transforming into a monster himself. Then Suzie is taken, and it's up to Harold and Ilona to save her, prevent the formation of future marsh monsters, and stop Harold's own frightening transformation.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781629796789
Publisher:	Astra Publishing House
Publication date:	05/05/2020
Series:	The Goolz Next Door
Pages:	224
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.40(h) x 1.10(d)
Lexile:	HL590L (what's this?)
Age Range:	8 - 12 Years

About the Author

Gary Ghislain is the author of How I Stole Johnny Depp's Alien Girlfriend and the first book in The Goolz Next Door series, A Bad Night for Bullies.

Editorial Reviews

"In this second book in the Goolz Next Door series, Harold Bell continues to investigate paranormal activity along with his neighbor, famous horror novelist Frank Goolz, and Frank’s daughters. This spooky tale is delightfully, comically gruesome, and the marsh creates the perfect setting for a monster (or monsters) that slings thick goop wherever they go. It’s a fast-paced read...a lively quick pick for reluctant readers in search of action, and an ending line of 'All hell broke loose' promises even more otherworldly entertainment to come." —The Bulletin of the Center for Children's books

"Ghislain’s rather unorthodox, yet delightfully fun, mix of characters and their wild adventures makes trite the old adage, 'Nothing ever happens in my town.' With just enough fright and action, he weaves another page-turner for middle-grade readers that will leave them wanting more."—Booklist 

From the Publisher

05/01/2020

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

School Library Journal

2020-03-29
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)

Kirkus Reviews