The Drum, the Doll, and the Zombie

I got interested in John Bellairs books after I read a reader review of a Harry Potter book which talked about these books as even better than HP -- and you know, he was right! These are really well-written books. I've read about 6 Bellairs books with my kids (ages 10 and 11) and this was by far the scariest. This one seemed to have more: more humor, more fright, more heart, as well as the usual excellent character development. (oh yeah, my kids really enjoyed the book too.) The scary scenes are really vivid, but ideal for my boys' age group. They just love this stuff.

Good grief, this was amazingly, shriekingly good!Johnny and Professor Childermass take a detour into the darkest side of voodoo, known as voudon. When, at a get-together with one of the professor's friends, Fergie begins playing and singing ("Babaloo") a tiny leather drum, the lights unexpectedly go out. Soon the friend is ill, raving and finally falling into a coma. A creepy old woman and a mysterious man are lurking nearby. Some of the most affecting scenes is where the professor finds the hideous creature growing in a pillow, and when he battles the horrifying snakelike demon.But taking the prize is the zombie mentioned in the title. Holy cow.This is a genuinely scary book-for heaven's sake, don't read it at night.

I have loved John Bellairs' gothic horrors since I was a liitle boy, and could not pass up the chance to read a new tale with my old friends Johnny Dixon and Professor Childermass. I admit my skepticism about the story being fleshed out by someone other than Mr. Bellairs, who, sadly, had passed away a few years ago. But in the first few lines, and through to the end, Brad Strickland did not fail me; the story came through with the same atmosphere and feeling of the best John Bellairs, complete with the warm humor that brings you back safely from the dark evils encountered by our heroes. This story is my favorite since The Curse of The Blue Figurine and I have reread it probably six times. To anyone considering the purchase of this book I say,grant yourself the privelage.

This book and the entire Bellairs series are what got me into reading and reading a lot! Looking back as a college student, the vivid impressions made on me while reading the Bellairs books are what got me hooked on reading (the Hardy Boys were instrumental as well). To give a child a love for reading while they are young is probably the best way to ensure academic success in the future. I know this as I graduate now with a 4.0 gpa!My only qualm is the artwork for the new books. Ugh! The cover illustrations of the old ones were MUCH better. Buy the book for the quality reading inside, though.

This is extremely impressive and suspenseful...