Today's review is The Book of Mysteries, Grimstone Mansion, by Maree Church. This is the first in The Book of Mysteries trilogy. First, I'd like to thank Maree for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I love children's middle-grade fiction, so I've been looking forward to reading this. It's not only a mystery adventure; it features magic and classic villains from mythology, such as the Cyclops, Minotaur and Medusa. Then, to cap it all, it features two adorable dogs, Dino and Mia. So, a book of mystery and magic, including monsters, ghosts and cute dogs - what's not to like? Read on for an author bio, book blurb and my full review.
AUTHOR BIO
Maree Church is the author of Dog Days in Italy: How I Became an Expat Dog, a quirky memoir of her twenty-year love affair with Italy, the homeland of her grandparents. The Book of Mysteries: Grimstone Mansion is her first middle-grade fantasy. Before starting her writing career, Ms. Church wore many hats (and she has left them in restaurants all over Italy). She has been a business consultant, small business owner, wine importer, English teacher, and slave to many pets of all types. When she isn't writing, she's taking care of her dogs, baking bread, working jigsaw puzzles, keeping in touch with doggy friends on social media, or preparing for visits from her son and his three young boys, who were the inspiration for this book. She lives in California with her husband and two crazy pups.
Twitter: @dogdaysinitaly
BOOK BLURB
MAGIC, MYSTERY, MONSTERS ...
A mysterious old book, a spooky mansion inhabited by creatures of myth and legend, and three brothers whose quest is to save a sleeping beauty imprisoned by an evil old hag. You've just entered Grimstone Mansion, where evil lurks behind every door.
Charlie, Rafe and Dash are on a mission to save a sleeping girl locked away in the witch's dungeon. Can they overcome their fears and defeat the evil creatures of Monster Moor, traverse Ghost Hollow and escape from the wicked witch and her terrifying minions to fulfil their destiny?
Find out in The Book of Mysteries: Grimstone Mansion, Book One in The Book of Mysteries Trilogy.
MY REVIEW
The Book of Mysteries: Grimstone Mansion is packed with action and adventure, but that's not all - it's so funny! Maree has a wicked sense of humour which shines through in this book. The main characters, brothers Charlie, Rafe and Dash, are a perfect team for an adventure such as this. They work so well together. As for their dogs, Dino and Mia - they make a great comedy act on their own! This story follows the boys - and dogs - through a magical adventure facing a lake of fire, a slothful door which loves riddles, dragons, ghost sausages (you have to read the book!), and so, so much more. The next in the series, entitled, The Red Gemstone, is out later this year, and I can't wait to read it. Following the brothers and Dino and Mia is going to be such fun!
Copies are available on Amazon. The Book of Mysteries: Grimstone Mansion.
I hope you enjoyed my latest review. For the first time in a long time, I haven't got another book lined up to review! That's because I am in the throes of working on my own, the third in the Crazy Cream Adventure series. It's all go at the moment, but I'll keep you updated. It's a spooky tale, perfect for Halloween. Strange noises, tall, dark shadows, folklore and superstitions from an age gone by - that and so much more is what's in store this time for Poppy the Crazy Cream Retriever. For now, here's a little teaser of the book cover (the full reveal will be very soon).
Until then,
Happy reading!
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