Ghosthunters And The Muddy Monster Of Doom! (Paperback)

by Cornelia Funke (Author)
Key Phrases: ghost dogs, spark sprayer, scouring sand, Hetty Hyssop, Erwin Hornheaver, Professor Slimeblott (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal
Grade 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 Minkel, New York Public Library
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: The Chicken House (April 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0439862698
• ISBN-13: 978-0439862691
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #163,286 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tom's field test proves to be a load of bull, April 6, 2007

By	Amanda Richards "Modest to the extreme" (Georgetown, Guyana) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

In this galvanizing addition to the "Ghosthunters" series, Tom has to identify and capture an unclassified ghost as the final step to being awarded his GhostHunting Diploma. Everybody, including Tom, thinks that this is a mere formality, because as we all know, he has already defeated ghosts in Category Six, and the field test requires capturing a mere Category Three specimen.

The thing is, there's a new guy on the Examining Board, and he's changed the rules a bit, so that the apparently routine task becomes just a little more challenging. Tom is only allowed one assistant for the assignment, and that means that he has to choose between Hetty Hyssop and Hugo the Averagely Spooky Ghost. Logistics demands that he choose the one with a driver's license, and of course the other isn't too pleased about it.

When they arrive at the old village of Bogpool, they find it buzzing with ghostly energy, and soon learn that the village is a veritable ghost-magnet, and that the ghosts there don't much care for Ghost Hunters of any sort. The particular ghost required for the assignment turns out to be a rather unpleasant NEPGA (which we are told is a Negative Projection of a Ghostly Apparition), which would have been all well and good if it hadn't let on that it was really the "Twelfth Messenger", and believe me, this sounds a lot nicer than it actually turns out to be.

It isn't long before the earth starts moving and the mud starts bubbling, and the intrepid team of Hyssop & Co (plus a new friend) find themselves fighting for their lives. Ghosts of all sorts herald the arrival of the terrible "Muddy Monster of Doom" and his dreaded sidekick the "Thirteenth Messenger", and this definitely seems like one assignment doomed for failure.

The final chapters will have you holding your breath, making this a truly breathtaking experience, and trust me, that's no bull.



Amanda Richards, April 6, 2007

5.0 out of 5 stars Grand, February 15, 2009

By	Shelby W. Green - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book was purchased for my Grandson. He has enjoyed it and one day I may get around to reading it.

5.0 out of 5 stars Ghosthunters and the Muddy Monster of Doom, July 2, 2008

By	Melissa Grabarkewitz "book worm" (Wildomar, Ca) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is one of Cornelia Funke's best ghost hunter books. I am a third grade teacher and have read the ghosthunter series to my class. They can't get enough. They hang on every word and when I stop reading they plead with me to continue. Cornelia Funke sparks a love for reading with her wildly witty and creative characters. There is just the right mix of humor, excitement, and good scary fun as well as some unlikely heroes! I would recommend this book to anyone young or old who likes a little action and a whole lot of fun!