Customer Reviews

Mummy, the Will and the Crypt (Corgi Books)

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I loved this entire series when I was a kid and read them all repeatedly. There is no question that the author is talented... the plots are facinating and the characters are vivid and sympathetic. This series is sure to catch the imagination of any child that is interested in mystery or the supernatural.

One caveat, however: these books are pretty dark. There's a lot of evil and anger portrayed, and I'm not sure if that's the sort of thing a child should be dwelling on. The protagonists are healthy role models and their intentions are good, but the book paints a pretty dark and scary picture of the rest of the world.

I read this book when I was in third grade. Here I am, about to go to law school, and I still remember the details. The story keeps you hanging on the whole length of the book. I would recommend this book for anyone who loves a good mystery, loves to be held in suspense, and who can handle staying up late, because you won't want to put it down.

This is an excellent book for all ages. It is a great mystery! The story captures your attention right from the beginning. It's incredibly easy to fall in love with the characters as soon as you open the book. A lot of children who read this book might be able to relate with Johnny Dixon (the main character in the book). Some kids have trouble making friends and Johnny is a boy who feels like an outcast. He never really fits in anywhere. He does, however, befriend an old professor who helps him with his many trials and tribulations through out the story. Johnny gets himself wrapped up in what everyone believes is a story and in the end he proves everyone wrong. He unravels a difficult suicide case and runs into a few ghosts along the way. In this story the boy conquers many fears and makes his close friends and family very proud. He is the hero of the story. Aside from all of Johnny's self-discoveries there is a really great mystery that keeps you on the edge of your seat just waiting to turn the page. I read this book in third grade, but I would really recommend this to anyone. Again, it's an amazing book. I urge you to read it!

This story by John Bellairs has a suspensing and mysterious plot. Johhny Dixon's persistence and determination won him 10,000 dollars. Although he is smart enough to figure out Mr. Glomus's riddle and will, he would also have to escape from a mummy to get the will. I would recommend this book to everyone because this story could inspire many people to go out on their own and have their own adventures. Although he wanted to find the will for the 10,000 dollars, he wanted it to save his grandma. This shows that he is not greedy.

I got into John Bellairs when I was a kid of course and I enjoyed his books back then. I am 33 years old now with a kid of my own and I recently thought of him as well as other great books that I got into in my younger years and ordered a few of his books, among others. This was one of the books that I ordered and it is just as good now than it was when I was younger. I totally suggest this book as well as all the Johnny Dixon series. If you love magical stories, then this is the book for you.

This was the first John Bellairs book I picked up as a kid - it had an interesting and spooky cover illustrated by the famous Edward Gorey. It should be noted that John Bellairs was a talented but very intense author - his series is generally for 5th graders and up. This particular title has the least occult references. (Or its tied with the The Trolley to Yesterday. The book begins in the 1950's where Johnny Dixon and his friend the professor Childermas visit a rich eccentric's manision who has recently died. The rich man's family offers a reward if someone can figure out a strange puzzle that may point to a will hidden leaving $$ to the heirs. Johnny seems to always be working on the puzzle even when other strange events occur while he is away at a camp. While away at camp he meets characters that lead him to a ghostly affair indeed and a surprise ending. The writing of Mr. Bellairs is gorgeous and gothic-tinged. This book could easily be enjoyed by adults who will love the historical references and the spine tingling atmosphere.

I liked this book very much because I like reading mysteries. What made it good? First, it kept my interest because it was very exciting. I was very eager to know what happened next. I liked learning about the characters. Their lives were very exciting. Finally, the last 3 chapters were very freaky! Johnny, the main character, was sneaking into the Glomus mansion and he kept hearing weird noises. I would recommend this book to any kids over 7 years of age.

Lots of people remember the Bellairs books from their childhood and still hold them dear. Now that the most popular ones have been reissued and are readily available, the question becomes, "what about a kid now, reading the books now?".

Well, having just finished re-reading a bunch of Bellairs and later Brad Strickland books, it seems that this title, (or "The House With A Clock in Its Walls"), is the one to try if you want to test out a Bellairs book on your young reader. It's the introduction of Johnny Dixon, it has an adventurous vibe, and it has the most action. These books are so well-written it's worth a try, but don't be surprised or disappointed if your reader just doesn't warm up to them.

Though scrary this is a great book, I read it when I was 10 or so and my daughter of 9 enjoyed it very much.

I read this book when I was about 9 years old and I am still scarred ten years later. It isn't a bad book - it's extremely convincing and well plotted. Just be wary of buying books from this series for the wrong child, because they're very vivid and certainly frightened me.