From School Library Journal
Grade 4-6–The Strega-Borgias are back. This time, someone has attacked their butler, Latch, leaving him with amnesia and a strange sulphuric aroma. Demons from Hades have come looking for the Chronostone, which will give the Boss domination over time itself. Nanny McLachlan, who travels about on a flying rug, is trying to protect the family, while Damp and Pandora discover their magical gifts. What is the relationship between the temporary butler and the new biotechnology company in town? Gliori's talented writing keeps readers guessing from beginning to end. Humorous interludes mix with suspense and fantasy to create a cauldron full of zaniness. Reminiscent of the Addams Family and the Munsters, the Strega-Borgias are nevertheless originals. Vertical line drawings embellish chapter openings. Newcomers don't need to have read the earlier volumes to follow the action, but knowledge of the back story certainly adds to the fun. Devotees will be standing in line for this delightful installment in the series.
–Saleena L. Davidson, South Brunswick Public Library, Monmouth Junction, NJ Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Gr. 4-7. Fourth in the Pure Dead series, Gliori's latest offers more Strega-Borgia family chaos back at the Scottish manor. Signor Luciano needs to replace the comatose butler, Signora Baci deals with expectant-mother cravings, and dungeon beast Pfuf plans her wedding. Other household members must cope with more sinister challenges: the new butler nearly kills off teenagers Titus and Pandora, and Nanny McLachlan recognizes the evil that befell the old butler as coming straight from Hades. Indeed, the humor is darker here than in Gliori's previous books, and there are plenty of details about the workings of Hell. This isn't an easy read, with a large cast of characters, lots of back-and-forth plotting, and Scottish phrases sprinkled throughout
, but the short chapters drive the numerous subplots along. The concluding chapters leave readers awaiting the fate of heroic Flora MacLachlan, who has gone to Hell to save her charges. Nanny 911, indeed.
Abby NolanCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
