Such fun! Grabbed this on my way to catch a train on Saturday morning. Loved it! I’m not going to compare it to anything else as I think it deserves to stand on its own. There are classic features of mythical monsters, people with evil intent, orphans/foundlings, and even a talking cat but what Taylor does so well in this adventure is to put his own unique twist on them. There are some breath-holding moments but nothing that should prevent pleasant dreams as Herbie Lemon, hero and narrator, has enough of a comic element to prevent the reader from being too scared. Enjoy romping through the various strands and wrong turns in Eerie-on-Sea (the C and H having fallen off the sign as they do every winter - brilliant!), fall in love with Violet and Herbie, and chuckle (particularly if you’re a bookseller or librarian) at the shelving system in the book dispensary! A great choice for Children’s Book of the Month for May☺️✨

I was lucky enough to receive a proof, I was drawn in immediately by the map on that page, you've gotta love a map, it really helps set a story. What a grand adventure. I loved how the book highlighted the difference between seaside resorts in summer and then in winter, they do literally go from Cheerie-on-Sea to Eerie-on-Sea. I felt the story got going straight away, important in a children's book to catch their interest. Plenty for their imagination too, a boy living in the smallest but also cosiest of places, quite content; a girl who literally appears out of nowhere asking for his help; a scary man with a boat hook for a hand; a monkey who uses magic to propose what book you should read; an author who you know is up to no good and above all, the legend itself - The Malamander. It was a fast paced story full to the brim with adventure and drama but it also addressed the importance of friendship, loyalty and a community lost but then who were found. I loved it, I want to be snug and cosy by the fire and then adventure out and visit the Book Dispensary, a very well deserved book of the month at Waterstones.

I like that this book is a mystery, adventure, monster and friendship story. It would make a good movie. The main characters have quite mysterious backgrounds. All the characters have strong personalities and are individuals. They get into some dangerous situations and it can be scary so I’d recommend it for ages 7 and up. There aren’t many illustrations in the book but the map is really good. The illustrations are small but amazing. The front cover is really good and gives you clues to the story.

A great cast of characters (and Eerie-on-Sea deserves a special mention as the star of the show). The adventure zips along at pace, full of twists and mysteries. The author does a good job of counter-balancing the creepy moments with wit and slapstick. A satisfying ending, but plenty of scope for more detective adventures for Herbie and Violet in future stories.

Just couldn't resist buying this... I was sold by the cover alone! Lucky enough to grab a Waterstones exclusive edition also means I bagged the beautiful sprayed edge design too. So did the story live up to the cover? Yes, it did! Excellent story, great characters, a touch of tension mixed with humour! The book dispensary however, stole my heart. Very happy to recommend on to everyone!