Editorial Review

Lewis always dreamed of living in an old house full ofsecret passageways, hidden rooms, and big marble fireplaces. Andsuddenly, after the death of his parents, he finds himself in justsuch a mansion--his Uncle Jonathan's. When he discovers that hisbig friendly uncle is also a wizard, Lewis has a hard time keepinghimself from jumping up and down in his seat. Unfortunately, whatLewis doesn't bank on is the fact that the previous owner of themansion was also a wizard--but an evil one who has placed atick-tocking clock somewhere in the bowels of the house, marking offthe minutes until the end of the world. And when Lewisaccidentally awakens the dead on Halloween night, the clock onlyticks louder and faster. Doomsday draws near--unless Lewis can stop the clock!Read more

Reviews (78)

Some of the best 'spooky' juvenile fiction out there!
I'm 37 years old and I still love John Bellairs, particularly this series, which features a great cast of characters:Lewis Barnavelt, the orphan who comes to live with his Uncle Jonathan, a wizard, who lives next door to a witch, Mrs. Zimmermann.It's a wonderfully 'spooky' tale entirely appropriate for kids, but enjoyable for adults as well.I can't wait until my nephew is old enough to read these.

..and the clock ticked on
Some parts of this story may seem a little familiar to fans of Young Adult Fiction, but John Bellairs has a distinctive style which makes this an extremely enjoyable read. A modern children's classic!
John Bellairs' "The House with a Clock in its Walls" is one of the most interesting and original little thrillers I've had the pleasure to come across.Bellairs' style of mixing the everyday with unusual events of magic and fantasy is just perfect, what I love most, is how he makes it all so fitting and realistic, making you believe something like this could happen to any little boy or girl.
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Subjects:  1. Children's All Ages - Fiction - Mystery    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. Fiction    5. General    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Magic    8. Mysteries, Espionage, & Detective Stories    9. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    10. Juvenile Fiction / Mysteries & Detective Stories   

Reviews (13)

Great Read!!
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.

What a story!!!!!!
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.

excellent book but pretty dark themes for a kid
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.Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's All Ages - Fiction - Mystery    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    3. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    4. Fiction    5. General    6. Inheritance and succession    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Mysteries, Espionage, & Detective Stories    9. Mystery and detective stories    10. Supernatural    11. Juvenile Fiction / Mysteries & Detective Stories   

Reviews (3)

Ghastly ghosties
Gruff and lovable Father Higgins is one of the better supporting characters in John Bellairs' many books. Now the evil-battling priest slips into the spotlight in an intriguing ghost story. Though not Bellairs' best, it's a chilling and fast-paced thriller for the pre-Stephen King set. Great Book Found In Underground Room!!!
The Secret of the Underground Room by: John Bellairs Very captivating, I couldn't stop reading.
I like this book because it gives an eerie sense of evil lurking around every corner.Even though Johnny Dixon is the main character, Professer Childermass always plays a huge part in the story.The settings are vividand interesting, they include an crumbling church, a cemetery, and the inn,where Masterman, the evil knight, uses a spell which knocks the Professerunconscious.This is a very involved mystery with a few ups and downs. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children: Grades 4-6    2. England    3. Fiction    4. General    5. Juvenile Fiction    6. Knights and knighthood    7. Mystery and detective stories    8. Occult fiction    9. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Reviews (12)

The Girls From New Zebedee Take A Spooky Roadtrip
This nice addition to the series gives Rose Rita and Mrs. Zimmerman a chance to hit the road, spend some time together and develop their friendship ... while fighting unearthly dangers of course!
The Ghost in theMirror
Mrs.Zimmermann a witch goes on a vacation with Rose Rita Pottinger.Mrs.Zimmermann and Rose Rita discover that instead of going to their vacation spot they travel back to 1928 in Pennslvania Dutch country when it's winter time.When Mrs.Zimmermann and Rose Rita are in Pennslvania Dutch they have different adventures.Mrs.Zimmermann even loses her memories and her magic powers.Without Mrs.Zimmermann's powers how will Rose Rita Pottinger ever be able to get home?I thought this book was very entertaining because it was interesting.

"Ghost" a solid thriller
"Ghost in the Mirror" is one of several books that the late John Bellairs left unfinished at the time of his death. Those books were finished by Brad Strickland, utilizing the author's remaining outlines. It's a solid thriller with a few seams showing, but overall a good read for those not yet ready for Stephen King. Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    2. Children: Grades 4-6    3. Fiction    4. Horror & Ghost Stories    5. Mysteries, Espionage, & Detective Stories    6. Supernatural    7. Time travel    8. Juvenile Fiction / Horror & Ghost Stories   

Reviews (13)

A great read from one of my favorite childhood authors!
I am in the process of collecting all of John Bellairs books because I loved them so much when I was younger. I just finished reading this one as I added it to my collection and I was reminded of how great of an author John Bellairs was. I think every child should give his books a chance because I'm sure they will get hooked on reading for life!

Very Good
"The Trolley to Yesturday" was very well done but once the plot starts to develop and they trapped in 1453 everything that can go wrong seems to go wrong. They are very smart characters and pass many tests but sometimes seem to lack a little common sence. I could be wrong but either way this book is still very enjoyable. Although it is not really one of those books that you can NEVER put down it still offers very much. Once again Bellairs writes another good book.

Bellairs' most ambitious novel.
Well, Johnny, Fergie, and the Prof are back at it again.Only this time their adventure lies on another continent, in another century.Read more

Subjects:  1. Byzantine Empire    2. Children's Books - Young Adult Fiction    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. Constantine XI Dragases, 1448-1453    5. Fiction    6. General    7. History    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Mysteries, Espionage, & Detective Stories    10. Science fiction    11. Time travel    12. Juvenile Fiction / Mysteries & Detective Stories   

Reviews (14)

very mature horror
for a children's story, this is very mature horror. in this book by horror genius, john bellairs, we have the classic good vs. evil. there are also elements of satanism, roman catholicism countering the satanism, latin incantions, holy water, its...yeah pretty heavy stuff for grade schoolers. its still quite worthwhile to read, as i read them as a child and loved them. yes, they are terrifying, but they are extremely well written, in an easy flowing narrative that makes it simple for children to follow. enjoy these classic additions to children's gothic horror (a...strange genre indeed).

Spell of the Sorcerer's Skull
At the begining of the I wanted to read a different book because it was really boring.More towards the end of the book It started to get WAY better.Over all I thought it was a really good book.

The Spell of the Sorcerser's Skull
AT FIRST THE BOOK,WAS FAIRLY INTERESTING.THEN DURING THE MIDDLE OF THE BOOK IT STARTED TO GET TO BE LIKE SNORESVILLE.THEN IN THE END OF THE BOOK IT STARTED TO BE WHERE I WAS LOOKING FORWARD TO READ DURING READING TIME.OVER ALL IN THE END I THOUGHT IT WAS A PRETTY GOOD BOOK.
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Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - Mysteries / Detective    2. Children: Grades 4-6    3. Fiction    4. General    5. Horror & Ghost Stories    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Mysteries, Espionage, & Detective Stories    8. Mystery and detective stories    9. Witchcraft    10. Horror & ghost stories, chillers    11. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Reviews (10)

The Chessmen of Doom
It was passible. I was let down. It's just more of the same. The Mummy, the Will and the Crypt were better and spookier

The Chessmen of BOREdoom
The Chessmen of Doom being the first Jonny Dixon book i've read, really disappointed me.A friend of mines recommended this book to me.From him, he says that it really freaked him out...as a KID!At first, i was pretty interested at the beginning with the nice paced beginning.Then the real problem began as the story unfolds.To avoild spoilers, i'll just say that everything that is intended to scare the readers, every attempt, failed by my standards.If you were actually scard by this novel, i can safely say that you're gutless or haven't read much horror books.I mean seeing ghosts in dreams, outside windows, as well as sleepwalking, finding empty coffins and stupid riddles is not my idea of a horroe/mystery book.Johnny Dixon to me is the most uncreative, unoriginal writer i know!
Great Book!
The Chessmen of Doom was the best book I've ever read! If you like mystery books, get this, but don't read it at night. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children: Babies & Toddlers    2. Fiction    3. Magic    4. Mystery and detective stories    5. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Reviews (11)

The best in the Lewis Barnavelt series!
John Bellairs' "The Letter, the Witch and the Ring" was the last in his Lewis Barnavelt series that he saw through completion before his death in 1991, Brad Strickland then continued the series, but never reached near the great thrill involved in this outstanding adventure."The Letter, the Witch and the Ring" follows "The Figure in the Shadows" which I found rather disappointing and is the third in "The House with a Clock in its Walls" or Lewis Barnavelt series, this one however, hardly includes Lewis, instead, Rose Rita Pottinger introduced at the end of the first book stars in this great sequel.
Rose Rita takes center stage
Rose Rita Pottinger, introduced in THE FIGURE IN THE SHADOWS, takes center stage with the elderly witch Mrs. Zimmermann in this book. Rosa Rita,Mrs Zimmerman, and the MAGIC RING.
Rosa Rita had nothing to do this summer, because her best friend Lewis is going to a camp. But her friend Mrs. zimmermman had a letter from her cousin, that he was dead, and the farm he had it has passed to her. And he had also found a magic ring. Mrs. Zimmermman invited Rosa Rita to try and find out more about the MAGIC RING.Read more

Subjects:  1. Barnavelt, Lewis (Fictitious c    2. Barnavelt, Lewis (Fictitious character)    3. Children's All Ages - Fiction - Mystery    4. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    5. Children: Grades 4-6    6. Fiction    7. General    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Mysteries, Espionage, & Detective Stories    10. Occult fiction    11. Witchcraft    12. Juvenile Fiction / Mysteries & Detective Stories   

Subjects:  1. Juvenile fiction    2. Magic    3. Witchcraft   

Reviews (10)

A bit different than his other books, but great fun for all
I loved this book as a chid, so when I ran across it recently I decided to see how well it would hold up today.I'm happy to say that it was just as fun to read now as it was all those years ago.

Subjects:  1. Buried treasure    2. Children: Babies & Toddlers    3. Fiction    4. Mystery and detective stories   

Reviews (7)

An Awesome Read!!!!!!
The book Mansion In The Mist, by John Bellairs was great! In this book this boy named Anthony and his friends Ms. Ells and Emersion went tothis spooky house. Anthony finds this chest and finds a pathway to this world where the autarches plan to destroy the world! Later he takes his friends in a wild world of adventure. Will Anthony and his friends find the hidden treasure or will it be to late?

Real Good Read!
I really enjoyed this story.It's a mystery, it's got some sci-fi, and it's definitely got some scary horror stuff.Anthony joins his good friend Miss Eells, the librarian, and her brother for a trip to her brothers old house on an island.When they get there, they find a mysterious room with a mysterious trunk.One day, they get inside the trunk, and it shoots them off to a whole other world in a whole other dimension, one where the people are trying to destroy the earth.Well, of course, Anthony figures out how to do the bad guys in and save the whole planet.This is a real good read.

A Great Book
I have never liked reading but this John Bellairs book, The Mansion in the Mist, kept me reading. I got hooked onto his books in 4th grade and ever since I have enjoyed his books.The Mansion in the Mist has a lot of discriptive words in it, sets the setting and gets off to a great start.All the way through the book he is consistant on good adjectives and is very interesting.I like his endings the most though because sometimes they are scary but in the end his makes sure everyone's O.K.I think John Bellairs is the best author!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's All Ages - Fiction - Mystery    2. Children's Books - Young Adult Fiction    3. Children: Grades 3-4    4. Fiction    5. Juvenile Fiction    6. Magic    7. Mysteries, Espionage, & Detective Stories    8. Mystery and detective stories    9. Juvenile Fiction / Mysteries & Detective Stories   

Reviews (18)

This book made me fall in love with reading, and remained my favorite for 5 years
I read this book in 4th grade, and it remained my favorite novel until well into high school.At one point, the characters are going down a dimly lit staircase, and the tension was so vivid that I had to put my covers over my head.It was only then that I realized the book wasn't real.John Bellairs is an exceptional writer.Before this book, I didn't like reading much;after this book, I became a fanatic.

Curse of the blue figurine
The Curse of The blue Figurine
Exceptional
This was a very good book and I encourage everybody to read it. It deals with curses which is awesome and obvious from the title. The story flows very smoothly and I could read it again and again. It is my favorite book by Bellairs. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's All Ages - Fiction - Mystery    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. Horror & Ghost Stories    5. Juvenile Fiction    6. Mysteries, Espionage, & Detective Stories    7. Mystery and detective stories    8. Juvenile Fiction / Mysteries & Detective Stories   

Reviews (7)

Really? I don't agree...
I usually really enjoy John Bellairs's books, and i've read most of them, but compared to the others, this one was a bit of a disappointment. I felt that it was one of those mysteries where you can't just figure it out by common knowledge and the clues from the book, but you have to wait until the main characters figure it out. Which I guess, isn't neccessarily a bad thing...
Wonderful and imaginative
I read this and several other books by John Bellairs as a child and for some reason was thinking of them tonight. I was so excited to look here and see how many others there are that I didn't know about! Great reading and I can't wait to order the rest! This one is so good, as is the mummy, the will, and the crypt, the house with a clock in its walls, and the first one I read, the treasure of alpheas winterbourne

More than just a book for young readers
When I was in 7th grade, I read every John Bellairs book that the library had.His modern gothic tales of dark suspense were unlike any other stories to be found, and they captivated me entirely with their mysticalcharm.Some 14 or 15 years later, the memory of his stories remained sostrong in my mind that I recently sought out and read "The Dark Secretof Weatherend" once again.And once again, I was taken under thespell of Bellairs' literary magic, enjoying it as much as I had so longago.Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12    2. Children: Grades 4-6    3. Fiction    4. Horror & Ghost Stories    5. Juvenile Fiction    6. Librarians    7. Magic    8. Mysteries, Espionage, & Detective Stories    9. Weather    10. Crime & mystery    11. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Reviews (3)

A mazing tale
John Bellairs is best known as the author of fifteen gothic mystery novels for young adults, plus four similar works completed by Brad Strickland after Bellairs's death."The Vengeance of the Witch-Finder" (1993) is the next-to-the-last book in the Lewis Barnavelt series, and was completed by Brad Strickland.It takes place in 1951, mainly at the Barnavelt mansion in England.

Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - General    2. Children: Grades 4-6    3. Fiction    4. General    5. Magic    6. Supernatural    7. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Reviews (11)

Sienna Crossing Review
The reasons I like this book is the characterization where you have two different people who are friends named Rose Rita and Lewis. One is adventurous the other one isn't, one is athletic the other would rather eat chocolates and read books all summer. But this makes it a funny book even if it is a mystery.
The end of the world
this book had it`s good parts and it`s bad. It started out slow
A well writen book
The book The Tower at the End of the Worldis a very interesting novel that is written by Brad Stickland.This book takes place on the peninsula.In this book there
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Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure    2. Action & Adventure - General    3. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - Fantasy    4. Children: Grades 4-6    5. Fiction    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Magic    8. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    9. Supernatural    10. Wizards    11. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Reviews (1)

It was a fun-filled and entertaining book. It had character.
I think this book is great for all ages even though the reading level is not very difficult.An adult could have fun with it because it is exciting and keeps you on the edge of your chair.I would reccomend this book as a good book for a class.They could share their insights and tell each other if they thought that they figured out the mystery. This book is great for a discussion. This is an imaginative and literate mystery that I have fully enjoyed.It really makes you think and explore your mind. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - Mysteries / Detective    2. Children: Grades 3-4    3. Fiction    4. Horror & Ghost Stories    5. Juvenile Fiction    6. Mysteries, Espionage, & Detective Stories    7. Supernatural    8. Horror & ghost stories, chillers    9. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Reviews (2)

Exceptional chiller
After the death of kid-horror author John Bellairs, fan/author Brad Strickland took over the duty of finishing his manuscripts -- and then writing new novels based on the older books. Though his first few books were wobbly, "The Whistle, the Grave, and the Ghost" shows that Strickland has settled solidly into Bellairs' niche. Brad, you�ve raised it to a whole new level!
I'm a huge fan of the Bellairs/Strickland books.The Whistle, the Grave and the Ghost has everything all of the best Bellairs books have.It also has more.Much more.In this book we dig deeper into almost every character.We learn more and more things about them.Lewis Barnavelt, for example, is just as he's always been; shy, a bit chubby, thoughtful and persistent.But, in The Whistle, the Grave and the Ghost, he's a few years older, and with those years comes just a little bit more wisdom.It's wonderful to read about how he deals with his trials through slightly, very slightly, more mature eyes.Jonathan Barnavelt is, as always, caring and jolly.We get a broader sense of his magical abilities, and for how much he truly cares for his nephew.Rose Rita Pottinger has also grown.It's a young woman (with that same heart and spirit of steel) that helps save the day.Mrs. Zimmermann, Jonathan's neighbor and bona fide good witch is, perhaps, the character that changes least.And that's as it should be.She was already just about perfect.The most profound difference, and welcomed improvement, between The Whistle, the Grave and the Ghost and most, if not all, of the previous Bellairs and Strickland books, is the antagonist.There's no campy explanation of world conquest a la Scooby Doo in this book: "Well, since you're going to die anyway, why not tell you my brilliant plan!Ha!Ha!Haaaa!"This villain doesn't care for such things.There's no husband/wife or master/servant team of adversaries.This villain is alone.There's no bumbling magician trying to conjure an enormous and lethal spell he can barely control.This villain is very capably deadly.This villain is pure evil.Plain and simple.This is the most primordially terrifying villain of all the Bellairs and Strickland books.We get inside this villain's head, too.We learn not only what she does, but why she wants to do it.In the end, there are no loose ends.Every loop has closure.Everything works and makes sense.Finally, this book, in all the right moments, is very funny.My compliments, again, to you, Brad Strickland, for bringing us the rare gift of a fabulous story.Not just that.A well-written fabulous story.Please keep it up.To the reader, the Bellairs/Strickland veteran and beginner alike, pick up this book ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure - General    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 2-3    4. Fiction    5. Juvenile Fiction    6. Magic    7. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    8. Supernatural    9. Juvenile Fiction / Mysteries & Detective Stories   

Reviews (3)

Come long-leggedy beastie...
Initially, one would think that a truly talented author's quirky, unique style could not be very nearly duplicated. But Brad Strickland is doing a fine job with the characters that Bellairs created, and this is one of his best efforts. A Good Read!
I think that Brad Strickland Did a good job with this title. The story has some depth, and the character development is good, as well. I think this is the best Bellairs' novel that Strickland Has written so far, and would giveit a full five stars!

Strickland Masters Bellairs' Style in Specter
At first serving as a finisher for the late John Bellair's uncompleted DOOM OF THE HAUNTED OPERA, GHOST IN THE MIRROR, and VENGENCE OF THE WITCHFINDER, Strickland took those characters to new heights in the late1990s by churning out books like THE HAND OF THE NECROMANCER, and THEBELL,THE BOOK,AND THE SPELLBINDER which mimicked Bellair's writing styledown to the letter.In SPECTER, Strickland goes from mimicking the man tobeing the man. He captures the vocabulary and characterizations of LewisBarnavelt and company flawlessly in a terrifying story darker than all ofthe other books combined. Please check out this book. I hope Stricklandcontinues to write. He is hitting his stride now. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    2. Horror & Ghost Stories    3. Mysteries, Espionage, & Detective Stories    4. Juvenile Fiction / Mysteries & Detective Stories   

Reviews (2)

'Have you ever thought that you might not exist?'
The most satisfying edition (of only two!!) is the hardbound from 1968, which has wider pages & lets you have more of a feeling of holding it in your hands.
Now this is just weird
Who knew John Bellairs had a sense of humor? All right, his humor shines through in his many quirky spinechillers, but I had no idea he had written something like this.Read more

Subjects:  1. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    2. Fantasy fiction    3. General    4. Juvenile Fiction    5. Juvenile Fiction / Science Fiction, Fantasy, Magic    6. Children's 9-12    7. Fiction    8. Magicians    9. Science Fiction, Fantasy, Magic   

Reviews (7)

Ghastly and gruesome
Upon the death of John Bellairs, Brad Strickland stepped into some very hard-to-fit shoes. The story of "Beast Under The Wizard's Bridge" is both exceptionally clever and somewhat awkward in places, as Strickland still was adjusting to the necessity of writing like another author.