The Drum, the Doll, and the Zombie

I got interested in John Bellairs books after I read a reader review of a Harry Potter book which talked about these books as even better than HP -- and you know, he was right! These are really well-written books. I've read about 6 Bellairs books with my kids (ages 10 and 11) and this was by far the scariest. This one seemed to have more: more humor, more fright, more heart, as well as the usual excellent character development... Read Full Review

Good grief, this was amazingly, shriekingly good!Johnny and Professor Childermass take a detour into the darkest side of voodoo, known as voudon. When, at a get-together with one of the professor's friends, Fergie begins playing and singing ("Babaloo") a tiny leather drum, the lights unexpectedly go out. Soon the friend is ill, raving and finally falling into a coma. A creepy old woman and a mysterious man are lurking nearby... Read Full Review

I have loved John Bellairs' gothic horrors since I was a liitle boy, and could not pass up the chance to read a new tale with my old friends Johnny Dixon and Professor Childermass. I admit my skepticism about the story being fleshed out by someone other than Mr. Bellairs, who, sadly, had passed away a few years ago. But in the first few lines, and through to the end, Brad Strickland did not fail me; the story came through... Read Full Review

This book and the entire Bellairs series are what got me into reading and reading a lot! Looking back as a college student, the vivid impressions made on me while reading the Bellairs books are what got me hooked on reading (the Hardy Boys were instrumental as well). To give a child a love for reading while they are young is probably the best way to ensure academic success in the future. I know this as I graduate now with... Read Full Review

This is extremely impressive and suspenseful...