The Ghost of Grotteskew

Description

In this third book in the Stitch Head series, the ghost of Mawley Crackbone, a villain who once terrorized Grubbers Nubbin, is haunting Castle Grotteskew—and is determined to find Stitch Head and get his heart back!

The spirit of Mawley Crackbone, a villain who once terrorized Grubbers Nubbin, has returned to the town to haunt Castle Grotteskew. Crackbone is convinced that Mad Professor Erasmus used his heart when he made Stitch Head—and now the evil ghost wants it back! He’s looking for revenge on those who were responsible for his death, too, and won’t rest until he has it. Features black-and-white gothic-inspired illustrations throughout.

Welcome to Castle Grotteskew, where Mad Professor Erasmus makes creatures out of spare parts and then casts them aside, looking to make bigger and better. Stitch Head, his first creation, has a heart of gold and is always willing to show the other monsters the ropes—and bail them out of trouble! Join Stich Head and the other occupants of the castle in this exciting series, full of adventures of an almost-lifetime!Stitch Head, a being cooked up in a laboratory by a mad scientist, continues his journey out of the shadows of Castle Grotteskew.

While reluctantly rehearsing with the castle’s drama society under the direction of the Creature (another of Mad Professor Erasmus’ creations), Stitch Head is startled by a disembodied voice only he can hear, calling his name. While searching for the voice’s source, Stitch Head is startled when a human face appears from the shadows, demanding Stitch Head give an unknown thing back. Hearing the description of the ghost, the usually brave Arabella (a human girl) tells Stitch Head he must leave the castle to escape the horrifying ghost of Mawley Crackbone. Upon speaking Mawley’s name, Stitch Head is pulled through the walls into unknown depths of the castle. Mawley reveals that he is the source of Stitch Head’s heart. The protagonist’s fragile sense of self is shaken when he questions if the heart of a wicked man means he is wicked. A quick pace is set from the prologue, where readers learn that Mawley was murdered to end his evil reign over the village of Grubbers Nubbin, and doesn’t let up until the end. Stitch Head’s emotional growth continues as he confronts strong feelings, helped by his friends. These more poignant scenes are balanced with moments of humor and whimsy: the Creature’s melodramatic speech patterns, the play the castle residents are staging, and detailed black-and-white illustrations of Grotteskew’s strange inhabitants. Human characters are generally pale-skinned.

Silly thrills about the power of self and friendship. (Fiction. 7-10) —Kirkus ReviewsGuy Bass is an award-winning author who has written more than 30 books, including the series Dinkin Dings, Spynosaurs, and Skeleton Keys. He lives in London with his wife. Find out more at guybass.com | @GuyBassBooks

Pete Williamson is a self-taught artist and illustrator. He is best known for the award-winning The Raven Mysteries. He has illustrated more than 65 books written by authors including Francesca Simon, Steve Cole, Matt Haig, and Charles Dickens. He lives in Kent, England, with his family.
 CN

Additional information