Hi guys! I’m participating in a blog tour today, and I have some fun things for you all to read after my review (wait- does that mean my review isn’t fun to read?? 😉 )!
First, though, visit the previous tour stop HERE and tomorrow’s poster HERE!
The Screaming Statue
Series: The Curiosity House #2 (#1)
Written by Lauren Oliver and H.C. Chester
Illustrated by Benjamin Lacombe
368 pages – ages 9+
Published by HarperCollins on May 3, 2016
Synopsis from Publisher- “Four orphans with extraordinary abilities and questionable pasts—Pippa, Sam, Thomas, and Max—are happy to be out of harm’s way now that the notorious villain Nicholas Rattigan is halfway across the country in Chicago. But unfortunately their home, Dumfreys’s Dime Museum of Freaks, Oddities, and Wonders, is in danger of closing its doors forever.
But their troubles only get worse. The four friends are shocked when their beloved friend, famous sculptor Siegfried Eckleberger, is murdered. As they investigate, they find clues that his death may be tied to the murder of a rich and powerful New York heiress, as well as to their own pasts.
In this second book in the exceptional Curiosity House series by bestselling author Lauren Oliver and shadowy recluse H. C. Chester, the four extraordinary children must avenge their friend’s death, try to save their home, and unravel the secrets of their past . . . before their past unravels them.“
What I Thought- First, I want to say that these books are on the darker side of things. There is murder/death/etc. discussed freely throughout the book, and the characters are usually in dismal situations. It’s a unique perspective for a murder “mystery”, as most of the characters seem sort of used to sudden death, and just take it as a part of life. Add in the fact that the world sees them as freaks, and you can see why everyone seems grumpy. Having said that, the authors have skillfully crafted a quirky, enjoyable story. The characters are unique, well-developed and, despite most being “oddities”, are rather realistic and believable. I really liked the feel of the world that was created, I imagine it about early 1900’s (I couldn’t tell you when exactly, though – and I like that!). This writing duo writes with an edgy, sarcastic type of humor that skates the line between funny and dark. I can’t wait for book 3!
I give this book five out of five bookworms!
WAIT!!!
There’s more!
I have an interview with the authors! AND ONE OF THE CHARACTERS!
First, the authors!
The authors; Lauren Oliver and H.C. Chester
Now for the character interview with Pippa!
Oh, well, I could always read pockets, I suppose. To me it was just like looking at someone’s face, and noticing a quirk of the eyebrows or a mole growing on a cheek or something. It’s only when I’m nervous that I can’t do it.
Thank you Pippa…I think. Your honest opinion is always…appreciated. And thank you Ms. Oliver for writing this book, and stopping by. You, too, Mr. Chester – I guess. Well, good luck with your up-and-coming book, anyway. I’m sure those Ancient Babylonian Belt Buckle collectors will enjoy it.
Anyway, please check out the Curiosity House website! Enjoy the rest of the tour!
Max is a world-class knife thrower and never fails to leave the museum without a set of blades in her pockets. She once shaved off a man’s mustache from a distance of seventy-five yards (at his request; she was paid a nickel for it.)
Nearly 8 feet tall, Smalls has a near-constant bump on his head from grazing the ceiling. An aspiring poet, Smalls has published several of his own original works (including “Ode to a Toaster” and “The Elegy of an Unknown Dust Bunny”) in a literary magazine he publishes and circulates himself.
Pippa is the museum’s Mentalist. Her greatest desire is to be able to read minds, though so far she has only been able to read the contents of other people’s pockets. She enjoys reading quietly, proper grammar, and tea with lemon.
Thomas is known alternatively as “The Rubber Band Boy” and “Human Putty.” Able to twist, bend, and contort himself into various positions, he is also known for his great love of puzzles, word games, and riddles.
Sam is billed as the Strongest Boy in the Country although it is doubtful that there are boys stronger than him anywhere in the world. He once lifted a car–one-handed–to save a dog trapped beneath it, and in fact he loves animals and is desperate for a pet (preferably a dog, cat, or rabbit, but he would even be happy with a turtle).
Literary Hoots
Technically, Danny is slightly too tall to be considered a dwarf, but never tell him so unless you’d like an undersized fist poked in your eye. Originally from Ireland, Danny is very musical and plays the flute, violin, and bagpipe beautifully.
Weighing in at half a ton, Phoebe is tremendously proud of her size and keeps up a rigorous diet regimen that includes toast soaked in bacon fat and whole sticks of butter. The scariest day of her life was when she discovered, that due to the flu, she had lost ten pounds.
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Categories: Age 9+
Thanks for your thoughts on the book and I loved your interview questions. I’m looking forward to sharing Sam (THE STRONGBOY) on my blog next week.
Thank you Mr. Pattridge! 🙂
It’s always such fun to get to know more about the authors and the characters of their stories. And your review was certainly fun 🙂
It is (and thank you!)! 🙂
The Screaming Statue looks wonderful, I thought the appeal of this series was that it is kinda dark and the characters are all intriguing. Lovely interview and especially enjoyed getting to know Pippa better.
I think that too, but I just wanted to mention it, in case someone does not prefer that.
Nice review and interview, Erik. I like Max the knife-thrower. Shame she and Pippa don’t get along over a couple of stinky socks. Max mentions this tiff but doesn’t seem ready to change any time soon.
‘Tis a shame. (how do you spell ’tis?) That’s a shame too. 😉
I really enjoyed the first book in the series and I’m glad to hear you liked this one too. Great interviews! I love how the four kids each have a different talent, but they all work together to solve mysteries.
It’s a fun series. I guess you could look into the book as teaching about teamwork and accepting each other for what they are, but I don’t think the authors would like it. 😉