Title: Mermedusa
Written and Illustrated by: Thomas Taylor
Cover Illustrated by: George Ermos
Published by: Walker Books
When reading this series of mystery adventure books I have come late to the party as I have to admit I have not read any of the other books in the Eerie-on-Sea series. Starting a series by reading book five, the last book, is probably not a good idea but as I am the sort of person that will flick to the end of a book to find out what is going to happen before I finish it, it is definitely par for the course. There is a sense of satisfaction knowing the conclusion and working out how the novel unwinds to get there.
My real concern was not understanding what was going on because I had missed so much. I needn’t have worried. Mermedusa is a complete story in itself with a gripping beginning with Herbie finding a broken lost watch and immediately wanting to discover the mystery behind it and why it stopped at midnight; an exciting middle complete with monsters looming from the eerie mist and quite frankly the most brilliant ending.
I was impressed with the writing and characterisation. Yes. There is references to events throughout the previous books but these are concisely explained giving us just enough information to move the plot forward without bogging us down in the past.
Herbert lemon and Violet Parma are our protagonists and their names certainly bought a smile to my face. The author Thomas Taylor (who could be a secret superhero with a name like that) obviously has an obsession with sweets. Herbie is the lost and founder at the Nautilus Hotel. it is his job to find and return things to the residents of the hotel. It is written form his point of view in third person. Violet is a feisty and loveable character. the friendship between her and Herbie is heart-touching and relatable. they are both strong characters who the reader is rooting for. the mystery behind their missing parents gives the reader an emotional connection to the characters.
I enjoyed this fast-moving plot which kept me turning the pages. it is full of suspense and delightful twists and turns. ideal for upper middle grade with a love of fantasy adventures with imaginative monsters.
You can buy copies of Mermedusa by Thomas Taylor from your local bookshop, or online at uk.bookshop.org which supports local, independent bookshops. Thomas has also said in a recent interview with him that if you would like a signed and drawn-in book, then please order through his local indy bookshop www.hastingsbookshop.co.uk, and leave a note in the order form.
See the interview I did with Thomas Taylor that went live on my blog on Monday here:
Much To Do About Writing 