*This is the fourth novel
in a series.*
*Casual spoilers for
those who haven’t read the previous books.*
Science camp is so cool. At Stein Manor Science Camp, the
Sinister-Winterbottoms (twins Alexander and Theo and older sister Wil) can
build their own volcanoes, shatter objects as part of the camp’s “mood and
aggression unit” or bake and experiment with food in the kitchen. But they
aren’t there to have fun. Together with Edgar Widow (from Fathoms of Fun), Mina
and Lucy Blood (from the Sanguine Spa), Quincy Graves from Texas and Henry Hyde
(from Camp Creek), they are determined to be one step ahead of Edgaren’t. They
won’t trust any adult in charge, as that hasn’t worked out for them previously,
and it’s easy enough with the enormous, unfriendly, intimidating Mr.
Frank, who has a head that looks “oddly flattened, like it was straight across
instead of domed.” It’s easy to trust friendly Essa, who’s a teen like
Wil, Edgar and Mina. The group is looking for clues about where their parents
might be, while expecting that Edgaren’t will be coming for them and the books
they possess (but no key). There are seven books in all, and each contains a
name: Sinister, Widow, Blood, Graves, Hyde, Stein and Siren. They’re at the
science camp, but where is Mr. V. Stein? The mystery continues for the
Sinister-Winterbottoms and their friends (to be honest, Henry’s only sort
of their friend, as he isn’t very friendly) in this electrifying quest.
The
penultimate adventure in the Sinister Summer series is a
magnificent menace with fast pacing, a mysterious plot involving “Warning!
Do not enter! Danger!” sea caves and witty dialogue. Traipsing along
with the growing group is so much fun, even when they’re navigating tricky situations, working
through self-doubts or worrying about improbable, rogue toilet alligators.
There’s nothing scary or remotely menacing about this tale. It’s zany and
dynamic and reminds us not to judge others, especially not by their outward
appearances, which can be deceiving. There are allusions to Frankenstein, as
readers will catch from the cover page alone. White has once again given
readers a story with moxie. It’s easily a 5/5 for me.
Book 1:
Wretched Waterpark
Book 2:
Vampiric Vacation
Book 3:
Camp Creepy
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