S.C.R.E.A.M - The Mummy's Revenge by Andrew Beasley, reviewed by Dawn Finch

First some blurb...

Charlie Steel and Billy Flint are top-secret investigators of Supernatural Crimes, Rescues, Emergencies and Mysteries – aka S.C.R.E.A.M. 

In this first book of a new series they track down no ordinary burglar. This burglar is a 3,000 year old Egyptian mummy on the search for precious jewels for his evil master, and he’s out to destroy all who stand in his way....

I am a big fan of a classic adventure yarn, and this new book from Andrew Beasley ticks all the boxes. The characters are instantly likeable and believable, and the story has all the elements of adventure that will grip a young reader.

Charlie and Billy are intelligent, brave and funny, and the mystery is just enough to keep a child puzzled but not baffled. The story moves on rapidly with spooky mummies, missing jewels and lots of chasing and escaping through dark and sinister Edinburgh streets.

I feel that I should mention that one of the characters, Charlie, is in a wheelchair due to polio. I feel reluctant mentioning it because, while it is mentioned in the text, and obviously some of Charlie's movements are restricted due to her chair, it really is not a big part of the plot and certainly does not define her. I found this very positive and wish that every writer managed to include disabled characters with such subtlety and grace.

The book is not too long, and I think it would be particularly suited to any children who are perhaps less engaged as readers because the chapters are short and the pace is rapid. No waiting around ages for things to happen in this book! The mysterious events come thick and fast as Billy and Charlie are hot on the trail of the jewel thieves. That said, I think that all young readers who enjoy a fast-paced book with a more traditional feel would enjoy this a lot.

Billy is cheeky and street-smart, and Charlie is the brains of the outfit, With additional characters like Doogie the Scottish servant boy and a whole set of strange adults, mysterious butlers and maids, and shuffling stinky mummified creatures - this is cracking Victorian-period adventure that will please all fans of spooky mysteries.

S.C.R.E.A.M - The Mummy's Revenge is published in the UK by Usborne (1 April 2017)
ISBN - 978-1474906920

Reviewed by Dawn Finch
www.dawnfinch.com
@dawnafinch

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THE BATTLES OF BEN KINGDOM: THE CLAWS OF EVIL by Andrew Beasley, reviewed by Tamsyn Murray

It's 1891 and, behind the exclusive doors of London's Sinistra Club, evil is gathering its forces. The Council of Seven, rulers of a shadowy society known as the Legion whose hand stretches back over two thousand years, are readying themselves for action and control of the city of London is their goal.

Standing in their way are the Watchers. Living on the city's rooftops, their vigilance has protected London for thousands of years. They believe in an ancient prophecy which predicts a saviour will help them finally defeat the Legion.

When a vital ingredient of the Legion's plan falls into the hands of a cocky street urchin named Ben Kingdom, he finds himself thrust into the midst of a deadly battle and struggles to know who to trust. Ultimately, he has to chose a side - good or evil - and it's by no means certain which way he will decide to go.

This accomplished debut novel, aimed at readers aged 9+ , is jam packed with danger and excitement. The story races along at breakneck speed, introducing and dispensing with a brilliant array of well-drawn characters as it goes. I loved the ambivalence of Ben - his brash exterior conceals an uncertain naivety which I found very appealing. I also liked Lucy Lambert, whose thankless task it is to watch over Ben and try to keep him out of trouble. But really, it's hard to pick out one or two characters because they are all intriguing, even the sickeningly evil ones.

I especially adored the design and feel of this book. The cover in particular encapsulates the Heaven v Hell theme of the story, with Ben caught between the two and leaves a potential reader in no doubt about what they are getting; an urban steampunk fantasy. Inside, there's a map showing Victorian London, with key locations picked out in greater detail and I must admit, I am a sucker for a beautifully designed map. The action is split over five days and each section (comprising a day) has a gorgeous line illustration to accompany it, giving a rich feel for the fantastical characters and creatures of the book.

I can't wait to discover what battles Ben Kingdom faces next. Bring on the second adventure!

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