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Description
In this middle-grade supernatural adventure, Anthony Monday and Miss Eells pick up an ornate oil lamp at a flea market, unaware it was stolen from the tomb of the notorious occultist Willis Nightwood. Lighting the lamp unleashes a wave of monstrous, satanic forces that threaten to overwhelm the town and spread across the world. The pair must now race to stop the evil power before it consumes everything.
Quick Summary
If you're into spooky-but-not-too-scary mysteries, this one's right up your alley. John Bellairs has a way of mixing creepy atmosphere with laugh-out-loud moments, and Anthony Monday is the kind of kid protagonist who's clever without being insufferable. The magic lamp plot gives the story that extra layer of wonder while still feeling like a classic detective hunt, and the pacing keeps things moving so you're never stuck waiting for something to happen. It's perfect for readers who devoured "The House with a Clock in Its Walls" and want more of that gothic-adventure vibe, or for anyone who likes their supernatural elements served with a side of humor. Parents will appreciate that the scary parts are more mysterious than truly frightening, and there's enough wit and heart to keep kids invested all the way through.