Malory Vayle and the Curse of Maggoty Skull by Martin Howard

Spooky, laugh-out-loud funny and incredibly touching, Malory Vayle and the Curse of Maggoty Skull is undoubtedly one of the best new books of 2024. Aimed perfectly at readers age 9+, it will draw them in with its magic. Fans of Jenni Spangler’s charming gothic adventures won’t be able to put it down.

Right from the first chapter, I found myself chuckling and desperate to find out what would happen next. We first meet Malory Vayle at her parents’ funeral – with the ghosts of her parents standing right next to her. You see, even though she doesn’t realise it yet, Malory is a necromancer. That is, she can see, hear and talk to ghosts. So much more than just a psychic, Malory can control these spirits with a powerful magic.

At first, it seems Malory is on her own with no relatives to care for her until her Aunt Lilith arrives. Elaborately dressed all in black with an air of Moira Rose about her (Schitt’s Creek), she’s certainly a character. Aunt Lilith takes Malory to her new home – Carrion Castle. Horribly haunted and dripping with evil, this place makes poor Malory even more miserable. Lilith claims to be a great psychic, holding seances and charging innocent mourners for a few charlatan party tricks. As Malory discovers the extent of her powers, Lilith can’t believe her luck!

Things go from bad to worse when Malory’s ghostly parents go missing. A grusome voice late in the night summons her to the cellar where she discovers the unexpected – a talking skull with a penchant for wigs. The spirit of a former house servant has been cursed and trapped in its beheaded skull for the past 500 years. “Maggoty Skull” becomes Malory’s unconventional tutor in an attempt to harness her powers, defeat the evil spirit haunting the castle and free her parents. Malory is a hero to get behind. As she begins to discover who she really is, she becomes empowered and really finds her voice.

The partnership of author Martin Howard and illustrator Pete Williamson could not be better. Their wide-eyed, off-the-wall characters leap from the page into readers’ hearts.

This ghoulish comedy pulls together the macabre and bizarre into a story with distinctive charm. Each element is completely unique making it a perfect introduction to gothic horror for young readers. I very much hope there is more to come from these delightful characters.

Thank you to Nosy Crow for an early read of this fantastic book!

Publishing 12th September 2024.

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