10th September 2026
Everyone’s favourite talkative (and actually quite demanding) bewigged skull is back in this delightfully spooky and completely heartwarming story of make-shift family, making peace with your identity and defeating external and internal villains alike. Mallory Vayle and Maggoty Skull in the Castle of Horrors is the third book in this unique gothic middle grade series. Both hilarious and touching, readers will laugh out loud at Maggoty’s constant cheeky comments whilst willing Mallory to truly appreciate the gifts that make her so special.
Mallory Vayle is a necromancer which means she can use magic to speak with the dead. This skill has come with more than its fair share of challenges. What Mallory wants more than anything is to be able to communicate with her parents who died in a tragic accident at the start of book one. She doesn’t care about any of the power (or evil) that comes with this unusual talent; she just wants to see her family again.
When Mallory and her Aunt Lilith are invited to Madame Majika deVinckel’s magic show (with Maggoty joining them with extra commentary that is anything but quiet), she soon realises there are ulterior motives. Majika wants to make a deal to help Mallory contact her parents in return for assistance stealing the contents of the Chest of Secrets. This proposition quickly takes a dark turn. Mallory learns just how much her powers mean to her and the type of girl she wants to become.
With charmingly dark illustrations by the hugely talented Pete Williamson and a story that takes you deep into a haunted castle, this book will hold readers tight! The importance of friendship and true connection shines through as Mallory realises just how much Maggoty means to her and the type of future she would like to live. I’ll be recommending this series to upper key stage two teachers and secondary school librarians. It’s perfect for readers aged 9+ and is a fantastic transition series for that tricky time between primary and secondary school. Maggoty Skull will definitely keep kids reading!
Thank you to Nosy Crow for an early copy of this fantastic book!
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