Goosebumps Most Wanted: Dr. Maniac Will See You Now

Goosebumps Most Wanted: Dr. Maniac Will See You Now by R.L. Stine (Scholastic Inc)
PB RRP $9.99
ISBN 978-0-545-41802-7
Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Richard Dreezer loves everything about comics including his favourite hangout, a comic museum in the city. It is a great place to escape his horrible brother and imagine himself as a superhero for a while. But what happens when all the villains of the comic world find an open door into Richard’s, and begin to invade his town and home? Can he be the hero he’s always dreamed of? And can he save the girl, Bree, from Dr. Maniac?

Goosebumps appeal to middle grade readers who love to scare themselves. With just enough fright to enter the horror zone, young readers can get their hearts thumping with enough suspense to ensure a fast and furious paced reading right to the end.

The end of Dr. Maniac Will See You Now is one that I did not see coming which is always a welcome surprise and very satisfying. Don’t skip the prologue. It sets the tone in a deliciously creepy way, vauguely reminiscent of the old TV series The Twightlight Zone.

Goosebumps Most Wanted: Planet of the Lawn Gnomes

Goosebumps Most Wanted: Planet of the Lawn Gnomes by R.L. Stine (Scholastic Inc)
PB RRP $9.99
ISBN 978-0-545-41798-3
Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

When Jay moves with his family to a new town he intends to make good use of the fresh start he’s been offered. He is determined to stay out of trouble.

It’s just that the neighbour Mr McClatchy is such a grump, someone seems to be moving the annoying lawn gnomes around, and Jay has no idea why there is a curfew imposed after dark. Elliot, his new best friend, seems reluctant to explain any of this to him so Jay really has to look into it himself if he wants to find any answers.

Before long, Jay is starting to get a little creeped out by the creatures in the Quagmire and the Buzzard Hawks, which smell fear, eat flesh, and carry off his dog. Then the lawn gnomes come to life and the horror really sets in.

Goosebump books are great for middle grade readers who love to scare themselves. They are a slim book and readers can enter the horror zone, speed through it with a burst of adrenalin, and then come out the other end fully satisfied with a racing heart!

The note from the author in the prologue is very amusing and sets the tone for the story to follow. A little like gathering around a campfire in anticipation of the scary stories about to be told.

Fear

Fear edited by R.L Stine (Random House)

PB RRP $18.95

ISBN 978-1-7427-5046-0

Reviewed by Oliver Phommavanh

Fear is a collection of suspense and horror stories for older readers. It’s headed by a legend of the genre, R.L Stine. It’s not all vampires and angels. Some of the stories are planted in the real world, offering tense situations that reveal dastardly secrets. Jennifer Allison’s 'The Perfects' story begins in normal suburbia but ends up with a ‘delicious’ ending.

Every story is tight and concise. There’s no waffling here, just genuine scares. The authors’ distinct styles mean that no two stories feel the same, even though some scenarios overlap. But hey, babysitting kids is plain scary by itself. 

The better stories have a killer twist. A favourite of mine is 'Suckers' by Suzanne Weyn which has an ending that you won’t see coming and will force you to revisit earlier scenes. There are stories that warrant its own novel, such as Heather Brewer’s 'Shadow Children', who paints a fascinating world of deadly shadows in a few pages. 'Dragonfly Eyes' by Alane Ferguson is going to be expanded into its own book. When you read this short story of a girl who has crossed over into the afterlife, you’ll be begging for more. Ferguson’s imagery and description is simply mesmerising.R.L Stine shines with his contribution, 'Welcome to the Club'. It’s a simple story, spun around with his trademark wry humour and twists.

Readers will have their favourites but they will enjoy every story in this Fear anthology. It’s perfect for anyone who likes their scares in short bursts. It’s recommended for ages 15 and up.