Lewis Barnavelt is at it again, and this time, during a camping trip, he finds a magic whistle that summons a lamia (an ancient vampire-type creature). As usual, he and his friend Rose Rita decide that it's best not to tell the adults about it because that always works out so well for them (yoicks). But, of course, it all works out in the end, with a nice little surprise twist along the way.
I've said it before but clearly that's not stopping me: I love this series because it's perfect for MG kiddos who like their stories just a little bit creepy but not actually scary. The characters are old friends and it's always fun to meet up with them again. Charlie continues to love the series, too. ( )

The author of this mystery is clearly a serious and devoted fan of the Bellairs classics such as The House with a Clock in Its Walls and A Figure in the Shadows. The same recipe is used to pit orphaned Lewis and his friends Uncle Jonathan, Mrs. Zimmerman and Rose Rita against formidable and terrifying forces. Strickland’s continuation of the series proves to be just as capable as the original in disturbing the reader’s sleep patterns -- don’t start this one on an eve of an early morning obligation. [draft] ( )