Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this arc.

Great fun filled historical fiction. Great for a reluctant reader

A must-read for all young ones and big kids alike, a historical fun-filled epic. of original content, marvellous 3 dimensional characters and helpful for solving thoughts of complex friendships and solving issues of all shapes and sizes.

I received this book from Netgalley for an honest review.

This is a lovely and enchanting story with beautiful illustrations that is great for a Halloween read or for any child (or grown up) who loves a mystery and creepy monsters too!

This is the second book in the series, and despite not reading the first one… I really enjoyed it. The story tells of Theodora, a human who lives in a house on monsters with a mummy for a mummy, a spider for a pet and a secret room full of curses… Theodora goes to normal human school and has to fight injustice against their notoriously horrid headteacher. But whilst doing this she also has to find out the mystery of the beetles… and stop the evil monster headquarter inspector taking over too…

A fun adventure story, with great illustrations. The story is a great easy read that is lighthearted but breaks the fourth wall often to include the reader in the story, similar to Tom Fletcher’’s The Creekers. A few times I got muddled with the characters names and who they attached too, that may be because it’s the second in the series though. But in general, a great book that I could see lots of children loving especially with the humour included too.

CAWPILE-score: 7.86 / 10

I read the first Theodora Hednrix volume last year through NetGalley. It was a cute book with monsters, so when I saw the second book on NetGalley, I immedaily requested it.

C - Characters: 8/10

The characters were still cute, but they didn’t grow much to my heart. Theodora a little bit annoys me.

A - Atmosphere: 9/10

It's cute but spooky. I really love that combo :) 

W - Writing: 9/10

The drawings are beautiful and add a lot to the story. It was written for children, so it wasn't anything special.

P - Plot : 7/10

The story is not the strongest part of the book. The story was predictable, with a few twists, but I didn’t expect any more because that’s what’s typical of these books.

I - Intrigue: 8/10

Sometimes I got bored with the story, but most of the time I enjoyed it.

L - Logic: 8/10

I didn’t understand a few things. They could have been better explained

E - Enjoyment: 6/10

3.5 stars

Really enjoyed this book and think it will be a hit with young readers my only let down was having to read it off my phone and not being able to put it on my kindle .... but it was heartwarming and a fun read and if you are a fan of books like harry potter or nancy drew then I am sure you will really enjoy this book. I am hoping to purchase more of these books so I can read to my son knowing he would really love the monsters and Halloween and things that go bump in the night.

I loved all the illustrations that made the book a lot more fun to read and perfect for young readers it really helps bring the book to life without it feeling too scary adds for a bit of comedy throughout the story.

Really looking forward to the next book now and enjoying them with my sons before bed.


I was provided with an advanced copy for review on NetGalley

Theodora Hendrix and the Curious Case of the Cursed Beetle is a lively and upbeat read, perfectly suited for 7-9 year olds. It’s funny, fast-paced and doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s filled with mischief, monsters and mayhem and is the perfect comedy-horror read for this time of year.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

Theodora is an orphan who is being brought up by monsters in a quirky house that the neighbours gossip about due to it's strange aspect and dilapidated state. A little reminiscent of an Addam's Family situation where strange goings on and creatures are quite normal in Theodora's eyes.
In each of these books there is a mystery to solve and the monsters presence to protect (they live hidden among normal people) and as usual there is a threat lurking, this time to Mummy (who runs the house) as a nasty MLM inspector and her horrible rat want to cause her huge problems and then just to add to the mix, Theodora discovers a cursed beetle.....

This is a fun book for primary age children, which as well as having a storyline that will keep them turning the pages, subtly touches on topics of the importance of friendship and inclusion. I think it's a great book and perfect for confident readers moving into longer chapter books.

I haven’t read the first book in this series. Although, I don’t think it is necessary to enjoy this book as it is quite self explanatory and various critical details are expanded on during the story.
I thought this was a lovely, funny, quirky tale about Theodora who is being brought up my monsters. We don’t know why or how this happened and I presume as the series develops we will have more answers 🤞
The story is clever with some twists and turns. the writer keeps you engaged throughout. The illustrations are beautiful, descriptive and suitably comic.
There are lessons throughout about family, belonging and fitting in as well as acceptance of those who are different.
Overall a lovely book with beautiful illustrations. I will definitely keep reading the series and encourage my son to do the same.

I received an advanced digital ARC of this book. Many thanks to Netgalley for allowing this in exchange for an honest review. All my opinions are my own.

I received a copy of this novel through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I have not read the first book in this series and after reading the 2nd book it makes me a bit sad. It was highly cute and enjoyable middle grade story with monsters and curses. Also the illustrations are very pretty! 😊
Theodora is very head-strong and loyal, she stumbles through mysteries with her best friend Dexter and her merry family of monsters. The amount of names to remember is insane but when you get it under control it becomes fun and creative! 😆
I will look into acquiring the first book as well! 🤞😉

Review of Theodora Hendrix and the Curious Case of the Cursed Beetle
by Jordan Kopy
I got this title for my six year old, and she really enjoyed reading it. The characters were fun and dynamic and the story engaging. She does love reading and this kept her interested until the last page. Well done, recommended.

What a wonderfully ghoulish jape this is . I loved every second spent with the amazing Theodora and the truly eclectic character list that appear in this hard to put down second book in the series. Theodora who lives in a mansion with a host of fabulous monsters is a breath of fresh air in the children's literary world. For any reader who loves Halloween this is the absolute go to book. Read it - you won't be disappointed, bit spooked at times but that's all part of the fun. I am already excited about the next adventure.

With enormous thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley.

Filled with monsters, mayhem and magnificent illustrations,Theodora Hendrix and the Curious Case of the Cursed Beetle is just as much fun as book one and would make a brilliant Halloween purchase.

After breaking rule number one, Theodora Hendrix and the MLM are due a visit from a formidable inspector who will scrutinise every inch of the building to make sure no more rule breaking is occurring. With a party full of definitely-against-the-rules humans planned for Halloween and some strange occurrences in the curse-breaking room (which Theodora definitely isn't meant to be inside. On her own. On multiple occasions), what could possibly go wrong?

I really loved this book and think it will be a huge hit with young readers - I'll be picking up a physical copy for my seven year old once it's out. It's full of comedy and creepiness, with a fantastic cast of characters and plenty of dramatic moments.

The illustrations add to the comedy and fun of the text, bringing the monsters vividly to life but without them feeling too scary.

There are some 'monstrous' human characters too, in the form of Theodora's mean headmistress - a reminder that it's not always mummies and vampires that readers should be afraid of.

I enjoyed all the hints about Theodora's past in this book, and I'm hoping this is going to be explored more in the next book, as I have so many questions and theories!

A really engaging book for readers at Key Stage 2. Hopefully older target readers won't be put off by the pictures, as many children in upper Key Stage 2 are encouraged to read books without pictures. I read this to my 6 year-old, who really LOVED the pictures and the story, but we found it a bit too long to fully sustain her attention. It was fantastic for broadening her vocabulary. I think this would be ideal for Year 3 and 4 pupils with a higher than average reading level. However, it's also a great everyday read for those in Years 5 to 7, who are simply reading for pleasure.

Funny and memorable, for fans of Amelia Fang, Mango & Bambang, Madame Pamplemousse and Goth Girl.

Being back with Theodora, Sherman and Dexter is like being welcomed into an Autumnal hug. Spooky goings on, an Inspector visit and Ms. Frumple all come together in Theodora’s second adventure.
School life and home life are both under great scrutiny…Ms Frumple is not taking it easy on Theodora, keen as always to try to expel her. At home, the MLM is under investigation ever since they admitted to having kept Theodora. Inspector Shelley has come to ensure they are not breaking any more rules but there is more to her story and presence than the monsters know.
New friendships and alliances will be formed, to the surprise of the characters and the reader but it just goes to show how we can come together when there is a shared interest…whether it be to protest school reform, to celebrate spooky events or to battle ancient foe! It all happens in this fantastic tale.
Jordon Kopy has a brilliant style of writing, where the reader feels an immediate part of the story, almost becoming a character. It reads naturally and flows wonderfully from one scene to the next. Chris Jevons is Uber talented with his illustrations bringing these imaginative monsters to life.
Perfect for this spooky season, Theodora Hendrix is one to add to your TBR piles!

been so looking forward to the second book in this series! Think Amelia Fang meets The Addams Family with a little bit of The Munsters mixed in for good measure. Spooky season is just around the corner and Theodora Hendrix and her gang of monsters are readying up to get you in the mood as they prepare to celebrate Halloween ‘Battington-style.’

Now if you haven’t read book 1, Theodora Hendrix and the Monstrous League of Monsters (MLM) then you really really must! It is absolutely essential that you familiarise yourself with the MLM charter and get to know a little bit about Theodora and how she came to be living with a group of such gruesome folk in the first-place.

My absolute favourite element of this series is the mystery narrator. Their razor-sharp wit, dry humour and sarcasm is so on-point and once again had me chuckling away throughout. The enigmatic entity continues to mock grown ups and deliver devilish one-liners, peppering the plot with their pearls of wisdom whilst keeping readers on their toes, puzzling over how they come to witness all the goings-on. I’m zipping my lips now before I unwittingly give away any clues as to their identity as I will not be held responsible for releasing such a monstrously well-kept secret into the world.

Ok, so who’s ready for an Egyptian-themed adventure? Let’s slide open the sarcophagi and find out more about the grave danger (!) Theodora and her fiendish family find themselves in this time.After facing down an evil hag, a thieving skele-crow and an army of the undead in book 1, Theodora is certain she can handle anything – that is, until she meets the unpleasant Inspector Shelley and her even more unpleasant pet rat. (Mary) Shelley and Ratsputin have come to spy on the Monstrous League of Monsters, and are determined to shut them down for an alleged breach the MLM charter.

Whilst the putrid pair prowl the mansion, Theodora makes a discovery of her own in The Ancient Curse Breaking Room: a cursed scarab beetle. She needs to destroy it without attracting the attention of the inspector – and fast. The stakes couldn’t be higher: if Theodora fails, her beloved monster family will rot in the dankest, darkest prisons of Transylvania and she will be banished from the mansion forever…

Of course, Theodora can’t succeed without the help of loyal classmate and friend Dexter Adebola. Each with their own reasons, the two youngsters find school a difficult environment and this instalment of the series sees them become stronger together and begin to find their voices and the courage and conviction to be who they want to be.

A real strength of this series is that family, friendship, and fitting-in are themes that run throughout. There’s a real sense of good triumphing over evil in the story and we see an unlikely ally appear, in former school bully, Billy. He teams up with Theodora and Dexter to defeat the most villainous villain of all…More monstrous than all the monsters put together, Ms Frumple, the horrific headmistress of Appleton Primary despises anything that most people would consider fun and does her best to make the children’s lives miserable with her draconian measures.

Jordan Kopy and Chris Jevons are a perfect author-illustrator pairing and their unique blend of horror, humour and Halloween-style hijinks are sure to hook in younger readers.

Yet again I’ve been left dangling like Sherman on one of his spider webs, waiting to find out how some of the still loose ends will be tied up. I’ll be eagerly anticipating the next adventure, which our secret storyteller has hinted may be further afield – check your passport’s in date is all I’m saying…