Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for this advanced reader's copy and the opportunity to read this early. Review has been posted on Waterstones and Amazon.

With artwork as stunning as this on its cover, of course I was drawn to this spooky, kooky middle-grade book. I was even more intrigued when I saw that it had been selected as the children’s pick for Waterstones Book of the Month, so I was really looking forward to seeing what it was all about.

Mallory Vayle has always been able to talk to dead people but it intensifies when her parents tragically die. She is taken in by her Aunt Lilith who has no psychic powers but is delighted to learn that Mallory does. As Lilith sets about planning how to monetise Mallory’s gift, Mallory sets about searching for the spirits of her parents who have been taken by the ghost of an evil necromancer. And there’s a fabulous, talkative skull named Maggoty to guide her along the way.

Pete Williamson’s illustrations, particularly of Aunt Lilith’s house Carrion Castle, suit the atmosphere of the story perfectly. The castle literally looks like a fierce, snarling monster and that’s exactly the vibe that continues inside and down every dark, winding corridor.

The verbal description of Carrion Castle is perhaps the most effective description in the whole book. The book is largely plot based, so I really noticed the moments where it slowed down and filled in a bit more detail. I would have loved to see more of this world-building throughout the narrative.

The humour is very childish and silly, which obviously means it suits the young audience it’s aimed at. However, there were points where I laughed too, so I think it may be a fun book to read for parents to read with their kids.

The opening chapter was really engaging too. I loved how we were introduced to Mallory’s ability by having her talk to her parents at their own funeral. I was actually quite disappointed that Sally and Lionel disappeared so soon because I’d have loved to get to know them better. Even right after they’ve died, they’re still watching over and taking care of their daughter, which I guess is a comforting belief for all of us who have lost loved ones.

I’m afraid my least favourite part of the book was Maggoty. He was unbelievably irritating and I was extremely confused about the language he used. He was supposedly alive in the 15th or 16th century but he uses extremely modern words. The fact that his spirit is still around can’t even explain it because his cursed skull has been kept in a box since he died, so he hasn’t had any opportunity to learn new ways of speaking. He also didn’t really add anything to the story and it would have been absolutely fine with me (perhaps appreciated even!) to have scrapped him completely.

Mallory Vayle and the Curse of Maggoty Skull is a fun, chaotic, ghostly adventure for young readers. I feel like Maggoty might perhaps have the same fanbase as Olaf from Frozen. He’s clearly there to hold the kids’ attention. It was a quick read and I loved the illustrations but there are definitely better kids’ horror and kids’ comedy books out there.

This is such a fun and silly read, a perfectly light spooky read. There's a creepy castle, a talking skull, necromancy, ghosts, shadow magic, literally everything you could want! The characters felt well fleshed out, from main characters Mallory and Maggoty Skull, to weird aunt Lilith/Hilda. The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous as well, I'm obsessed with them. This is a very touching story, and that ending has me so intrigued for a potential sequel!

Fun spooky book for middle grade readers with some wonderful illustrations. Good story and lots of creepiness to keep everyone entertained.

If you want to dive into something both hilariously funny but deeply dark then Mallory Vayle and the Curse of Maggoty Skull is for you. Chosen as Waterstones Book of the Month for October 2024, the incredible writing had me gripped from the first page. This book doesn't hold back on the evil - with a brilliantly devilish baddy and a brooding mansion that chilled me to the bone. However, it also has bagfuls of VOICE, with incredibly inventive description, some sharp quips and characters which leap off the page.

Mallory Vayle's life has turned upside down. Both her parents have been killed in a suspicious accident and now she's standing at their funeral with their chattering ghosts standing next to her...

Yes, Mallory can see and communicate with the dead - something her estranged, psychic aunt definitely can't. But Mallory is more than a psychic. As she heads off to live in her aunt's terrifying home, she discovers that she's actually a necromancer. And when a truly wicked spirit snatches her parents' ghosts away, Mallory is pulled into the shadows of darkness with only a talking skull to help her. Will Mallory give Hellysh Spatzl what she wants to get her old life back..?

This is a gripping, high-paced read for those that can stomach the fear-factor. However, the humour really helps to temper the scariness and so does Maggoty the skull's incessant chatter, which I found both irritating and endearing, as does Mallory. There's a great plot with huge potential for discussion and I loved the character of Aunt Lilith. Also, watch out for the seance scene just after Mallory goes to live with Aunt Lilith as it's comedy writing at its finest! I loved both Mallory's boldness, courage and vulnerability as she explores what it means to be a necromancer...it's a Halloween classic!

This is the perfect mix of laugh out loud content and brilliant writing and will be a sure fire hit for Key Stage 2. Atmospheric and witty, with just enough grisly and spooky detail to keep children on the edge of their seats without giving them nightmares, this book is crying out to be read out loud with full use of voices and dramatic tension. The illustrations are perfectly matched to the text and help to make this a thoroughly accessible book. I think Maggoty Skull is my new fave Hallowe'en character; the campest most fabulous skull in literature. One not to be missed.

This book was an unexpected little gem. I wasn’t taken with the cover design so didn’t pick it up as quickly as I should have.

This story of an orphan, forced to live with a cruel aunt in a spooky castle full of ghosts only she can see started witty but very familiar in its tropes. Only a chapter or two in, everything changed with the introduction of Maggoty skull. He is a wonderful creation, a rogue executed 500 years ago with his spirit contained inside a skull. But. He is sassy, fabulous and utterly wicked and devoid of social morals. He is wig obsessed and can’t quite decide if a jewelled eyepatch would set off his luck.

From the second we meet him the book is turbo charged. It’s hilarious, a little bit emotional and very silly. I loved it so much and the illustrations inside are so character filled and mournful they perfectly juxtapose the matching fire of jokes and puns.

A brilliant read, I just wish the cover had used more of the internal art..

Whilst I may not necessarily be the target audience for this book I still found it a joy to read!

This is a great read for Spooky season and worked perfectly as a read in October.

I loved how the characters were a pairing of grumpy (with Mallory being reminiscent of Wednesday Addams and Lydia Deetz) and sunshine (with Maggoty Skull being comedic relief leaving me laughing out loud on multiple occasions).

The plot has plenty going on to keep things interesting yet also had enough substance so things didn't feel rushed.

The illustrations throughout are also absolutely stunning! The chapter and page graphics were also great and really helped create an atmospheric spooky feel. I looked forward to turning each page to see what graphic treats would be waiting for me!

Overall this is a fun, kooky read for people of all ages and I look forward to the hopeful continuation of this!

"Mallory Vayle and the Curse of Maggoty Skull" by Martin Howard is a riveting adventure that seamlessly blends fantasy with elements of mystery and suspense. The story follows the titular protagonist, Mallory Vayle, as she embarks on an extraordinary journey to unravel the secrets behind Maggoty's curse. Howard's writing is imbued with vivid imagery and dynamic characters, drawing readers into a richly imagined world where danger and intrigue lurk around every corner. The book's fast-paced narrative and intricately woven plot keep readers on the edge of their seats, eager to uncover the next twist in Mallory's quest.

Howard excels at creating a sense of atmosphere and tension throughout the novel, effectively immersing readers in the perilous and magical setting. The character of Mallory Vayle is particularly compelling, portrayed as a resourceful and determined heroine whose bravery and intelligence drive the story forward. Alongside a cast of memorable supporting characters, Mallory navigates a series of challenges and adversaries, each encounter revealing more about the enigmatic curse and her own inner strength. "Mallory Vayle and the Curse of Maggoty Skull" is a masterful blend of action, mystery, and fantasy, offering a captivating reading experience that will appeal to fans of adventurous and imaginative storytelling.

Deliciously dark and absolutely perfect for UKS2. There is plenty of spookiness and humour cunningly scattered throughout the entire story. I warmed to Mallory immediately and thought Maggoty Skull the perfect lovable rogue. The gorgeous black and white illustrations are perfect for this story and bring the vivid description of Martin Howard to life perfectly.
I'll definitely be keep an eye open to see what Martin Howard writes next.

First Mallory loses her parents in life and then she loses them in death…
Faced with a terrible choice, restoring an evil necromancer to life or leaving her parents’ ghosts forever trapped and out of reach, Mallory turns for help to Maggoty Skull, the necromancer’s former assistant whose spirit is now imprisoned inside his skull by the aforementioned evil necromancer (Hellysh Spatzl). Maggoty, who is happy to be wicked (but don’t mention the e-for evil word), is willing to help Mallory learn the skills she needs to raise the dead. He also warns her not to return Hellysh Spatzl to life as she will wreak untold horror on the world, but what choice does Mallory have? She wants her parents back.

Mallory Vale and the Curse of Maggoty Skull is a gripping, exciting and fun read. The story itself is macabre, and Hellysh Spatzl is indeed a dark and powerful force, capable of murder even as a spirit. However the darkness of the story (murder, curses and necromancy) is alleviated by the humour, especially with Maggoty’s character. I can only describe him as a self-absorbed, wig-obsessed, irresponsible character who brings a lot of humour to the story. He talks about himself in the third person, is way too contemporary for a skull locked in a casket for 500 years (though who am I judge? 🙂 ), makes up a lot of words (usually not complimentary to Mallory!) but is a comical and endearing character. I really liked how Mallory and Maggoty’s friendship develops over the course of the story.

Mallory is a fantastic heroine, brave and determined and also kind. Bonus points for being a heroine who, when presented with a stark choice of A or B, finds another and better way. Aunt Lillith is another character that grows nicely throughout the story.

With strong pacing, atmospheric settings and evocative prose, the story also benefits from lovely artwork throughout. The illustrations, particularly of Mallory, put me in mind of Tim Burton’s The Corpse Bride, a style I really like.

I can see this book being hugely popular with younger and older fantasy/horror readers. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

What a book! Perfect for reading around Haloween! It was spooky and dark, but there was a lot of humour. Maggoty Skull may just be my new favorite character! He's so much fun I wish I had someone like.him in my life (but less dead maybe!). Poor Mallory has lost her parents and has to go and live with an aunt she didn't even know she had. When she moves into a big, spooky castle, she had no idea what adventures she'd have. She learnt a lot about herself in a few short days, not everything she learnt made her happy. Eventually she learns to use her new skills, with the help of Maggoty Skull, to make life better for her. The ending was poignant and lovely, not at all how I thought it would end. And I love that there was a teaser for another book!

This was good - had shades of the graveyard book in but also a story of love and loss interwoven. The illustrations are beautiful and give me riddell-esque vibes and the storytelling is good, perfect for smaller humans who enjoy a bit of humour in their stories with a bit of a scare. That ending though...*sob*

This is more gothic than the Addams family having tea in a graveyard.

The humour balances out the creepiness. I’m sure I’m alone in finding Maggoty’s modern- day vernacular slightly jarring, given the setting, but his levity was appreciated.

The foreboding and suspense will be loved by middle-grade readers and I’m glad that there are the right amount of goulish scares - this is a perfect read for Halloween.

Up until her parents dies in a mysterious accident, Mallory Vayle had been careful about hiding her psychic talents, more interested in books about ponies than dead people. But now her parents are ghosts and she has to move in with her Aunt Lilith, a charlatan psychic. As if that wasn't bad enough, the evil spirit of Hellysh Spatzl haunting her aunt's house snatches her parents away and theatens them with unending torture if Mallory doesn't use her talents to bring back the old hag to life.
Oh, and Mallory is actually more than a pscyhic, she's a necromancer, as revealed gleefully by Maggoty, a cheeky haunted skull with a taste for flamboyant wigs. Maggoty is also, to Mallory's despair, the only being who can teach her how to use her necromancer's skills.
It seems that Mallory has no other choice than making a pact with Hellysh while planning a Halloween spectacular with her aunt. Can she save her parents and defeat Hellysh? She will have to learn to embrace qho she really is...

Mallory Vale and the Curse of Maggoty Skull is a glorious MG horror, full of atmosphere, spookiness and humour. Mallory seems at first helpless, victim of her circumstances, but as the story progresses and she embraces who she is, she dazzles those around her, and the readers! A veru chilling and exciting ride indeed. I can't wait for more adventures featuring Mallory and Maggoty.

Mallory Vale's parents have died in an accident and Mallory is on her way to the local orphanage, when Aunt Lilith turns up. Lilith takes Mallory home with her, to Carrion Castle. Here, Mallory meets Maggoty, a spirit trapped in his own skull and keen to make a deal. He'll help Mallory find her parents' missing ghosts but he wants a few things in return: he wants his curse lifted but first and far more importantly, he'd like a wig. Preferably blonde.

This book will be perfect for fans of the Skeleton Keys books written by Guy Bass and, like Mallory Vale, illustrated by the brilliant Pete Williamson.

It took me a little while to get into but once it got going, I really enjoyed Mallory and Maggoty's story.

This delightfully dark and hilarious novel is a perfect introduction to the world of horror for young readers. Blending the spooky with the absurd, the story follows Mallory Vayle, a young girl grappling with newfound necromancy skills she never wanted. The narrative takes off after a tragedy leaves her orphaned and entangled with the spirits of her deceased parents, who soon find themselves in a predicament that only Mallory can solve.

The star of the show, however, is Maggoty, a centuries-old talking skull with a flair for the dramatic. His outrageous demands and witty banter provide comic relief in a tale filled with eerie settings and supernatural challenges. The dynamic between Mallory and Maggoty is both heartwarming and humorous, creating a balance between the eerie and the entertaining that is sure to captivate readers.

The book is brimming with quirky characters and a plot that twists and turns, making it an engaging read for those who enjoy a mix of chills and chuckles. The author has crafted a story that is both accessible and appealing to younger readers, with just the right amount of spookiness to thrill without overwhelming.

In summary, this book is a must-read for budding horror fans aged 9 and up, especially those who enjoy stories with a macabre twist served with a generous side of humor. Whether you're drawn to the supernatural elements or the laugh-out-loud moments, this tale is sure to entertain from start to finish.

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.

Mallory Vayle's story was cute in its darkness. Mallory confidently loves books about ponies in juxtaposition of the necromancy she excels at. The book is full of silly jokes and Maggoty skull's fowl language in an attempt to make children giggle and get creative. It definitely will suit the likes of fans of Netlix's Wednesday. I found it depreciatory towards young readers' capacity, but it got better towards the end. I wouldn't say it was predictable, but it wasn't jaw-dropping the way the story went.
It was enjoyable and a little spooky read, that will be perfect for the upcoming Halloween.

Mallory Vayle and the Curse of Maggoty Skull is wonderfully different. It is a brilliantly engaging read. I wasn't too sure what to expect but I am so pleased that I was granted an early read as this is a delightfully entertaining read with just the right amount of spookiness and bucketfuls of humour. I absolutely love Maggoty's comedic interjections. The characters and the storyline will certainly appeal to readers and I can see this becoming a favourite readaloud story. Definitely would highly recommend. 
Huge thanks to Nosy Crow and NetGalley for an early read.