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.

I loved this book - it was funny, fast paced and spooky with atmospheric illustrations.
Mallory's parents have died tragically but, as she's got the ability to see and talk to ghosts, she isn't missing them yet. Great start to the book then it's full of silly jokes/insults from a talking skull, evil shadows and lots of bones. Great character and place names too. Will be loved by middle grade readers who like their books creepy.

This is a book about an orphaned girl with a gift to talk to spirits -- and that includes the spirits of her dead parents. The illustration at the beginning of the book gripped me before I even started reading it. Then the witty writing took over and I was blown away by it. It gives off some "Wednesday" vibe in an even more comical way. I am sure my students would love it.

What a fun book, this is written mainly for children but I really enjoyed it as well. Mallory and Maggoty have such a fun dynamic that just keeps you wanting to read on.

The illustrations in this book are stunning and have a Tim Burton vibe to them that I loved and they really help the story along.

I managed to read this book in one day because I just wanted to know what was going to happen with Mallory and her wacky aunt.

This should be added to most children’s reading lists if they want something slightly spooky!

Mallory Vayle and the Curse of Maggoty Skull is a middle grade/juniour horror comedy book which is enjoyable for adult readers too.
This is Mallory’s story - Mallory who has gifts, and who wants to save (? there is a much better word but I will use ‘save’ to spare you more suspense), and we have peculiar aunt, an evil spirit and a talking skull. Accompanied by the fun illustrations of Pete Williamson, Mallory and Maggoty oozes Halloween spirits; think everything we like about Halloween - spooky fun and gothic characters.
This book gripped me from the opening, which was hilarious (the remarks about funeral tropes) and managed to sustain my attention throughout.
I have not shared it with my 9yo child yet, and can’t wait to share it.
For the younger section of the middle grade (8-10yo), this could have been 10-15% shorter.
Overall, I highly recommend reading it. 4.5 stars.
Concept, mood, setting: 5
Characterisation: 5
Plot: 4.5
Prose: 4.5 (hilarity 5/5)
Pacing and length: 4