Review: Hand "Fun...Quick and Shivery"

Book review: The Hand of the Necromancer

Johnny's friend Professor Childermass has loaned some artifacts which once belonged to an evil wizard to the local museum; but he hides one, a mysterious wooden hand. Then the sinister Mr. Mergal arrives, asking threatening questions and stealing the exhibit. Johnny and the professor quickly have their hands full dealing with wild summer lightning, nightmares and walking skeletons -- and then the professor disappears! Whoever said summer vacation would be boring?

Brad Strickland has previously completed four unfinished books by the late John Bellairs, including The Drum, the Doll, and the Zombie, also starring Johnny Dixon. The Hand of the Necromancer is Strickland's first original story using Bellairs' characters, and he does an excellent job of recreating Bellairs' style.

The Hand of the Necromancer is a fun book, quick and shivery. Young readers should find it an entertaining alternative to the Goosebumps series and other young adult horror.

The Roanoke Times
October 27, 1996