The differences in what Bellairs might have done and what Strickland has chosen to do are subtle, and speculation is a futile game of second guessing at best. Personally, I don't believe Bellairs would have created Johnny's new friend Sarah, or at least not for the Johnny Dixon books; but Strickland has added her (she first appeared in The Hand of the Necromancer), and she seems to work. Her role in the current book is more subdued, and her friendship with Fergie an appropriately cool one.
As for writing style, Strickland mimics Bellairs so perfectly, both strengths and weaknesses, that if I didn't know already this was not Bellairs, I probably would not guess. That mouse mummy is one creepy little item!
Wendy Morris
lyonsmorris.com
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