Review: Mummy "Puzzle Of The Will Was Thorny, And Obvious, Once It Was Explained"

Book review: The Mummy, the Will, and the Crypt

The Mummy, the Will, and the Crypt was a very enjoyable read. The magic elements were well-done: scary and not overdone. The puzzle of the will was thorny, and obvious, once it was explained. I still like Johnny.

As Bellairs says in the book, “Johnny was a pretty strong boy, in spite of his timidity.” Johnny has determination, and although he is not the best athlete, he never comes across as wimpy as Lewis Barnavelt. I love the addition of Fergie. He’s smart just like Johnny, and they get into a trivia dual when they first meet. Fergie is also athletic and brave. I can’t wait for the further adventures of Johnny, Fergie, and Professor Childermass.

Edward Gorey did a frontispiece and maps for the book. The Johnny Dixon series doesn’t have many illustrations, but Gorey did a great job of conveying mood and plot through the few illustrations.

Bongo Reader