The Misadventures of Hobart Hucklebuck
Magic & Mayhem
Spacklethack and Rosie Rumpleskirt, as they try to solve this mystery and free Hobart’s grandfather from the Tower of Tribulation on Mumblemonk Mountain. The trio’s investigation into the mysterious happenings on Druid Lane gets them into hot water more than once and ultimately brings them dangerously close to disaster not only for themselves, but the entire village of Pennywhistle.
The Misadventures of Hobart Hucklebuck: Magic & Mayhem by Stan Swanson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book was a lot of fun to read for an adult who never grew up. I can’t imagine the time it took to think up all the atypical tricks to tempt tweens—unsavory sounds like salamander sandwiches and fearful phrases like ferocious felines. I wonder if writing a wacky windfall of words was terrible trouble. My contention is that such invention includes a lot of imagination. Alliteration, assonance, and silly sounding names announce the magic messages among those teasing twisters to the tongue.
I noted two problems for adults, neither likely to bother tweens. The sentence structure is built like brick but stacked without the staggering trick. Along the wall, few opening clauses, windows placed to give us pauses. Also, too many people practice repeating speech patterns. Suffering succotash, such slews of similar sounds must stun some sensitive souls. However, if this much wordplay didn’t drive you nuts, you’re going to enjoy the book.
The plot provides plenty of perplexing predicaments, malarkey, mixed-up magic, mystery, malfeasance, malevolence, and mayhem. It’s a hoot of a “whodunit” wherein Hobart has obvious obstacles to overcome besides his muted magic. Suspicions spread like shooflies in sun.
Bully for creative characterization because the bully becomes a boon. Friends and enemies alike are entertaining. And after funny friends, there’s a fiendish foe, so you’ll never guess who is guilty—oh, no. Will Hobart save the day or will he run? Find out for yourself because this review is done.
For kids and the young at heart, four of five stars. I was provided a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
AUTHOR BIO:
also editor/publisher for Dark Moon Books and Dark Moon Digest. Upcoming titles include Dead Sparrows (a collection of apocalyptic poetry), The Methlands (a horror novel co-written with award-winning author Joe McKinney) and The Misadventures of Hobart Hucklebuck: Pandemonium in Pennywhistle.
Wow, what a fun review! You really nailed it! You got the examples totally perfect with your own creativity. Thank you so much for reviewing this one for the blog tour and hosting a tour stop!
Thanks, Candace! I have to admit, writing the review was almost as fun as reading the book. I’m glad I got to take part in the tour.