Horus and the Curse of Everlasting Regret

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 7, 2017

Review

A girl desperate for money to care for her ailing father; a boy desperate for money to escape his bullying stepbrothers for the summer; a child mummy desperate to break up the boredom caused by an endless curse; a kidnapped girl desperate to be found; and a bat desperate for a nap; this perfectly-paced middle grade novel packs a lot into 200 pages. The book begins with a foot chase and the action doesn't let up until the satisfying conclusion. Set in 1934, post-Depression-era America, and told in alternating chapters, Tunie and Peter meet by chance in the Ancient Egypt exhibit at the Harbortown Natural History Museum; this is also where the mummy Horus spends his cursed nights. The three work together to solve the mysterious disappearance of Dorothy James, racing against time and some shady crooks. The book has likable characters, dastardly villains, touches of humor, suspense, a bit of lucky happenstance, and plenty of pluck. With its message celebrating the power of kindness, the necessity of friendship to survive, and a talented bat friend, the book will be enjoyed by those readers ready for mild suspense and those lovers of mystery and action stories.

Overall Book Score: excellent