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Haarville
Welcome to Haarville -- if you've arrived, you've survived. Off the grid and not on the maps, it's a place shrouded in fog and steeped in pungent pongs. Everything here smells fishy, especially the town's suspicious new arrivals.
Twelve-year-old Manx Fearty is an orphan (his family has a terrible habit of dying, terribly), and now he's about to lose their perpetual device shop to sinister newcomers claiming to be long-lost relatives. As he sets out to prove them wrong, Manx finds himself on the trail of a murky, mist-muddled mystery -- and it's one he needs to solve fast, otherwise Haarville is doomed.
With the help of his fiercely protective drag-queen guardian Father G (aka the fabulous Gloria in Excelsis), loyal best friend Fantoosh, and oystercatcher-with-attitude Olu, Manx wades through secrets, schemes and some stomach-churning seafood. Can he save both his family's legacy and his town?
Darkly comic but full of heart, this quirky middle-grade mystery adventure from Justin Davies, award-winning author of Help! I Smell a Monster and Whoa! I Spy a Werewolf (Orchard Books), is perfect for fans of Malamander and A Series of Unfortunate Events.
Twelve-year-old Manx Fearty is an orphan (his family has a terrible habit of dying, terribly), and now he's about to lose their perpetual device shop to sinister newcomers claiming to be long-lost relatives. As he sets out to prove them wrong, Manx finds himself on the trail of a murky, mist-muddled mystery -- and it's one he needs to solve fast, otherwise Haarville is doomed.
With the help of his fiercely protective drag-queen guardian Father G (aka the fabulous Gloria in Excelsis), loyal best friend Fantoosh, and oystercatcher-with-attitude Olu, Manx wades through secrets, schemes and some stomach-churning seafood. Can he save both his family's legacy and his town?
Darkly comic but full of heart, this quirky middle-grade mystery adventure from Justin Davies, award-winning author of Help! I Smell a Monster and Whoa! I Spy a Werewolf (Orchard Books), is perfect for fans of Malamander and A Series of Unfortunate Events.
- GenresChildrensMiddle Grade
296 pages, Paperback
Published June 6, 2023
1 person is currently reading
2060 people want to read
About the author
Justin Davies
4 books38 followersAfter years spent flying around the world as cabin crew, Justin finally hung up his wings to focus on writing books that children can lose themselves in. His first book, Help! I Smell a Monster, won the Fantastic Book Awards in 2021. As well as writing, Justin loves visiting schools to share his books, which he says is one of the best things about being a children’s author.
When not lost in his own imagination, Justin continues his lifelong quest to bake the perfect scone. It’s an important endeavour, and one he takes very seriously.
Justin lives with his husband Andrew, and Sally the rescue greyhound, in the shadow of the Forth Bridge in Fife.
When not lost in his own imagination, Justin continues his lifelong quest to bake the perfect scone. It’s an important endeavour, and one he takes very seriously.
Justin lives with his husband Andrew, and Sally the rescue greyhound, in the shadow of the Forth Bridge in Fife.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 16, 2023
Loved lots about this book but particularly the actual place Haarville feels like a character in its own right with moods!
Everything is fishy including the story itself.
Carried me along (just like the ninth wave) beautifully.
Everything is fishy including the story itself.
Carried me along (just like the ninth wave) beautifully.
March 6, 2023
Fun, full of fishy frolics and fearsome adventures
May 12, 2023
What worked:
It’s hard to find stories with innovative twists on familiar themes but this book brings freshness to middle-grade literature. Haarville’s existence is only rumored in the Out-There as almost all of its residents are related to shipwreck survivors. Manx’s relatives founded the town in a land full of fog-shrouded rocks and the discovery of amberose is the only reason people have been able to survive. This power source keeps all perpetual inventions working although Manx and his guardian are the only ones knowledgeable enough to work with the volatile resource. However, two strangers appear in Haarville taking over Manx’s repair shop and confiscating all of the perpetuals in town. The most interesting twist is how the town’s leaders immediately allow the strangers to take over and disrupt life in Haarville.
An insightful observation made by one character is that some stories have two beginnings. Manx doesn’t understand how this is possible until the woman explains what she means. Everyone in town knows the tale of how Manx’s relatives founded Haarville but she offers another version of what citizens “know”. Manx discovers the story told by the strangers might be true but their motivation for appearing in Haarville is less than honorable. They have no desire to repair perpetuals for townsfolk but are more interested in searching for a treasure referred to as the hoard. What exactly is the hoard? The plot evolves into a mystery where Manx is in a race to solve clues and locate the hoard before the strangers.
Readers will empathize with Manx’s character as he’s beaten down and stripped of his freedoms. The strangers evict him and his guardian from their home and the author masterfully describes their new life across the bridge in the squalid part of town. They’re forced to help an innkeeper with chores that include cleaning privies, laundering crusty garments and linens that may have never been cleaned, and making meals from assorted fish parts. A curfew assessed to Manx limits his access to Haarville but additional orders systematically restrict his movements to visit friends and investigate new clues.
What didn’t work as well:
Most of the plot finds Manx battling problems on his own as he tries to unravel what’s happening. He’s supported by his guardian Father G and best friend Fantoosh but he always investigates on his own. Fantoosh comes across as more of a classmate since the author doesn’t have her going out of her way to help. Most books with close friends find characters taking risks for each other and defying authority to make things right. Fantoosh doesn’t behave in this way until the story nears its climax.
The Final Verdict:
The author creates a magical story where Manx fights increasingly difficult challenges to uncover the truth and save Haarville. The descriptions are inventive but familiar enough for readers to make connections. The underdog story should appeal to young readers so I recommend you give it a shot.
It’s hard to find stories with innovative twists on familiar themes but this book brings freshness to middle-grade literature. Haarville’s existence is only rumored in the Out-There as almost all of its residents are related to shipwreck survivors. Manx’s relatives founded the town in a land full of fog-shrouded rocks and the discovery of amberose is the only reason people have been able to survive. This power source keeps all perpetual inventions working although Manx and his guardian are the only ones knowledgeable enough to work with the volatile resource. However, two strangers appear in Haarville taking over Manx’s repair shop and confiscating all of the perpetuals in town. The most interesting twist is how the town’s leaders immediately allow the strangers to take over and disrupt life in Haarville.
An insightful observation made by one character is that some stories have two beginnings. Manx doesn’t understand how this is possible until the woman explains what she means. Everyone in town knows the tale of how Manx’s relatives founded Haarville but she offers another version of what citizens “know”. Manx discovers the story told by the strangers might be true but their motivation for appearing in Haarville is less than honorable. They have no desire to repair perpetuals for townsfolk but are more interested in searching for a treasure referred to as the hoard. What exactly is the hoard? The plot evolves into a mystery where Manx is in a race to solve clues and locate the hoard before the strangers.
Readers will empathize with Manx’s character as he’s beaten down and stripped of his freedoms. The strangers evict him and his guardian from their home and the author masterfully describes their new life across the bridge in the squalid part of town. They’re forced to help an innkeeper with chores that include cleaning privies, laundering crusty garments and linens that may have never been cleaned, and making meals from assorted fish parts. A curfew assessed to Manx limits his access to Haarville but additional orders systematically restrict his movements to visit friends and investigate new clues.
What didn’t work as well:
Most of the plot finds Manx battling problems on his own as he tries to unravel what’s happening. He’s supported by his guardian Father G and best friend Fantoosh but he always investigates on his own. Fantoosh comes across as more of a classmate since the author doesn’t have her going out of her way to help. Most books with close friends find characters taking risks for each other and defying authority to make things right. Fantoosh doesn’t behave in this way until the story nears its climax.
The Final Verdict:
The author creates a magical story where Manx fights increasingly difficult challenges to uncover the truth and save Haarville. The descriptions are inventive but familiar enough for readers to make connections. The underdog story should appeal to young readers so I recommend you give it a shot.
November 20, 2023
New arrivals don't come very often, but the newest ones to Haarville are even fishier than Haarville itself. Twelve-year-old Manx helps run his family's shop, maintaining the town's perpetual devices with the help of his guardian, Father G. The newcomers claim to be long-lost family but, even worse, the true owners of the shop, in spite of the fact that Manx and Father G are the only people who know how to keep perpetual devices running without exploding. If he can't figure out what the newcomers actually want and get to it first, he'll lose his family's shop, the respect of the town, and maybe even the town itself.
Some children's books have a certain character to them that is dark, comic, or quirky. This book falls into that categorization, feeling reminiscent of the wacky stories and narrative styles like the Series of Unfortunate Events or How to Train Your Dragon series. It's meant to be weird. The whole town is covered in fish, and fishy references are everywhere. And it creates the kind of entertaining story of courage and strangeness many kids look for.
That wackiness is most apparent in the setting. The town of Haarville is so odd and fishy and strange that it acts as a character in itself. It's not like anywhere else in the world, not just for the style of the book but also for actual plot reasons. The setting is as unique as the book, and the people who live in Haarville are as strange and fun as the town itself. From Manx's guardian, a fiercely protective drag queen, to the corrupt town leaders, every corner has interesting people and details. The perpetual machines that accomplish so many tasks makes the book feel like steampunk... if steampunk typically involved large quantities of fish.
Overall, the book is a funny, whacky treasure hunt with plenty of fishy illustrations and witty sentences. Kids looking for an adventure may enjoy this story of a town cut off from the rest of the world and a boy who wants to save it more than anything else.
Some children's books have a certain character to them that is dark, comic, or quirky. This book falls into that categorization, feeling reminiscent of the wacky stories and narrative styles like the Series of Unfortunate Events or How to Train Your Dragon series. It's meant to be weird. The whole town is covered in fish, and fishy references are everywhere. And it creates the kind of entertaining story of courage and strangeness many kids look for.
That wackiness is most apparent in the setting. The town of Haarville is so odd and fishy and strange that it acts as a character in itself. It's not like anywhere else in the world, not just for the style of the book but also for actual plot reasons. The setting is as unique as the book, and the people who live in Haarville are as strange and fun as the town itself. From Manx's guardian, a fiercely protective drag queen, to the corrupt town leaders, every corner has interesting people and details. The perpetual machines that accomplish so many tasks makes the book feel like steampunk... if steampunk typically involved large quantities of fish.
Overall, the book is a funny, whacky treasure hunt with plenty of fishy illustrations and witty sentences. Kids looking for an adventure may enjoy this story of a town cut off from the rest of the world and a boy who wants to save it more than anything else.
July 29, 2025
Gloriously weird, wickedly witty, and absolutely unforgettable.”
Welcome to Haarville, where the fog is thick, the seafood is suspicious, and the storytelling is chef’s kiss. From the first page, I knew I was in for a wildly original ride, but Justin Davies has created something far beyond quirky — this is middle-grade madness at its most magical.
Manx Fearty is an instantly loveable underdog (with the most tragically cursed family tree ever), and his ragtag team, including a drag queen guardian with flair, a best friend named Fantoosh, and an oystercatcher with attitude, make for an unforgettable crew. The town itself is practically a character: eerie, fishy, and deliciously off-kilter.
This book had me laughing out loud one moment and racing through the pages the next. The humour is sharp, the stakes are real, and the heart is undeniable. It’s got the spirit of Lemony Snicket, the wildness of Malamander, and a voice entirely its own.
Perfect for readers who like their mysteries with a touch of the bizarre, their heroes with grit, and their adventures soaked in fog and fish guts.
Justin, if you’re reading this: please don’t stop writing. And also, where do I apply to be adopted by Gloria in Excelsis?
Welcome to Haarville, where the fog is thick, the seafood is suspicious, and the storytelling is chef’s kiss. From the first page, I knew I was in for a wildly original ride, but Justin Davies has created something far beyond quirky — this is middle-grade madness at its most magical.
Manx Fearty is an instantly loveable underdog (with the most tragically cursed family tree ever), and his ragtag team, including a drag queen guardian with flair, a best friend named Fantoosh, and an oystercatcher with attitude, make for an unforgettable crew. The town itself is practically a character: eerie, fishy, and deliciously off-kilter.
This book had me laughing out loud one moment and racing through the pages the next. The humour is sharp, the stakes are real, and the heart is undeniable. It’s got the spirit of Lemony Snicket, the wildness of Malamander, and a voice entirely its own.
Perfect for readers who like their mysteries with a touch of the bizarre, their heroes with grit, and their adventures soaked in fog and fish guts.
Justin, if you’re reading this: please don’t stop writing. And also, where do I apply to be adopted by Gloria in Excelsis?
May 23, 2023
https://www.deviantquill.com/post/haa...
Davies' writing style is witty and engaging, perfectly capturing the essence of a darkly comic, mysterious, and sometimes dramatic middle-grade story. It is infused with quirky humor and moments of genuine warmth, allowing young readers to connect with the characters and become fully immersed in this world.
The author's ability to balance humor with heartfelt emotions adds depth to the narrative, making it a well-rounded and enjoyable read, even for adults. The main character's struggles have the potential to teach children about the importance of perseverance and patience.
The illustrations turn the whole book into a fantastic literary experience.
Haarville is a book that embraces uniqueness and will undoubtedly appeal to young readers who enjoy stories with offbeat charm.
Review copy provided by Floris Books @ NetGalley
Davies' writing style is witty and engaging, perfectly capturing the essence of a darkly comic, mysterious, and sometimes dramatic middle-grade story. It is infused with quirky humor and moments of genuine warmth, allowing young readers to connect with the characters and become fully immersed in this world.
The author's ability to balance humor with heartfelt emotions adds depth to the narrative, making it a well-rounded and enjoyable read, even for adults. The main character's struggles have the potential to teach children about the importance of perseverance and patience.
The illustrations turn the whole book into a fantastic literary experience.
Haarville is a book that embraces uniqueness and will undoubtedly appeal to young readers who enjoy stories with offbeat charm.
Review copy provided by Floris Books @ NetGalley
August 27, 2023
Justin came to my daughter’s primary school to promote this book and parents were invited too. Justin and his stories captivated us and we were all keen to read this book, especially as Justin took inspiration from the fishing village I grew up in and used the name as a character’s name. My daughter (9) inhaled the book and loved it so it was given to me to read and I eventually got round to reading it and I’m so glad I did. I really enjoyed the book and I can imagine that it will delight kids, both boys and girls, too. Good job Justin (and the airline’s loss is the literary world’s gain!).
January 17, 2024
2 days before i was set to leave the country for 4 months i got a message that my hold on this book had come in (something i kinda thought never would happen so i never bothered deactivating the hold until summer). so i picked it up and i flew through it. it was very fun and i loved the setting...what more can you ask from a setting besides that it's a seawater-drenched, foggy, weird little island? i will say it kinda felt like most of the characters did not have very much development....but the setting was so wonderful that i can overlook that!
April 21, 2023
This is my third children's novel. This time I'm writing for slightly older children and have really enjoyed the opportunity to write a longer adventure story. The setting for Haarville is inspired by the atmospheric fishing villages near where I live in Fife, Scotland, and the sea mist, or haar, which often rolls in from the North Sea. If you enjoy stories stuffed with secrets and scoundrels - not forgetting seaweed - then Haarville might be for you!
Want to read
April 15, 2023Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
April 9, 2024
Bit of a slow burn. The fishy culture of this place got a little old but overall the adventure was fun. Possibly poised for another volume.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews