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Mallory Vayle and the Curse of Maggoty Skull
Super funny, super spooky MG for budding horror fans about a talkative skull and a necromancer-in-training - perfect for Lemony Snicket readers!
Mallory Vayle would list her interests as being normal, books about ponies and very definitely NOT talking to dead people. But when her parents' carriage takes a leap off Gibbett Bridge - an accident for which there appears to be no explanation - she is taken in by a strange aunt the family disowned years ago and brought to her new, and very spooky, home. Aunt Lilith, a charlatan psychic, is quick to monetise Mallory's prodigious skills in talking to dead people and starts to advertise grand seances (ticketed obvs) in her spiritual news sheet.
The ghosts of her parents also take up residence in the house but are cruelly snatched away by the shadow of Hellysh Spatzl, the grimmest, wickedest necromancer in all of history. To get them back, Mallory will have to learn how to use the talents she hates and raise the old hag from the dead. Her teacher? A talking skull called Maggoty, who wants some favours in return for his help - not just a gorgeous blond wig and some sparkly earrings, but for Mallory to break the curse that has left his spirit locked inside his own skull for 500 years.
Mallory will have to lean into who she is and what she can do and make a pack with the evil Hellysh Spatzl to get her parents back while at the same time putting on a sensational Halloween spectacular at only five shillings a head for an amazed audience at Nightmare Castle. And learn to love her chatty sidekick and his glorious wig...
As darkly hilarious as The Addams Family, this is really good fun. An alternative spooky Victoriana packed with laughs and outrageous characters, at its heart, it's a story of a young girl coming to terms with her own gifts and accepting that nobody is 'normal'.
Mallory Vayle would list her interests as being normal, books about ponies and very definitely NOT talking to dead people. But when her parents' carriage takes a leap off Gibbett Bridge - an accident for which there appears to be no explanation - she is taken in by a strange aunt the family disowned years ago and brought to her new, and very spooky, home. Aunt Lilith, a charlatan psychic, is quick to monetise Mallory's prodigious skills in talking to dead people and starts to advertise grand seances (ticketed obvs) in her spiritual news sheet.
The ghosts of her parents also take up residence in the house but are cruelly snatched away by the shadow of Hellysh Spatzl, the grimmest, wickedest necromancer in all of history. To get them back, Mallory will have to learn how to use the talents she hates and raise the old hag from the dead. Her teacher? A talking skull called Maggoty, who wants some favours in return for his help - not just a gorgeous blond wig and some sparkly earrings, but for Mallory to break the curse that has left his spirit locked inside his own skull for 500 years.
Mallory will have to lean into who she is and what she can do and make a pack with the evil Hellysh Spatzl to get her parents back while at the same time putting on a sensational Halloween spectacular at only five shillings a head for an amazed audience at Nightmare Castle. And learn to love her chatty sidekick and his glorious wig...
As darkly hilarious as The Addams Family, this is really good fun. An alternative spooky Victoriana packed with laughs and outrageous characters, at its heart, it's a story of a young girl coming to terms with her own gifts and accepting that nobody is 'normal'.
244 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 26, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
October 5, 2024
I was immediately drawn to this book by the fantastic art style and the gleeful absurdity of the premise, and happily the rest of the reading experience more than lives up to this first impression. The eponymous Mallory Vayle is sent to live in an atmospheric gothic castle following the tragic death of her parents, where her friendship with Maggoty Skull and discovery of her newfound necromantic powers provide plenty of mayhem and spooky antics. This was a thrilling and enjoyable read from start to finish: the characters are excellently fleshed out (pun not intended) and believable, the themes of accepting loss and self-discovery are relevant to all ages and powerfully moving, and there are plenty of welcome moments of comedy which keep the story moving along smoothly. On the whole, this book is ideal Halloween reading for horror lovers of all ages. A page-turning adventure with a beating human heart and wonderful characters, Mallory Vayle and the Curse of Maggoty Skull is sure to become a favourite for fans of the supernatural and anyone looking for a funny and spooky book to read during those long Autumn evenings.
September 5, 2024
4.5*!! 💀🦇👻🔮🪦
I LOVED this spooky lil kids book!!! Necromancy, ghosts, bats, creepy castles, weird aunts, evil spirits and a sassy and FABULOUS talking skull? Everything I could ask for really!
I loved the characters (Maggoty of course being my favourite, what a camp and funny lil guy), the settings felt appropriately creepy and the plot was great!
I had a super fun time reading this and laughed my way through so much of it (at the appropriate points of course). The illustrations were a lovely addition too and a nice touch to elevate the understanding of the characters and settings.
Will be keeping a beady green eye out for the follow up!! 🦇
I LOVED this spooky lil kids book!!! Necromancy, ghosts, bats, creepy castles, weird aunts, evil spirits and a sassy and FABULOUS talking skull? Everything I could ask for really!
I loved the characters (Maggoty of course being my favourite, what a camp and funny lil guy), the settings felt appropriately creepy and the plot was great!
I had a super fun time reading this and laughed my way through so much of it (at the appropriate points of course). The illustrations were a lovely addition too and a nice touch to elevate the understanding of the characters and settings.
Will be keeping a beady green eye out for the follow up!! 🦇
August 18, 2024
"Has it got thrills, spills and an oh-so-gorgeous skull as the main character?"
The answer is YES!
This is a fun, spooky children's book about necromancy with a brave heroine and a hilarious skull sidekick. He's sassy and obsessed with wigs. What more could you want?
The answer is YES!
This is a fun, spooky children's book about necromancy with a brave heroine and a hilarious skull sidekick. He's sassy and obsessed with wigs. What more could you want?
July 21, 2024
I was given this book through NetGalley for an unbiased review.
What a fun book, this is written mainly for children but I really enjoyed it as well. Mallory and Maggoty have such a fun dynamic that just keeps you wanting to read on.
The illustrations in this book are stunning and have a Tim Burton vibe to them that I loved and they really help the story along.
I managed to read this book in one day because I just wanted to know what was going to happen with Mallory and her wacky aunt.
This should be added to most children’s reading lists if they want something slightly spooky!
What a fun book, this is written mainly for children but I really enjoyed it as well. Mallory and Maggoty have such a fun dynamic that just keeps you wanting to read on.
The illustrations in this book are stunning and have a Tim Burton vibe to them that I loved and they really help the story along.
I managed to read this book in one day because I just wanted to know what was going to happen with Mallory and her wacky aunt.
This should be added to most children’s reading lists if they want something slightly spooky!
October 5, 2024
I would have been totally obsessed with this as a kid!!
Both the story and the illustrations are absolutely superb and complement each other fantastically. A very good choice for spooky month as we have a very good necromancer, a sassy talking skull, a spooky castle, quite a bit of seances and a not so good necromancer.
With a very dynamic plot, some giggles and a very good combo of spooky and adventure this book will delight both adults and kids looking to scratch the itch of the season. It reads very well, has a fantastic pace, and the illustrations are like the marshmallows that you add to a lovely hot choco, not absolutely necessary, but adding the special something that takes the experience to the next level.
Both the story and the illustrations are absolutely superb and complement each other fantastically. A very good choice for spooky month as we have a very good necromancer, a sassy talking skull, a spooky castle, quite a bit of seances and a not so good necromancer.
With a very dynamic plot, some giggles and a very good combo of spooky and adventure this book will delight both adults and kids looking to scratch the itch of the season. It reads very well, has a fantastic pace, and the illustrations are like the marshmallows that you add to a lovely hot choco, not absolutely necessary, but adding the special something that takes the experience to the next level.
October 29, 2024
Just in time for Halloween, this book is an absolute joy. I found our main skull to be a bit over the top but Aunt Lilith really made up for that, the sweetheart. Growing up without a mother I’ve always hoped to catch a glimpse of her ghost, and for Mallory to have them (until she doesn’t.. oooohhhhh) is my childhood dream. I enjoyed this story so much but it was also touching and the ending was very promising! I will definitely pick up the next one when it arrives! Oh and the ILLUSTRATIONS! Wonderful add-on!!!!
“Like there’s an adventure waiting and we’re about to miss the train.”
“Don’t miss it. I don’t want you to miss it.”
“Like there’s an adventure waiting and we’re about to miss the train.”
“Don’t miss it. I don’t want you to miss it.”
December 1, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review!
This is such a fun and silly read, a perfectly light spooky read. There's a creepy castle, a talking skull, necromancy, ghosts, shadow magic, literally everything you could want! The characters felt well fleshed out, from main characters Mallory and Maggoty Skull, to weird aunt Lilith/Hilda. The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous as well, I'm obsessed with them. This is a very touching story, and that ending has me so intrigued for a potential sequel!
This is such a fun and silly read, a perfectly light spooky read. There's a creepy castle, a talking skull, necromancy, ghosts, shadow magic, literally everything you could want! The characters felt well fleshed out, from main characters Mallory and Maggoty Skull, to weird aunt Lilith/Hilda. The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous as well, I'm obsessed with them. This is a very touching story, and that ending has me so intrigued for a potential sequel!
November 1, 2024
I felt like I was reading a Tim Burton film - so much fun and the perfect read for Halloween! I also really appreciated that even though the parents do die in this (alas middle grade) their spirits are still present and the aunt she stays with turns out to be nice! Also love sassy Maggoty Skull and his funky catch phrases.
October 7, 2024
I’m not entirely sure where I stand on this one. It had some great moments. I loved the ghostly feeling and the mystery element. There were just bits I found dragged a little and it did take me some time to adjust to the way Maggoty Skull spoke.
October 30, 2024
So bloody funny loved th3 skull he's hilarious 😂 read so quick. Can't wait for book 2
November 10, 2025
Listened to this on audiobook with my 11 and 7 year olds, and we all adored it. Hilarious, spooky, and a just-tense enough plot. Highly recommend!
September 20, 2024
What a great read that is! I wanted something spooky (you can never start spooky season too early) and I am so glad that I picked up that book!
Mallory is a fierce and charming young lady and Maggoty has become one of my all time favourite characters. I am looking forward to more of their adventures filled with ghosts, skulls and necromancy.
I cannot recommend this book enough, I had an amazing time reading it.
Mallory is a fierce and charming young lady and Maggoty has become one of my all time favourite characters. I am looking forward to more of their adventures filled with ghosts, skulls and necromancy.
I cannot recommend this book enough, I had an amazing time reading it.
July 30, 2025
Fabulous little book, laugh-out-loud funny. And the pictures were beautifully Tim Burton-esque.
December 16, 2024
Joyous - like Rik Mayall on Jackanory. If you're feeling down and want something silly and marvellous to read on the train to work pick this up!
August 30, 2024
Mallory Vale was screaming at me to be read… or was it Maggoty Skull? Either way, I thoroughly enjoyed this! Perfect for spooky season! Dark magic, curses, haunted castles and seances! Genuinely didn’t want to put it down, and I loved the illustrations throughout too! Thrilled at the promise of a second book - the ending set up something hauntingly good!
September 9, 2024
This was an absolute joy from start to finish, and a super fun children’s horror story that can be adored by children and adults alike. This one feels aimed at the younger side of middle grade, or good for those looking to stretch their reading abilities from Laura Ellen Anderson, Guy Bass and Harriet Muncaster.
Mallory Vayle has been trying to hide the fact she has ‘the family gift’ of being able to really, truly, see ghosts. She would much rather be talking about ponies or reading, which I think we can all relate to! We open to the budding necromancer attending her parents’ funeral, their ghosts at each side of her, commentating on dull the ceremony is, when in walks a stranger who we quickly find out is Mallory’s estranged Aunt Hilda (AKA Lilith). Mallory is told she is to go and live with said Aunt in Carrion Castle and we get a big ‘Series of Unfortunate Events’ feel, as this overly dramatic and flamboyant character takes the newly orphaned child into their mansion that is dank and dilapidated… You get the gist.
Fast forward a few weeks and Mallory’s parents can’t be found. Their ghosts have vanished and she has no clue as to why. While spending more and more time in the manor, she has been sensing some odd(er) disturbances and follows a disembodied voice to a crumbly tower, finding none other that Maggoty Skull, a fast-talking, wig-obsessed skull containing the soul of his former self, cursed for the last 500 years to exist in this manner, and he is NOT shy on letting everyone know. This character gives off HUGE Rik Mayall vibes from ‘Drop Dead Fred’, calling Mallory all kinds of pet names, usually including the word ‘bum’.
Together, the two of them figure out that the sinister presence is none other than the evil Hellysh Spatzl, who not only cursed Maggoty into his own skull for all eternity, but is the one behind the ghost-napping of Mallory’s parents. With her newly budding necromancy skills and the help of one fraudulent but oh, so entertaining aunt, this motley crew of a cast put on quite the show to save Mallory’s parents and to banish this pesky presence once and for all!
Martin Howard’s backlist is somewhat mixed, writing on all subjects from Neil Armstrong, Shaun the Sheep to a recipe book on ‘How to Cook Children’ so we have a wealth of titles we are able to recommend alongside this. We also need to talk about the incredible illustrations that are akin to the work of Tim Burton, perfectly matching up with the story and giving shape to our characters. Some of us will be familiar with the illustrator, Pete Williams, being known for his work on ‘Stitch Head’, ‘How to be a Cat’ and such other spooky tales.
This is the perfect book for spooky season as a Bookseller, it’s a great opportunity for me to have some fun in the windows, so now I need to figure out how to make the eyes of the skull glow green...
Thank you to Martin Howard, Pete Williams and the team at Nosy Crow for an advanced reading copy of the book in exchange for an honest review, I am already braced for the next installment!
Mallory Vayle has been trying to hide the fact she has ‘the family gift’ of being able to really, truly, see ghosts. She would much rather be talking about ponies or reading, which I think we can all relate to! We open to the budding necromancer attending her parents’ funeral, their ghosts at each side of her, commentating on dull the ceremony is, when in walks a stranger who we quickly find out is Mallory’s estranged Aunt Hilda (AKA Lilith). Mallory is told she is to go and live with said Aunt in Carrion Castle and we get a big ‘Series of Unfortunate Events’ feel, as this overly dramatic and flamboyant character takes the newly orphaned child into their mansion that is dank and dilapidated… You get the gist.
Fast forward a few weeks and Mallory’s parents can’t be found. Their ghosts have vanished and she has no clue as to why. While spending more and more time in the manor, she has been sensing some odd(er) disturbances and follows a disembodied voice to a crumbly tower, finding none other that Maggoty Skull, a fast-talking, wig-obsessed skull containing the soul of his former self, cursed for the last 500 years to exist in this manner, and he is NOT shy on letting everyone know. This character gives off HUGE Rik Mayall vibes from ‘Drop Dead Fred’, calling Mallory all kinds of pet names, usually including the word ‘bum’.
Together, the two of them figure out that the sinister presence is none other than the evil Hellysh Spatzl, who not only cursed Maggoty into his own skull for all eternity, but is the one behind the ghost-napping of Mallory’s parents. With her newly budding necromancy skills and the help of one fraudulent but oh, so entertaining aunt, this motley crew of a cast put on quite the show to save Mallory’s parents and to banish this pesky presence once and for all!
Martin Howard’s backlist is somewhat mixed, writing on all subjects from Neil Armstrong, Shaun the Sheep to a recipe book on ‘How to Cook Children’ so we have a wealth of titles we are able to recommend alongside this. We also need to talk about the incredible illustrations that are akin to the work of Tim Burton, perfectly matching up with the story and giving shape to our characters. Some of us will be familiar with the illustrator, Pete Williams, being known for his work on ‘Stitch Head’, ‘How to be a Cat’ and such other spooky tales.
This is the perfect book for spooky season as a Bookseller, it’s a great opportunity for me to have some fun in the windows, so now I need to figure out how to make the eyes of the skull glow green...
Thank you to Martin Howard, Pete Williams and the team at Nosy Crow for an advanced reading copy of the book in exchange for an honest review, I am already braced for the next installment!
September 23, 2024
First Mallory loses her parents in life and then she loses them in death…
Faced with a terrible choice, restoring an evil necromancer to life or leaving her parents’ ghosts forever trapped and out of reach, Mallory turns for help to Maggoty Skull, the necromancer’s former assistant whose spirit is now imprisoned inside his skull by the aforementioned evil necromancer (Hellysh Spatzl). Maggoty, who is happy to be wicked (but don’t mention the e-for evil word), is willing to help Mallory learn the skills she needs to raise the dead. He also warns her not to return Hellysh Spatzl to life as she will wreak untold horror on the world, but what choice does Mallory have? She wants her parents back.
Mallory Vale and the Curse of Maggoty Skull is a gripping, exciting and fun read. The story itself is macabre, and Hellysh Spatzl is indeed a dark and powerful force, capable of murder even as a spirit. However the darkness of the story (murder, curses and necromancy) is alleviated by the humour, especially with Maggoty’s character. I can only describe him as a self-absorbed, wig-obsessed, irresponsible character who brings a lot of humour to the story. He talks about himself in the third person, is way too contemporary for a skull locked in a casket for 500 years (though who am I judge? 🙂 ), makes up a lot of words (usually not complimentary to Mallory!) but is a comical and endearing character. I really liked how Mallory and Maggoty’s friendship develops over the course of the story.
Mallory is a fantastic heroine, brave and determined and also kind. Bonus points for being a heroine who, when presented with a stark choice of A or B, finds another and better way. Aunt Lillith is another character that grows nicely throughout the story.
With strong pacing, atmospheric settings and evocative prose, the story also benefits from lovely artwork throughout. The illustrations, particularly of Mallory, put me in mind of Tim Burton’s The Corpse Bride, a style I really like.
I can see this book being hugely popular with younger and older fantasy/horror readers. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
Faced with a terrible choice, restoring an evil necromancer to life or leaving her parents’ ghosts forever trapped and out of reach, Mallory turns for help to Maggoty Skull, the necromancer’s former assistant whose spirit is now imprisoned inside his skull by the aforementioned evil necromancer (Hellysh Spatzl). Maggoty, who is happy to be wicked (but don’t mention the e-for evil word), is willing to help Mallory learn the skills she needs to raise the dead. He also warns her not to return Hellysh Spatzl to life as she will wreak untold horror on the world, but what choice does Mallory have? She wants her parents back.
Mallory Vale and the Curse of Maggoty Skull is a gripping, exciting and fun read. The story itself is macabre, and Hellysh Spatzl is indeed a dark and powerful force, capable of murder even as a spirit. However the darkness of the story (murder, curses and necromancy) is alleviated by the humour, especially with Maggoty’s character. I can only describe him as a self-absorbed, wig-obsessed, irresponsible character who brings a lot of humour to the story. He talks about himself in the third person, is way too contemporary for a skull locked in a casket for 500 years (though who am I judge? 🙂 ), makes up a lot of words (usually not complimentary to Mallory!) but is a comical and endearing character. I really liked how Mallory and Maggoty’s friendship develops over the course of the story.
Mallory is a fantastic heroine, brave and determined and also kind. Bonus points for being a heroine who, when presented with a stark choice of A or B, finds another and better way. Aunt Lillith is another character that grows nicely throughout the story.
With strong pacing, atmospheric settings and evocative prose, the story also benefits from lovely artwork throughout. The illustrations, particularly of Mallory, put me in mind of Tim Burton’s The Corpse Bride, a style I really like.
I can see this book being hugely popular with younger and older fantasy/horror readers. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
September 10, 2025
If you ever thought your family was a little weird, wait until you meet Mallory Vayle. She just wants to be normal—read pony books, avoid trouble, and definitely not talk to dead people. But when her parents tragically die in a mysterious accident, she’s sent to live with Aunt Lilith, a con-artist psychic who sees Mallory’s unwanted talent for speaking with ghosts as a perfect business opportunity.
Soon, Mallory is hosting sold-out séances for paying customers while also trying to rescue her parents’ ghosts from Hellysh Spatzl, the most feared necromancer in history. Her only guide? A sassy, fashion-obsessed talking skull named Maggoty, who’s been cursed for 500 years and desperately wants a new wig and his freedom.
This book is an absolute delight. It’s spooky without being scary, funny without trying too hard, and heartfelt without getting mushy. Mallory is a character you can’t help but root for—a girl who has to embrace what makes her different in order to save the people she loves. Maggoty is the perfect sidekick: vain, hilarious, and weirdly charming.
The story moves quickly, packed with séances, necromancers, cursed skulls, and even a Halloween spectacular. But at its core, it’s about accepting yourself—even the parts you try to hide. The writing is fresh and playful, and the illustrations add just the right touch of gothic fun.
If you like Lemony Snicket’s sense of humor or the creepy-campy vibe of The Addams Family, you’ll feel right at home in Mallory’s world. It’s a perfect pick for young readers who want a spooky story that’s big on laughs and even bigger on heart.
Soon, Mallory is hosting sold-out séances for paying customers while also trying to rescue her parents’ ghosts from Hellysh Spatzl, the most feared necromancer in history. Her only guide? A sassy, fashion-obsessed talking skull named Maggoty, who’s been cursed for 500 years and desperately wants a new wig and his freedom.
This book is an absolute delight. It’s spooky without being scary, funny without trying too hard, and heartfelt without getting mushy. Mallory is a character you can’t help but root for—a girl who has to embrace what makes her different in order to save the people she loves. Maggoty is the perfect sidekick: vain, hilarious, and weirdly charming.
The story moves quickly, packed with séances, necromancers, cursed skulls, and even a Halloween spectacular. But at its core, it’s about accepting yourself—even the parts you try to hide. The writing is fresh and playful, and the illustrations add just the right touch of gothic fun.
If you like Lemony Snicket’s sense of humor or the creepy-campy vibe of The Addams Family, you’ll feel right at home in Mallory’s world. It’s a perfect pick for young readers who want a spooky story that’s big on laughs and even bigger on heart.
September 8, 2024
Up until her parents dies in a mysterious accident, Mallory Vayle had been careful about hiding her psychic talents, more interested in books about ponies than dead people. But now her parents are ghosts and she has to move in with her Aunt Lilith, a charlatan psychic. As if that wasn't bad enough, the evil spirit of Hellysh Spatzl haunting her aunt's house snatches her parents away and theatens them with unending torture if Mallory doesn't use her talents to bring back the old hag to life.
Oh, and Mallory is actually more than a pscyhic, she's a necromancer, as revealed gleefully by Maggoty, a cheeky haunted skull with a taste for flamboyant wigs. Maggoty is also, to Mallory's despair, the only being who can teach her how to use her necromancer's skills.
It seems that Mallory has no other choice than making a pact with Hellysh while planning a Halloween spectacular with her aunt. Can she save her parents and defeat Hellysh? She will have to learn to embrace qho she really is...
Mallory Vale and the Curse of Maggoty Skull is a glorious MG horror, full of atmosphere, spookiness and humour. Mallory seems at first helpless, victim of her circumstances, but as the story progresses and she embraces who she is, she dazzles those around her, and the readers! A veru chilling and exciting ride indeed. I can't wait for more adventures featuring Mallory and Maggoty.
Oh, and Mallory is actually more than a pscyhic, she's a necromancer, as revealed gleefully by Maggoty, a cheeky haunted skull with a taste for flamboyant wigs. Maggoty is also, to Mallory's despair, the only being who can teach her how to use her necromancer's skills.
It seems that Mallory has no other choice than making a pact with Hellysh while planning a Halloween spectacular with her aunt. Can she save her parents and defeat Hellysh? She will have to learn to embrace qho she really is...
Mallory Vale and the Curse of Maggoty Skull is a glorious MG horror, full of atmosphere, spookiness and humour. Mallory seems at first helpless, victim of her circumstances, but as the story progresses and she embraces who she is, she dazzles those around her, and the readers! A veru chilling and exciting ride indeed. I can't wait for more adventures featuring Mallory and Maggoty.
October 23, 2025
We follow Mallory as she says goodbye to her parents at their funeral. With her parents ghosts standing alone side her. She then discovers she will be going into the care of her auntie who claims to be a psychic and can communicate with the dead. However that isn't the quite the case.
When arriving at her auntie castle she discoveres it is filled with spirits and an evil presence. One night she is awoken by her parents shouting for her, Mallory discovers an evil spirit has taken her parents ghosts. When exploring she comes across a skull with a spirit trapped inside. Matthew once worked with the evil spirit and she was the one who placed him in the skull forever. Together he teaches her the skills and tricks of necromancy.
They create a plan to get her parents back but will she let the evil spirit free.
The book has a humorous side to it with Matthew and his love for wigs and the little jokes he makes along the way. Mallory also has a slight dark humour aswell. The auntie is a bit of an interesting character and you can see how much she cares for her niece. The ending has made it very clear it has been left open for another book.
Can I also add the artwork is stunning and I love the style of it aswell. Its a perfect read for teenagers or younger children who wish to read a spooky themed book but not scary.
When arriving at her auntie castle she discoveres it is filled with spirits and an evil presence. One night she is awoken by her parents shouting for her, Mallory discovers an evil spirit has taken her parents ghosts. When exploring she comes across a skull with a spirit trapped inside. Matthew once worked with the evil spirit and she was the one who placed him in the skull forever. Together he teaches her the skills and tricks of necromancy.
They create a plan to get her parents back but will she let the evil spirit free.
The book has a humorous side to it with Matthew and his love for wigs and the little jokes he makes along the way. Mallory also has a slight dark humour aswell. The auntie is a bit of an interesting character and you can see how much she cares for her niece. The ending has made it very clear it has been left open for another book.
Can I also add the artwork is stunning and I love the style of it aswell. Its a perfect read for teenagers or younger children who wish to read a spooky themed book but not scary.
November 24, 2024
This was a delight to read. Very creative, with beautiful illustrations and characters I loved. It might be a children's book, but it's definitely worth reading by adults as well. It was dark, funny and emotional, with characters that grow and develop. It is a fast-paced read and quite a few times I found that the plot was going in unexpected directions. It's a perfect spooky Halloween read, as well as the kind of book that could get you out of a reading slump. It's adventurous and it makes me really look forward to the next books in the series. I did not expect to love this children's book as much as I did, but I thought it was perfection. I also did not expect to love all the characters as much as I did. I definitely did not expect to love a talking skull that much. It's endearing and I loved reading about how the relationship between Mallory, Aunt Lilith and Maggoty developed, how they grew into feeling affection for each other.
I loved reading about how Mallory grew into her powers. It was such an atmospheric book. I would consider it a great gothic novel. It is the type of book that Lemony Snicket readers would love. Mallory also somewhat reminded me of Wednesday Addams. This is definitely an example of a gothic novel well done. Highly, highly recommended.
I loved reading about how Mallory grew into her powers. It was such an atmospheric book. I would consider it a great gothic novel. It is the type of book that Lemony Snicket readers would love. Mallory also somewhat reminded me of Wednesday Addams. This is definitely an example of a gothic novel well done. Highly, highly recommended.
October 17, 2024
There was a moment, early on in this, when I thought: oh that's interesting. It was when a situation was presented but then, deftly, smoothly, interestingly , everything was flipped and all of a sudden the page sparked with life and that's Mallory Vayle in a nutshell. Sparky, clever, and deeply, deeply interesting. I really did have a lot of time for it and how it did its thing.
Mallory Vayle throws a lot at you: a double bereavement, a newly discovered family relative, a new (and deeply, deliciously weird) place to live, a talking skull bestie, and a lead character who kind of might be realising she's a necromancer. The only problem is that there's something rotten in the state of Denmark and it's down to Mallory to figure it out.
I liked this. It's smart and witty and savvy and very, very clever. I suspect it would also work very nicely as a read aloud. The illustrations by Pete Williamson are beautifully done; big, twisty Gothic-edged moments that aren't afraid of embracing the dark and fear of the situation. It's an excellent addition to spooky season.
My thanks to the publisher for a review copy.
Mallory Vayle throws a lot at you: a double bereavement, a newly discovered family relative, a new (and deeply, deliciously weird) place to live, a talking skull bestie, and a lead character who kind of might be realising she's a necromancer. The only problem is that there's something rotten in the state of Denmark and it's down to Mallory to figure it out.
I liked this. It's smart and witty and savvy and very, very clever. I suspect it would also work very nicely as a read aloud. The illustrations by Pete Williamson are beautifully done; big, twisty Gothic-edged moments that aren't afraid of embracing the dark and fear of the situation. It's an excellent addition to spooky season.
My thanks to the publisher for a review copy.
October 7, 2024
Mallory Vayle and the Curse of Maggoty Skull is a darkly funny middle-grade horror story that blends macabre elements with playful, quirky characters. The plot follows Mallory, a young girl who can speak to the dead, as she navigates her grief after the death of her parents. When their ghosts are kidnapped, she teams up with a talking skull named Maggoty to rescue them.
Maggoty is a delightfully eccentric character, obsessed with getting a wig, and brings much of the book’s humour. He very much reminded me of Skulduggery Pleasant, which is never a bad thing. The story mixes eerie gothic settings—haunted castles and curses—with lighthearted, almost absurd comedic moments. The book’s atmosphere is enhanced by illustrations from Pete Williamson, which complement the spooky yet whimsical tone, reminiscent of Coraline or The Corpse Bride.
Despite the humour, the book touches on themes of grief and loss, giving it emotional depth. It’s a great read for children around 9-11 years old, especially those who enjoy Halloween-themed stories with a balance of frights and fun.   
Maggoty is a delightfully eccentric character, obsessed with getting a wig, and brings much of the book’s humour. He very much reminded me of Skulduggery Pleasant, which is never a bad thing. The story mixes eerie gothic settings—haunted castles and curses—with lighthearted, almost absurd comedic moments. The book’s atmosphere is enhanced by illustrations from Pete Williamson, which complement the spooky yet whimsical tone, reminiscent of Coraline or The Corpse Bride.
Despite the humour, the book touches on themes of grief and loss, giving it emotional depth. It’s a great read for children around 9-11 years old, especially those who enjoy Halloween-themed stories with a balance of frights and fun.   
October 29, 2024
I picked this one up on Waterstones as it was advertised as perfect for fans of Skulduggery Pleasant which is one of my all time favourite series. Unfortunately it was a big disappointment following on from this.
I did like the initial set up with Mallory being able to interact with ghosts (Her ghost parents were great too, I wish they were in it more!) and going to stay with her aunt (Who was also great!) in a creepy castle. Unfortunately my main dislike of the book is Maggoty, the talking skull, who is a big part of the book. I found him incredibly annoying and not funny and I'm aware this is because as an adult I am not the intended audience, but I have adored and enjoyed several middle grades before.
I can kinda see why this book is recommended for SP fans, but even though it started out as a middlegrade/ teen series, SP just felt more mature. I don't want to rate this book negatively because it is purely my own expectations that ruined my enjoyment for this book and I might have enjoyed this more if I just went into this book blind.
I did like the initial set up with Mallory being able to interact with ghosts (Her ghost parents were great too, I wish they were in it more!) and going to stay with her aunt (Who was also great!) in a creepy castle. Unfortunately my main dislike of the book is Maggoty, the talking skull, who is a big part of the book. I found him incredibly annoying and not funny and I'm aware this is because as an adult I am not the intended audience, but I have adored and enjoyed several middle grades before.
I can kinda see why this book is recommended for SP fans, but even though it started out as a middlegrade/ teen series, SP just felt more mature. I don't want to rate this book negatively because it is purely my own expectations that ruined my enjoyment for this book and I might have enjoyed this more if I just went into this book blind.
July 15, 2024
Mallory Vayle and the Curse of Maggoty Skull is a middle grade/juniour horror comedy book which is enjoyable for adult readers too.
This is Mallory’s story - Mallory who has gifts, and who wants to save (? there is a much better word but I will use ‘save’ to spare you more suspense), and we have peculiar aunt, an evil spirit and a talking skull. Accompanied by the fun illustrations of Pete Williamson, Mallory and Maggoty oozes Halloween spirits; think everything we like about Halloween - spooky fun and gothic characters.
This book gripped me from the opening, which was hilarious (the remarks about funeral tropes) and managed to sustain my attention throughout.
I have not shared it with my 9yo child yet, and can’t wait to share it.
For the younger section of the middle grade (8-10yo), this could have been 10-15% shorter.
Overall, I highly recommend reading it. 4.5 stars.
Concept, mood, setting: 5
Characterisation: 5
Plot: 4.5
Prose: 4.5 (hilarity 5/5)
Pacing and length: 4
This is Mallory’s story - Mallory who has gifts, and who wants to save (? there is a much better word but I will use ‘save’ to spare you more suspense), and we have peculiar aunt, an evil spirit and a talking skull. Accompanied by the fun illustrations of Pete Williamson, Mallory and Maggoty oozes Halloween spirits; think everything we like about Halloween - spooky fun and gothic characters.
This book gripped me from the opening, which was hilarious (the remarks about funeral tropes) and managed to sustain my attention throughout.
I have not shared it with my 9yo child yet, and can’t wait to share it.
For the younger section of the middle grade (8-10yo), this could have been 10-15% shorter.
Overall, I highly recommend reading it. 4.5 stars.
Concept, mood, setting: 5
Characterisation: 5
Plot: 4.5
Prose: 4.5 (hilarity 5/5)
Pacing and length: 4
October 30, 2024
3.5 🌟 round up to 4. A lovely spooky read for this season for kids. I listened to the audiobook version, Charlotte Ritchie did a fantastic job.
All mallory wants to do is to be normal, but her life is far from it: for starters, she could see and talk to ghosts. Then when she loses her parents to a terrible accident, she is taken away to an old gothic castle by her sole relative, aunt Lilith, who is a charlatan psychic. When she accidentally stumbles upon a talking, no scratch it, a tallllllktive skull, she realises that she is a necromancer 🧙and a wicked necromancer has captured her parents, demanding Mallory to bring her back to life.
A perfect read for Halloween for kids and adults. Expect to be taken on a journey when you will meet shadows, ghosts, an evil necromancer, a grand seance and more!
All mallory wants to do is to be normal, but her life is far from it: for starters, she could see and talk to ghosts. Then when she loses her parents to a terrible accident, she is taken away to an old gothic castle by her sole relative, aunt Lilith, who is a charlatan psychic. When she accidentally stumbles upon a talking, no scratch it, a tallllllktive skull, she realises that she is a necromancer 🧙and a wicked necromancer has captured her parents, demanding Mallory to bring her back to life.
A perfect read for Halloween for kids and adults. Expect to be taken on a journey when you will meet shadows, ghosts, an evil necromancer, a grand seance and more!
September 23, 2024
What a book! Perfect for reading around Haloween! It was spooky and dark, but there was a lot of humour. Maggoty Skull may just be my new favorite character! He's so much fun I wish I had someone like.him in my life (but less dead maybe!). Poor Mallory has lost her parents and has to go and live with an aunt she didn't even know she had. When she moves into a big, spooky castle, she had no idea what adventures she'd have. She learnt a lot about herself in a few short days, not everything she learnt made her happy. Eventually she learns to use her new skills, with the help of Maggoty Skull, to make life better for her. The ending was poignant and lovely, not at all how I thought it would end. And I love that there was a teaser for another book!
October 1, 2024
The minute I started to read this I knew I was going to love this series. Especially when the first couple of chapters are devoted to the main character's parents funeral, nothing unusual I hear you say, but given the fact that her parents' ghosts are with her at the funeral I would say it's something special. And the comedy at the funeral is so funny and actually I would probably say it at mine. Yes I did find myself laughing at all the wrong places.
Mallory is an amazing leading character and Maggoty has got to be one of the funniest MG characters around, At the heart of the story is a young girl dealing with her grief but also
coming to terms with her own gifts and accepting that nobody is 'normal'.
I can’t wait to reading more of this brilliant new series.
Mallory is an amazing leading character and Maggoty has got to be one of the funniest MG characters around, At the heart of the story is a young girl dealing with her grief but also
coming to terms with her own gifts and accepting that nobody is 'normal'.
I can’t wait to reading more of this brilliant new series.
October 19, 2024
What a fun read for the haunting season, or any time.
I like that although she is at her parents funeral Mallory can see them next to her as she's always been able to see and speak to ghosts.
A long lost Aunt claims her at the side of their caskets & whisks her away to a strange sinister house. Her parents with her but disappear.
Hearing a strange voice in the night Mallory investigates & comes across a talking Skull who introduces himself as Maggoty & says he can help her find her parents.
It's an odd hilarious read, mainly because Maggoty says bum a lot.
I read it quickly as there are a lot of illustrations making the flow of the story easy to follow.
This is my new favourite half term read for the witching season.
I like that although she is at her parents funeral Mallory can see them next to her as she's always been able to see and speak to ghosts.
A long lost Aunt claims her at the side of their caskets & whisks her away to a strange sinister house. Her parents with her but disappear.
Hearing a strange voice in the night Mallory investigates & comes across a talking Skull who introduces himself as Maggoty & says he can help her find her parents.
It's an odd hilarious read, mainly because Maggoty says bum a lot.
I read it quickly as there are a lot of illustrations making the flow of the story easy to follow.
This is my new favourite half term read for the witching season.
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