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Something Wickedly Weird #2
The Icy Hand
THE ICY HAND VOLUME 2 : THE SECOND ADVENTURE IN STANLEY BUGGLE’S SAGA Even more wicked and weird than the first! Stanley is looking forward to a relaxing winter. After all, nothing could have been weirder than the werewolf curse and plotting pirates he had to face the summer before! Or at least that’s what Stanley thinks; but he has a lot to learn about Cramdon Rock, especially after accidentally bringing some dead pirates back to life—ones that make the previous pirates he faced look like cuddly puppy dogs and ones that are trudging across the arctic determined to fi nd a magical medallion in Stanley’s house. The only person who can save him is his dead great-uncle Bartholomew, which is a little tricky considering he’s…well, dead. Oh, and did we mention headless? With the help of a talking stuffed fish and a new friend named Daisy, Stanley sets out to fi nd his great-uncle’s head, stop the pirates, and win over some new readers in this second funny and spooky installment of a thrilling new series. www.somethingwickedlyweird.com
192 pages, Hardcover
First published August 2, 2007
3 people are currently reading
173 people want to read
About the author
Chris Mould
157 books54 followersChris Mould is the illustrator of Captain Beastlie’s Pirate Party, written by Lucy Coats. Chris went to art school at the age of sixteen. During this time, he did various jobs, from delivering papers to washing-up. He has won the Nottingham Children’s Book Award and been commended for the Sheffield. He loves his work and likes to write and draw the kind of books that he would have liked to have on his shelf as a boy. He is married with two children and lives in Yorkshire.
Chris Mould spends his working day in one of the prestigious art studios at Dean Clough Mills in Halifax. His studio is clearly marked with a skull and crossboned warning as to what might lie within.
Chris is not confined to book illustration. He has worked for the RSC, the BBC, the FT and many other famous initials, aswell as film development work for Aardman Animations which included character and environment development work on the film Flushed Away.
When away from his studio, Chris spends most of his time with his wife Sue and his two daughters Emily and Charlotte.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
August 4, 2016
Darkly Humorous and Ghostly Middle Grade Action/Adventure
I very much enjoyed the first book in this series and was curious to see if this second volume was as interesting and fun as the first. I am happy to report that, at least for me, this book was, if anything, better.
In the first volume of this series we met Stanley Buggles, who is a smart, courageous, inquisitive, and clever hero for whom you are happy to root. The setting, the isolated island of Crampton Rock, is creepy and intriguing, with lots of odd aspects. The supporting characters are sometimes cranky and mysterious, but, (like Mrs. Carelli the housekeeper), can also be warm and supportive in caring for Stanley. Stanley now has a friend in town, spirited, stout-hearted and reliable Daisy. She participates extensively in all of the adventures, and that has opened up the narrative a bit.
The plot of the first book, which then arcs through the whole series, involves Stanley's great-uncle Admiral Bartholomew Swift, (from whom Stanley inherited Candlestick Hall, the Crampton Rock mansion), and a valuable amulet that was hidden by great-uncle Bartholomew. Dastardly villains, mostly in the form of pirates, want the amulet and presumably the treasure to which it points, and everyone's looking for a map or at least a clue to its location. Inconveniently, great-uncle Bartholomew is at the outset a headless ghost, and so not much of a source of guidance or aid.
Each book seems to involve a further step or two toward locating the treasure, and each is a distinct episode in the ongoing battle between Stanley and the baddies to get to it first. In this book, we have two resurrected ghostly pirates closing in on Crampton Rock in search of the magical medallion.
This is a quirky sort of book in that distinctive English kids' book way. The hero has a bit of a poor urchin triumphing over adversity vibe. There are odd bits of magic that drift around the story. (For example, the talking stuffed fish is very helpful.) The villains are very villainous, as though English authors know and believe that even quite young kid readers can tolerate a little more dangerous thrill than they are given credit for. The atmosphere of the settings is appropriately threatening and gloomy. (Is all of England haunted coast, haunted moor, or haunted houses?)
The overall effect is one of jaunty dread. By that I mean the weather is gloomy, there are threatening ghostly figures, there is menace and the hero often finds himself in tight spots. Yet there is always a sense that good will win out and that pluck will be rewarded. As one consequence of this mixture you get a lot of what would pass as middle grade gallows humor, and there is a fair amount of sly, deadpan throwaway humor.
The upshot is that these books are cheerfully wicked and definitely weird, but in a solid, good-humored sort of way. A ripping contribution to filling that fourth to sixth grade gap, where readers are beyond chapter books but maybe not up to full middle grade speed. A nice find.
Please note that I found this book while browsing library goodies. I received no freebies and have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.
I very much enjoyed the first book in this series and was curious to see if this second volume was as interesting and fun as the first. I am happy to report that, at least for me, this book was, if anything, better.
In the first volume of this series we met Stanley Buggles, who is a smart, courageous, inquisitive, and clever hero for whom you are happy to root. The setting, the isolated island of Crampton Rock, is creepy and intriguing, with lots of odd aspects. The supporting characters are sometimes cranky and mysterious, but, (like Mrs. Carelli the housekeeper), can also be warm and supportive in caring for Stanley. Stanley now has a friend in town, spirited, stout-hearted and reliable Daisy. She participates extensively in all of the adventures, and that has opened up the narrative a bit.
The plot of the first book, which then arcs through the whole series, involves Stanley's great-uncle Admiral Bartholomew Swift, (from whom Stanley inherited Candlestick Hall, the Crampton Rock mansion), and a valuable amulet that was hidden by great-uncle Bartholomew. Dastardly villains, mostly in the form of pirates, want the amulet and presumably the treasure to which it points, and everyone's looking for a map or at least a clue to its location. Inconveniently, great-uncle Bartholomew is at the outset a headless ghost, and so not much of a source of guidance or aid.
Each book seems to involve a further step or two toward locating the treasure, and each is a distinct episode in the ongoing battle between Stanley and the baddies to get to it first. In this book, we have two resurrected ghostly pirates closing in on Crampton Rock in search of the magical medallion.
This is a quirky sort of book in that distinctive English kids' book way. The hero has a bit of a poor urchin triumphing over adversity vibe. There are odd bits of magic that drift around the story. (For example, the talking stuffed fish is very helpful.) The villains are very villainous, as though English authors know and believe that even quite young kid readers can tolerate a little more dangerous thrill than they are given credit for. The atmosphere of the settings is appropriately threatening and gloomy. (Is all of England haunted coast, haunted moor, or haunted houses?)
The overall effect is one of jaunty dread. By that I mean the weather is gloomy, there are threatening ghostly figures, there is menace and the hero often finds himself in tight spots. Yet there is always a sense that good will win out and that pluck will be rewarded. As one consequence of this mixture you get a lot of what would pass as middle grade gallows humor, and there is a fair amount of sly, deadpan throwaway humor.
The upshot is that these books are cheerfully wicked and definitely weird, but in a solid, good-humored sort of way. A ripping contribution to filling that fourth to sixth grade gap, where readers are beyond chapter books but maybe not up to full middle grade speed. A nice find.
Please note that I found this book while browsing library goodies. I received no freebies and have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.
November 2, 2021
We continued on with the series, reading most of this one my lateen light while huddled under blankets in a very cold yurt.
October 27, 2023
For more bookish reviews, check out my blog: Craft-Cycle
Another exciting and creepy entry in the Something Wickedly Weird series. In this one, Stanley crosses the Wooden Mile once more for a winter visit, thinking his troubles are over. But a headless ghost informs him that his run-ins with pirates are just getting started.
This book continues the story from the first book. Some previous events are referenced, but I'd recommend reading these in order.
Another well-told story on Crampton Rock. It was nice to see some familiar characters as well as to meet some new ones. Danger and adventure combine with strangeness and humor. Creepy without being too scary.
As with the first book, the illustrations are spot-on. They really capture the aesthetic of the series.
Creepy, weird, and engaging. This is such a fun series.
Another exciting and creepy entry in the Something Wickedly Weird series. In this one, Stanley crosses the Wooden Mile once more for a winter visit, thinking his troubles are over. But a headless ghost informs him that his run-ins with pirates are just getting started.
This book continues the story from the first book. Some previous events are referenced, but I'd recommend reading these in order.
Another well-told story on Crampton Rock. It was nice to see some familiar characters as well as to meet some new ones. Danger and adventure combine with strangeness and humor. Creepy without being too scary.
As with the first book, the illustrations are spot-on. They really capture the aesthetic of the series.
Creepy, weird, and engaging. This is such a fun series.
December 19, 2020
This one was by far the best one yet in this series. The Pike is just hilarious and I feel like I can be friends with it.
This was also the first book in the series where my kids (3 and 5) actually started to sit down and listen as I was reading. They did enjoy it as well. Makes my heart happy that I am raising little readers.
This was also the first book in the series where my kids (3 and 5) actually started to sit down and listen as I was reading. They did enjoy it as well. Makes my heart happy that I am raising little readers.
December 30, 2025
A worthy sequel! The cast of characters is expanded, and I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series. The werewolves have largely been replaced by ghosts.
En värdig uppföljare! Persongalleriet utökas, och jag ser fram emot att läsa nästa bok i serien. Varulvarna har till stor del ersatts av spöken.
En värdig uppföljare! Persongalleriet utökas, och jag ser fram emot att läsa nästa bok i serien. Varulvarna har till stor del ersatts av spöken.
January 1, 2019
I really love this book.I had a pleasure to ride IT!!! I found new and intresting things !And its not that scary!!
April 17, 2019
Ja alltså, jag läste ju den svenska översättningen för barnen då. Helt ok uppföljare. Två vandrande vålnader och en oväntad comeback från del ett.
March 22, 2020
My favourite part of this book is captain Swift last battle.my favourite character is the pike because of his sense of humor
March 15, 2021
I actually really enjoyed this book, nice easy read and done on one day.
January 8, 2016
I very much enjoyed the first book in this series and was curious to see if this second volume was as interesting and fun as the first. I am happy to report that, at least for me, this book was, if anything, better.
In the first volume of this series we met Stanley Buggles, who is a smart, courageous, inquisitive, and clever hero for whom you are happy to root. The setting, the isolated island of Crampton Rock, is creepy and intriguing, with lots of odd aspects. The supporting characters are sometimes cranky and mysterious, but, (like Mrs. Carelli the housekeeper), can also be warm and supportive in caring for Stanley. Stanley now has a friend in town, spirited, stout-hearted and reliable Daisy. She participates extensively in all of the adventures, and that has opened up the narrative a bit.
The plot of the first book, which then arcs through the whole series, involves Stanley's great-uncle Admiral Bartholomew Swift, (from whom Stanley inherited Candlestick Hall, the Crampton Rock mansion), and a valuable amulet that was hidden by great-uncle Bartholomew. Dastardly villains, mostly in the form of pirates, want the amulet and presumably the treasure to which it points, and everyone's looking for a map or at least a clue to its location. Inconveniently, great-uncle Bartholomew is at the outset a headless ghost, and so not much of a source of guidance or aid.
Each book seems to involve a further step or two toward locating the treasure, and each is a distinct episode in the ongoing battle between Stanley and the baddies to get to it first. In this book, we have two resurrected ghostly pirates closing in on Crampton Rock in search of the magical medallion.
This is a quirky sort of book in that distinctive English kids' book way. The hero has a bit of a poor urchin triumphing over adversity vibe. There are odd bits of magic that drift around the story. (For example, the talking stuffed fish is very helpful.) The villains are very villainous, as though English authors know and believe that even quite young kid readers can tolerate a little more dangerous thrill than they are given credit for. The atmosphere of the settings is appropriately threatening and gloomy. (Is all of England haunted coast, haunted moor, or haunted houses?)
The overall effect is one of jaunty dread. By that I mean the weather is gloomy, there are threatening ghostly figures, there is menace and the hero often finds himself in tight spots. Yet there is always a sense that good will win out and that pluck will be rewarded. As one consequence of this mixture you get a lot of what would pass as middle grade gallows humor, and there is a fair amount of sly, deadpan throwaway humor.
The upshot is that these books are cheerfully wicked and definitely weird, but in a solid, good-humored sort of way. A ripping contribution to filling that fourth to sixth grade gap, where readers are beyond chapter books but maybe not up to full middle grade speed. A nice find.
Please note that I found this book while browsing library goodies. I received no freebies and have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.
In the first volume of this series we met Stanley Buggles, who is a smart, courageous, inquisitive, and clever hero for whom you are happy to root. The setting, the isolated island of Crampton Rock, is creepy and intriguing, with lots of odd aspects. The supporting characters are sometimes cranky and mysterious, but, (like Mrs. Carelli the housekeeper), can also be warm and supportive in caring for Stanley. Stanley now has a friend in town, spirited, stout-hearted and reliable Daisy. She participates extensively in all of the adventures, and that has opened up the narrative a bit.
The plot of the first book, which then arcs through the whole series, involves Stanley's great-uncle Admiral Bartholomew Swift, (from whom Stanley inherited Candlestick Hall, the Crampton Rock mansion), and a valuable amulet that was hidden by great-uncle Bartholomew. Dastardly villains, mostly in the form of pirates, want the amulet and presumably the treasure to which it points, and everyone's looking for a map or at least a clue to its location. Inconveniently, great-uncle Bartholomew is at the outset a headless ghost, and so not much of a source of guidance or aid.
Each book seems to involve a further step or two toward locating the treasure, and each is a distinct episode in the ongoing battle between Stanley and the baddies to get to it first. In this book, we have two resurrected ghostly pirates closing in on Crampton Rock in search of the magical medallion.
This is a quirky sort of book in that distinctive English kids' book way. The hero has a bit of a poor urchin triumphing over adversity vibe. There are odd bits of magic that drift around the story. (For example, the talking stuffed fish is very helpful.) The villains are very villainous, as though English authors know and believe that even quite young kid readers can tolerate a little more dangerous thrill than they are given credit for. The atmosphere of the settings is appropriately threatening and gloomy. (Is all of England haunted coast, haunted moor, or haunted houses?)
The overall effect is one of jaunty dread. By that I mean the weather is gloomy, there are threatening ghostly figures, there is menace and the hero often finds himself in tight spots. Yet there is always a sense that good will win out and that pluck will be rewarded. As one consequence of this mixture you get a lot of what would pass as middle grade gallows humor, and there is a fair amount of sly, deadpan throwaway humor.
The upshot is that these books are cheerfully wicked and definitely weird, but in a solid, good-humored sort of way. A ripping contribution to filling that fourth to sixth grade gap, where readers are beyond chapter books but maybe not up to full middle grade speed. A nice find.
Please note that I found this book while browsing library goodies. I received no freebies and have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.
August 26, 2016
I received this book for free from the publisher. All content and opinions are my own.
The Icy Hand is the second book in the Something Wickedly Weird series by Chris Mould. I haven't read the first book, but this one provided enough back story that I quickly caught up.
SPOILERS FROM THE FIRST BOOK
Stanley, our young hero, has inherited a large and decrepit mansion from his great-uncle Admiral Bartholomew Swift. During his previous and first visit to Cramdock Rock, an incident with a werewolf, pirates, and a talking fish left Stanley with a mythical item called the Ibis. When Stanley touched the Ibis, the earth shook and released two rather angry dead pirates from their icy tomes. END SPOILERS.
In this installment, Stanley is back for a relaxing winter visit to the island. From chats with the talking fish, Stanley knows that the two dead pirates, Partridge and McCormick, are on their way to confront him. Headless, mostly-dead great uncle Bart also makes an appearance. With his new friend Daisy and some help from the housekeeper Mrs. Carelli, Stanley sets out to protect the Ibis and confront Partridge and McCormick before they can set "the quickening" into motion.
I enjoyed reading this book. The illustrations are great. The characters are fun. And the story is action-packed and suspenseful - for kids. While it would be interesting to read with kids, it's probably not enough to hold an adult's attention. I would recommend this for kids between 6- and 10-years-old.
The Icy Hand is the second book in the Something Wickedly Weird series by Chris Mould. I haven't read the first book, but this one provided enough back story that I quickly caught up.
SPOILERS FROM THE FIRST BOOK
Stanley, our young hero, has inherited a large and decrepit mansion from his great-uncle Admiral Bartholomew Swift. During his previous and first visit to Cramdock Rock, an incident with a werewolf, pirates, and a talking fish left Stanley with a mythical item called the Ibis. When Stanley touched the Ibis, the earth shook and released two rather angry dead pirates from their icy tomes. END SPOILERS.
In this installment, Stanley is back for a relaxing winter visit to the island. From chats with the talking fish, Stanley knows that the two dead pirates, Partridge and McCormick, are on their way to confront him. Headless, mostly-dead great uncle Bart also makes an appearance. With his new friend Daisy and some help from the housekeeper Mrs. Carelli, Stanley sets out to protect the Ibis and confront Partridge and McCormick before they can set "the quickening" into motion.
I enjoyed reading this book. The illustrations are great. The characters are fun. And the story is action-packed and suspenseful - for kids. While it would be interesting to read with kids, it's probably not enough to hold an adult's attention. I would recommend this for kids between 6- and 10-years-old.
October 26, 2010
Stanley heads back to Crampton Rock for his winter break, his second visit to the island after inheriting the old mansion from his great-uncle, Admiral Bartholomew Swift. Now Stanley is back with Mrs. Carelli and his crumbling old property. A new friends is made when Stanley is introduced to Daisy, the niece of the old fisherman, Mr. Grouse.
When we last left Stanley at the end of Book One, he had prevailed over a some dastardly pirates and a werewolf then unwittingly set off another chain of events, the awakening of the Stormbringers. Now the Stormbringers are on their way, coming to Crampton Rock to claim what they believe to be theirs. Uncle Bart's ghost comes to assist and the mounted pike lends his wisdom again to save the day.
Another nice story, although there are some clear plot holes and things were left a little loose. I'll pick up the next one tonight.
When we last left Stanley at the end of Book One, he had prevailed over a some dastardly pirates and a werewolf then unwittingly set off another chain of events, the awakening of the Stormbringers. Now the Stormbringers are on their way, coming to Crampton Rock to claim what they believe to be theirs. Uncle Bart's ghost comes to assist and the mounted pike lends his wisdom again to save the day.
Another nice story, although there are some clear plot holes and things were left a little loose. I'll pick up the next one tonight.
December 30, 2014
Went ahead and read this second book in the series since even though I wasn't all that impressed with the first. Same reaction here, while there are some creative aspects, and the illustrations add to the fun, the series just seems too simple and kind of flat. The lead character in particular is not all that compelling. Again with the caveat that this is a chapter book for early elementary reader so perhaps my expectations are off.
November 4, 2022
In book two of the series Stanley Buggles return to Crampton Rock for a winter visit. There’s a chill in the air and it is not because of the weather. Stanley must help a headless Admiral find his head, defend the Ibis from the approaching pirates and prevent the Quickening. Although readers are familiar with Mould’s air of creepiness the plot maintains its quick pace and eerie reading that readers will enjoy.
September 8, 2012
Again my husband read this to us as a family. It seemed to start out with suspense and the kids were excited to see what would happen with the Stormbringers. Then it became too slow-paced for my kids and they lost interest. It was lacking action according to my kids. The important events took place far apart from each other. They are vaguely interested to see what happens in the next book.
May 28, 2015
I can hardly remember ever reading this but it's a great book! My friend has a hardbound copy of this when we were freshmen and the whole class seemed to have taken an interest with it. I really love the adventure and the spookiness of the story, plus the fantastic illustrations and splendid artwork!
June 25, 2009
This book is about the same as the first in the series. Decent writing style, but the plot leaves something to be desired. I though I'd read two books in the series to see what it's about, but I likely will not read any more. The series is intended for mid-level elementary school children.
August 1, 2009
I enjoyed the second book just as much as the first! The adventure continued and this time you get ghosts and pirates and you still have a talking fish. Again a really fun story and plenty of great adventure to carry you through. Grades 3+
October 27, 2012
I really like this series and I love the artwork. These don't play out like books for kids, they have real creepy elements and at times don't seem as if you are reading something for a much younger audience.
July 29, 2015
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for Something Wickedly Weird: The Icy Hand by Chris Mould. Stanley inherited Candlestick Hall from his Great Uncle Admiral Bartholomew Swift. Stanley and best friend Daisy have to save Candlestick Hall from his uncles former enemies. And save the town from a Werewolf.
October 3, 2013
Not quite as fun or believable as the first ... but still interesting enough to make me keep reading. And wondering about book 3. Lucky part about finding a book series late in the game? I've already got it. ;)
November 30, 2013
The title's great and I love the illustrations. There is a story here, but something was missing. The plot could have been juicier. Also, the pacing was so fast at times that things didn't sink in with me. I'm still curious about the rest of the series, though.
February 10, 2014
A good enough story- I liked Stanley from book 1 and the story pootles on but isn't thrilling.
Possibly a harsh review here as the readership are usually much younger and so it's probably more fit for purpose than I give credit for.
Possibly a harsh review here as the readership are usually much younger and so it's probably more fit for purpose than I give credit for.
April 15, 2014
The next exciting installment of Something Wickedly Weird in which Stanley Buggles does not lose his head but does lose a number of things which have become important to him.... and there are all sorts of hints of things to come.
August 19, 2011
I really like the illustrations in these books! The second book in the series was just as fun as the first. Quick, easy read with some really great characters!
Read
August 4, 2011Another good bedtime story to read to the children. We anxiously wait for the third installment in the Something Wickedly Weird series.
November 21, 2011
Malcolm says: "It was also like a comic, like Wooden Mile, and also, I really liked The Stormbringers. They were kind of like Pirate-Hunters, and I really, really like pirates."
May 2, 2013
it was really good I loved this book I'm readying the 3 and the 4Chris Mould
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews