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Lewis Barnavelt #8
The Beast Under the Wizard's Bridge
What is it about the old Wilder Creek Bridge that makes Lewis Barnavelt so curious-and so afraid? When Lewis and his best friend Rose Rita Pottinger set out to explore the bridge and the deserted farm nearby, they discover shocking secrets—and a horrifying monster. Even Lewis's Uncle Jonathan and the magical Mrs. Zimmermann may not be able to vanquish this ferocious creature!
"[Strickland's] characters ring true in this entertaining page-turner that will captivate readers." — VOYA
"A wonderful blend of mystery, adventure, ghosts, and friendship." — School Library Journal
"[Strickland's] characters ring true in this entertaining page-turner that will captivate readers." — VOYA
"A wonderful blend of mystery, adventure, ghosts, and friendship." — School Library Journal
160 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2000
22 people are currently reading
810 people want to read
About the author
Brad Strickland
135 books107 followersWilliam Bradley Strickland (b. 1947) is the author (or co-author) of over 60 novels and over 60 pieces of short fiction and poetry.
Born in New Hollard, Strickland earned his Ph.D. in American literature from the University of Georgia. He has taught English courses at the University of Georgia, Oglethorpe University, Truett-McConnell College, and, since 1987, at Gainesville State College.
His first novel was 1986's To Stand Beneath the Sun, followed quickly by the books in the Jeremy Moon trilogy.
Strickland has shared co-author credit on many of his books: with his wife, Barbara, on stories in the Star Trek and Are You Afraid of the Dark? properties; and with the late author Thomas Fuller, books in the Wishbone series, involving the popular Jack Russell Terrier from the Public Television series of the same name. Strickland and Fuller also collaborated on numerous original works, including the Pirate Hunter series, the Mars: Year One series, and the comedic mystery for adults, The Ghost Finds a Body.
After the death of John Bellairs, Strickland was approached by John’s son, Frank, to complete the two books his father had already started; these unfinished manuscripts became The Ghost in the Mirror and The Vengeance of the Witch-Finder. Strickland also wrote two books based on brief plot outlines left by Bellairs: The Drum, the Doll and the Zombie and The Doom of the Haunted Opera. Beginning in 1996, Strickland has kept Bellairs' legacy alive by writing the further adventures of Johnny Dixon and Lewis Barnavelt. Books in the corpus include The Hand of the Necromancer (1996); The Tower at the End of the World (2001); The House Where Nobody Lived (2006); and his most recent title, The Sign of the Sinister Sorcerer (2008).
In 2001, Strickland won received the Georgia Author of the Year Award, Children's/Young Adult Division, for When Mack Came Back, set in WWII-era Georgia. Strickland says the story "is based on the farm owned by [his] grandfather, where [I] often visited when [I] was a child." Kong: King of Skull Island was released in 2005, an illustrated tale by Strickland, author John Michlig, and fantasy artist Joe DeVito that serves as both a prequel and sequel to the epic story of the legendary ape.
Strickland is an active member of the Atlanta Radio Theatre Company, where he writes and performs in numerous audio drama projects. He was awarded the ARTC Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006. He is married to the former Barabara Justus and has two grown children.
Born in New Hollard, Strickland earned his Ph.D. in American literature from the University of Georgia. He has taught English courses at the University of Georgia, Oglethorpe University, Truett-McConnell College, and, since 1987, at Gainesville State College.
His first novel was 1986's To Stand Beneath the Sun, followed quickly by the books in the Jeremy Moon trilogy.
Strickland has shared co-author credit on many of his books: with his wife, Barbara, on stories in the Star Trek and Are You Afraid of the Dark? properties; and with the late author Thomas Fuller, books in the Wishbone series, involving the popular Jack Russell Terrier from the Public Television series of the same name. Strickland and Fuller also collaborated on numerous original works, including the Pirate Hunter series, the Mars: Year One series, and the comedic mystery for adults, The Ghost Finds a Body.
After the death of John Bellairs, Strickland was approached by John’s son, Frank, to complete the two books his father had already started; these unfinished manuscripts became The Ghost in the Mirror and The Vengeance of the Witch-Finder. Strickland also wrote two books based on brief plot outlines left by Bellairs: The Drum, the Doll and the Zombie and The Doom of the Haunted Opera. Beginning in 1996, Strickland has kept Bellairs' legacy alive by writing the further adventures of Johnny Dixon and Lewis Barnavelt. Books in the corpus include The Hand of the Necromancer (1996); The Tower at the End of the World (2001); The House Where Nobody Lived (2006); and his most recent title, The Sign of the Sinister Sorcerer (2008).
In 2001, Strickland won received the Georgia Author of the Year Award, Children's/Young Adult Division, for When Mack Came Back, set in WWII-era Georgia. Strickland says the story "is based on the farm owned by [his] grandfather, where [I] often visited when [I] was a child." Kong: King of Skull Island was released in 2005, an illustrated tale by Strickland, author John Michlig, and fantasy artist Joe DeVito that serves as both a prequel and sequel to the epic story of the legendary ape.
Strickland is an active member of the Atlanta Radio Theatre Company, where he writes and performs in numerous audio drama projects. He was awarded the ARTC Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006. He is married to the former Barabara Justus and has two grown children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
December 20, 2010
There’s a bad omen that begins with this book and continues in the next one. It’s the “reference things from better titles in the series” syndrome, and it doesn’t bode well. Unlike some rather vocal critics who dismiss Strickland’s writing, I am quite comfortable defending his work continuing the series. He even has even polished up some aspects that Bellairs never really bothered with. But in this book, Strickland seems to be losing focus. Either that or he’s got an editor who is pushing him to make callbacks to earlier titles. It’s as if he’s trying to remind people why they loved the originals so much.
The rest of the series from here on is all Lewis Barnavelt. It seems to be a mercenary decision – Lewis is the star of Bellairs most popular and acclaimed novel, after all. But there’s a reason that Bellairs left the Barnavelts behind and turned instead to Johnny Dixon and Professor Childermass – the world of Lewis and Uncle Jonathan doesn’t quite have the flexibility that Johnny’s world has. Subsequently, when Strickland tries to open it up a bit more, you get some problems.
At this point, Lewis really ought to have grown as a character. But instead we see him back to his old stuff, being nervous about random things. In this case, it’s the most random thing and takes up at least a third of the novel: bridge-o-phobia. That’s right, Lewis is seriously worried because the county is tearing down an old bridge that made a brief appearance in The House With a Clock In Its Walls, for absolutely no viable reason. The plot hinges on this, and that’s where the book falls apart. Add to that yet another conveniently found creepy manuscript and some really out of place Lovecraft references, and you have a story that doesn’t work.
I don’t mind the idea of having a Lovecraft-based story in a Bellairs world. But Strickland specifically references the guy several times, calling way too much attention to a mythology that is not really accessible to a) the kids who ostensibly read these books and b) most people in general, because the mythology is very convoluted and crazy. And the flavor of Lovecraft is rather different from the flavor of Bellairs. The two styles don’t quite mesh. This should have been a Bellairs-style treatment of Lovecraft, but instead it becomes “Bellairs with random Cthulu action.” That would be a great title of a painting.
Some good things about this book – a few psychological turns from the various “villains,” a memorable monster, and Edward Gorey’s last artwork for the series. A weak story that shows the need to move Lewis forward as a character.
The rest of the series from here on is all Lewis Barnavelt. It seems to be a mercenary decision – Lewis is the star of Bellairs most popular and acclaimed novel, after all. But there’s a reason that Bellairs left the Barnavelts behind and turned instead to Johnny Dixon and Professor Childermass – the world of Lewis and Uncle Jonathan doesn’t quite have the flexibility that Johnny’s world has. Subsequently, when Strickland tries to open it up a bit more, you get some problems.
At this point, Lewis really ought to have grown as a character. But instead we see him back to his old stuff, being nervous about random things. In this case, it’s the most random thing and takes up at least a third of the novel: bridge-o-phobia. That’s right, Lewis is seriously worried because the county is tearing down an old bridge that made a brief appearance in The House With a Clock In Its Walls, for absolutely no viable reason. The plot hinges on this, and that’s where the book falls apart. Add to that yet another conveniently found creepy manuscript and some really out of place Lovecraft references, and you have a story that doesn’t work.
I don’t mind the idea of having a Lovecraft-based story in a Bellairs world. But Strickland specifically references the guy several times, calling way too much attention to a mythology that is not really accessible to a) the kids who ostensibly read these books and b) most people in general, because the mythology is very convoluted and crazy. And the flavor of Lovecraft is rather different from the flavor of Bellairs. The two styles don’t quite mesh. This should have been a Bellairs-style treatment of Lovecraft, but instead it becomes “Bellairs with random Cthulu action.” That would be a great title of a painting.
Some good things about this book – a few psychological turns from the various “villains,” a memorable monster, and Edward Gorey’s last artwork for the series. A weak story that shows the need to move Lewis forward as a character.
June 5, 2020
A bridge over a local river is being torn down and replaced, and Lewis, Rose Rita, Uncle Jonathan, and Mrs. Zimmerman are all worried what that will mean. The bridge was more than a public works project - it was build with magic iron to keep something very evil at bay. So Lewis and Rose Rita do some sleuthing to figure out exactly what is lurking under the bridge and who is trying to set it free.
I think Stickland does a nice job of taking over this series, and this is another fun entry. Charlie certainly enjoys them and they make great bedtime read-alouds.
I think Stickland does a nice job of taking over this series, and this is another fun entry. Charlie certainly enjoys them and they make great bedtime read-alouds.
October 29, 2018
Considering how hard it is to put on another writer's astronaut suit and go wading into another world, Strickland does a good job here. It still doesn't have all the same magic of the master.
August 29, 2021
3.5 Will review at Fantasy Literature.
December 8, 2021
By far the best Lewis Barnavelt novel since the first one, this entry forgoes the cookie-cutter evil and goes straight into Lovecraftian bonkersness. Highly recommended!
February 15, 2020
This book was okay. Love Craftian monsters. I still get annoyed with the fact Lewis is scree to talk to his uncle, or thinks his uncle will get mad. Lewis and Rose Rita have shown themselves as clever and resourceful, they should know their opinions are worthy and valuable. And honestly, Jonathan and Zimmerman should be asking them - like, assume they're paying attention and sneaking around already. Which book is this? How many times has this scenario happened already? Anyway. Overall, good story for kids. Quick read.
#spoiker below#
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.
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And technically, Lewis killed someone....
#spoiker below#
.
.
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And technically, Lewis killed someone....
September 24, 2023
Dark, spooky comfort food for all ages. These characters feel like home. Good pacing, quick read.
September 29, 2024
The first of the Lewis Barnavelt novels will always be my favourite, but Brad Strickland does such a good job of continuing the series that I’m always glad to dive into another adventure with Lewis and Rose Rita! In this story they face possibly their scariest foe yet - a creature from another dimension, that is clearly inspired by those of Lovecraftian lore. Rather than being summoned by a sorcerer from the depths of the ocean, this one accidentally made its way to earth by way of a meteorite that landed not too far from where Lewis and his uncle make their home, and was given power by a strange spell that entwined its life force with an evil sorcerer. The sorcerer’s spell didn’t work properly the first time though, so only part of the creature’s power manifested - along with the tale of how another coming of the legendary meteor would awaken more of its kind - surviving to the time when Lewis is alive. But down the ages a pair of evil spell casters have been waiting to complete the spell and bring the cthulian beasts to life - and Lewis and Rose Rita are the only ones who seem to realize exactly what’s going on. Of course, they’re completely forgetting about the knowledge of Uncle Johnathan and Mrs. Zimmerman (and the rest of the Capharnaum County magicians), but it wouldn’t be quite the same adventure if they left it all up to the adults now, would it? Between the bunch of them, they manage to solve the riddle and cast just the right spell to send the horrible creature catapulting into the sun - hopefully never to be seen again! Strickland might have been a little overly ambitious in terms of plot and complexity in this children’s book (the plot would have done well as an adult-sized novel with some added denouement), but we got just enough adventure and excitement to last us through this latest escapade.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2019
I have to preface this by saying that this book is decidedly not like John Bellairs' creation. This story just veers from what is the usual plot developments. But that's not necessarily bad. Although House With the Clock in its Walls is clearly John Bellairs' most renown work, Lewis and Rose Rita ended up playing second fiddle to Johnny Dixon. So, to some extent, it seemed as if the preference was to use Johnny instead of these two.
Here, Brad Strickland takes the reins and rather neatly merges H.P. Lovecraft's Cthulu mythos into the Bellairs' world. While, this is a little jarring, on the whole, it manages to work. At the same time, Strickland's tale involves are more decidedly hands-on approach on the part of Lewis and Rose Rita. There was this indication that Lewis was getting into shape, but in this book, his weight was never even brought up. And his ability to run/bicycle seemed to be mostly on par with Rose Rita.
Here, Brad Strickland takes the reins and rather neatly merges H.P. Lovecraft's Cthulu mythos into the Bellairs' world. While, this is a little jarring, on the whole, it manages to work. At the same time, Strickland's tale involves are more decidedly hands-on approach on the part of Lewis and Rose Rita. There was this indication that Lewis was getting into shape, but in this book, his weight was never even brought up. And his ability to run/bicycle seemed to be mostly on par with Rose Rita.
June 9, 2024
Of all of John Bellairs and Brad Strickland's books, this title was the one I had been looking forward to the most. I had seen the cover as a kid and it left me excited and intrigued, but also a little apprehensive. (I'm talking of course, about the old Edward Gorey cover--ISBN 9780803722200). I'm happy to report that the book was excellent! It was a quick read with a chilling plotline that kept me focused (and I was even more than willing to forgive the overt references to . Genuinely chilling, this book would probably have given young Emmy nightmares, but adult Emmy is glad to have had the chance to finally read it.
July 9, 2018
I didn't realize this was part of a series when I picked it up, but that didn't bother me when I found out. There was some references to other adventures, but it didn't distract from the story nor did I feel I had to read the other books to understand what was going on in this one. It was a good story. I read a lot of middle grade books and, as an adult, have enjoyed them even though they were below my reading level. However, this book I didn't enjoy as much as other middle grade books. It is geared more toward children, and I felt that I would have enjoyed it more as a child, but as an adult it didn't interest me.
March 15, 2020
I *love* the nod to Lovecraftian creatures.
I've been much more impressed with how Brad Strictland continued to develop the Lewis Barnavelt series compared to the first few Johnny Dixon novels he did, and I wonder if he did these later. They're good.
I've really looked forward to reading these with my kids as an intro to gothic mystery/fantasy that isn't entirely inappropriate for children or quite as scary as others.
I also really love the strong relationships between people of diverse ages and genders in John Bellairs and Brad Strictland books. I appreciate the genuine care and community support they show and representations of platonic friendships that change lives.
I've been much more impressed with how Brad Strictland continued to develop the Lewis Barnavelt series compared to the first few Johnny Dixon novels he did, and I wonder if he did these later. They're good.
I've really looked forward to reading these with my kids as an intro to gothic mystery/fantasy that isn't entirely inappropriate for children or quite as scary as others.
I also really love the strong relationships between people of diverse ages and genders in John Bellairs and Brad Strictland books. I appreciate the genuine care and community support they show and representations of platonic friendships that change lives.
November 6, 2018
Here, Brad Strickland finally gets to do his thing, which is typically defined as "draw in more direct literary references and get a little more body-horror and surreal violence involved." As such, this novel has Lewis and Rose Rita directly interacting with Lovecraft's Great Old Ones, plus two genuinely unsettling sequences referencing "The Colour out of Space" in which organic matter is shown to exist in a state of permanent and suffering un-death. Definitely a strong late-series installation.
January 31, 2024
My eight-year-old: "I don't think I liked that one as much."
Me: "Yeah? Why is that?"
Him: "I dunno. It had all that scary gross stuff."
Yeah, this one was a little gruesome. And the magical solution to the problem went from Terrible! and Horrifying! to solved super fast. They have six hours to solve the problem but the characters then take two hours "with one thing and another" ?!?!? so Lewis can change out of wet clothes. Also I'm still fuzzy on why Lewis and Rose Rita didn't just talk to Johnathan and Mrs Zimmerman instead of being secretive about their investigation.
Me: "Yeah? Why is that?"
Him: "I dunno. It had all that scary gross stuff."
Yeah, this one was a little gruesome. And the magical solution to the problem went from Terrible! and Horrifying! to solved super fast. They have six hours to solve the problem but the characters then take two hours "with one thing and another" ?!?!? so Lewis can change out of wet clothes. Also I'm still fuzzy on why Lewis and Rose Rita didn't just talk to Johnathan and Mrs Zimmerman instead of being secretive about their investigation.
June 22, 2018
I appreciated that Mr. Strickland took an incident from one of Mr. Bellair's previous books and made it the basis for this Lewis Barnavelt adventure. Lewis is getting stronger and more confident with every book and that is fun to watch. My only complaint is that I felt thing one to be less spooky and atmospheric than the previous offerings in the series.
July 30, 2018
Another fantastic chapter in Lewis and Rose Rita's lives and time is marching on! We are into the 1950s now--there's a circular TV in Uncle Jonathan's living room. This is an action-packed exciting story from beginning to end. Brad Strickland really did a good job of recreating John Bellairs' authorial voice.
March 9, 2021
There are references to HP Lovecraft in this one, and fans of Harry Potter will appreciate references to the same concepts from myth and folklore that likely inspired the horcruxes. I liked that there was a return to the idea of the enchanted bridge that was mentioned at the beginning of the series.
July 6, 2023
I don't hate the Lovecraftian story, but it didn't really feel like the small town stories I've enjoyed to date.
I think what especially doesn't work for me is that Lewis and Rose Rita go and do research by reading Lovecraft books instead of some other (fictional) books that might hint at the Cthulu mythos. It's too meta I think.
I think what especially doesn't work for me is that Lewis and Rose Rita go and do research by reading Lovecraft books instead of some other (fictional) books that might hint at the Cthulu mythos. It's too meta I think.
February 13, 2024
John Bellairs started this series before he died in 1991, and Brad Strickland finished some of the books then continued the series himself. I can tell this was his because while the story is maybe better constructed, it's less campy and more creepy and scary. This was a Lovecraft take, monsters in the deep and things from outer space, didn't love it.
January 7, 2024
January 2024 and I am treating this series as my emotional support animal. Anyway, this was the worse so far. The story tries to go back to the first book in the series but the villain is more of a blob than something you can be scared of.
March 31, 2019
I'm happily going through the series. Another fun outing for Lewis and company!
June 9, 2019
Take the best of Bellairs and mix it up with a little HP Lovecraft. Very enjoyable.
February 15, 2020
Strickland does a good job with the Lewis and co. characters, but Bellairs is a hard act to follow.
October 16, 2021
Great book! Love the sci fi elements to it. Such a creepy but great book!
November 21, 2021
The big bad is a bit out of the ordinary for this series, but I liked it. Good creepy factor.
June 8, 2023
What a exciting story 🙌🙌😃🙂 so dark, full of mystery, I love this kind of books 🙂
Now I just want to continue with the next adventure of barnavelt family 🙌
Now I just want to continue with the next adventure of barnavelt family 🙌
Read
July 31, 2023I’ve always loved this series, but reading as an adult it’s maddening how these kids never learn their lesson about keeping secrets!
March 14, 2008
This title involves some of the action from Bellairs' first Lewis Barnavelt book, The House with the clock in its walls. Is it as good? No, not really. It is still good, but Brad Strickland's continuation of the series is not as well done as I had hoped. I know that the two are different writers, and that they have different styles; but Strickland is dealing with well established characters. Sometimes things feel a little forced. Also, by now I would think that Lewis would have gotten a little bit of a spine.
September 30, 2007
I really enjoyed this book. It was the Edward Gorey illustrations that caught my attention, but the story was a lot of fun. I liked that it had a similar feel to the Lemony Snicket series, though much less cynical and just a quick of a read. It is geared toward a younger reader, though I think many adults would enjoy it. I think I will probably read all the other books that I can find by John Bellairs and/or Brad Strickland. Also, it is a good warm up for the coming Halloween season.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews