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Johnny Dixon #11
The Bell, the Book, and the Spellbinder
In The Bell, the Book, and the Spellbinder, Johnny Dixon's best friend Fergie steals an enchanted book from the library, and slowly falls under the spell of evil sorcerer Jarmyn Thanatos. In The Chessmen of Doom, Johnny and his friends must unravel the baffling riddle in Peregrine Childermass's will -- or an evil madman will unleash a force so powerful it could destroy the world!
149 pages, Library Binding
First published September 1, 1997
23 people are currently reading
302 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 35 reviews
November 26, 2010
This is one of the best books in the entire series. A lot of people complain that Brad Strickland isn't as good as Bellairs, that the newer books aren't as great as the old ones they remember. Those people are wrong, and here's why:
Most people don't re-read the older books in tandem with the new ones.
I've spent the last year re-reading every single book, and comparing each novel, taking notes. I think most people recall the original books fondly, and then pick up one of the Strickland ones that they haven't read yet, and are disappointed because their memory of how the Bellairs books made them feel is very strong. People don't realize that 1)The Bellairs books were (although I love them dearly) rather simplistic and had little character development, and 2) the ones Strickland "completed" are actually almost entirely authored by him. Bellairs left very little in the way of manuscripts behind, the completed books are just fragments or ideas of books that Strickland then turned into full novels.
What I've found is that, in many cases, Strickland is better at certain things. He is often more careful about how he wraps up the plot. He has also been much more pro-active in developing the characters and in making the books part of a cohesive world. One of the things that he isn't as good as, however, is the weird stuff. Part of what made John Bellairs so great is that he was really WEIRD. His books are filled with loners and misfits, and contain strange, surreal juxtapositions of disparate elements, such as baseball and killer robots, or trolley cars and time travel. These elements can only come from a certain special creative genius. Strickland's plots are just a bit more mainstream, more socially well-adjusted, in a way.
The Bell, the Book, and the Spellbinder shows Brad Strickland at his best. This is a Fergie-centric story, and we delve deeper into his character. His fears and insecurities and desires create a suspenseful and dramatic story, with a great theme emerging gradually about the power of friendship. The book contains some of the finest character moments, as well as some of the finest imagery, in the series. The Thanatos mice (creepy and inimitable!), the swarm of locusts, the eponymous bell, they all have moments of simple but effective poetry. Sure, the ending is a bit rushed. But it mostly makes sense. The plot isn't as far-out as, say, Eyes of the Killer Robot, but I think the villain in this story is more appropriate, in a way. The villain's identity is linked to what the book is fundamentally about. It's not only a page-turner, but a meaningful progression for the characters we have come to know and love.
Most people don't re-read the older books in tandem with the new ones.
I've spent the last year re-reading every single book, and comparing each novel, taking notes. I think most people recall the original books fondly, and then pick up one of the Strickland ones that they haven't read yet, and are disappointed because their memory of how the Bellairs books made them feel is very strong. People don't realize that 1)The Bellairs books were (although I love them dearly) rather simplistic and had little character development, and 2) the ones Strickland "completed" are actually almost entirely authored by him. Bellairs left very little in the way of manuscripts behind, the completed books are just fragments or ideas of books that Strickland then turned into full novels.
What I've found is that, in many cases, Strickland is better at certain things. He is often more careful about how he wraps up the plot. He has also been much more pro-active in developing the characters and in making the books part of a cohesive world. One of the things that he isn't as good as, however, is the weird stuff. Part of what made John Bellairs so great is that he was really WEIRD. His books are filled with loners and misfits, and contain strange, surreal juxtapositions of disparate elements, such as baseball and killer robots, or trolley cars and time travel. These elements can only come from a certain special creative genius. Strickland's plots are just a bit more mainstream, more socially well-adjusted, in a way.
The Bell, the Book, and the Spellbinder shows Brad Strickland at his best. This is a Fergie-centric story, and we delve deeper into his character. His fears and insecurities and desires create a suspenseful and dramatic story, with a great theme emerging gradually about the power of friendship. The book contains some of the finest character moments, as well as some of the finest imagery, in the series. The Thanatos mice (creepy and inimitable!), the swarm of locusts, the eponymous bell, they all have moments of simple but effective poetry. Sure, the ending is a bit rushed. But it mostly makes sense. The plot isn't as far-out as, say, Eyes of the Killer Robot, but I think the villain in this story is more appropriate, in a way. The villain's identity is linked to what the book is fundamentally about. It's not only a page-turner, but a meaningful progression for the characters we have come to know and love.
September 6, 2019
No harm can come up from reading a book. Well, think it over folks because if it is written by evil sorcerer harm will definitely find your way.
Byron 'Fergie' Ferguson, Johnny's best friend picks up a book in library to tackle his boredom but it turns out book has magical abilities. Professor Childermas was as usual amazing and it's nice to see him having active role since beginning than Johnny hiding things from him and then professor finding out about them.
It was really happy change that trouble came from Byron than Johnny.
Book seriously gave me creeps. Narrative, plot and all the characters are extremely wonderfully written.
Byron 'Fergie' Ferguson, Johnny's best friend picks up a book in library to tackle his boredom but it turns out book has magical abilities. Professor Childermas was as usual amazing and it's nice to see him having active role since beginning than Johnny hiding things from him and then professor finding out about them.
It was really happy change that trouble came from Byron than Johnny.
Book seriously gave me creeps. Narrative, plot and all the characters are extremely wonderfully written.
November 1, 2017
Johnny Dixon's friend Fergie has found the last book in the library, but unfortunately, instead of making wishes come true as the title implies, it possesses him and puts him in the power of a weird old man who may be hundreds of years old. Not as tight a plot as a real Bellairs, and a bit of extra religion, but a darn good creepy-necromancyy-friends-to-save book.
June 21, 2019
Brad stayed true to the writing style of John. Bellairs was most most favorite author as a kid and this was the first I've read of his characters since then! Definitely brought me back *tear*
The story was engaging, even for an adult, but there were several points that I thought were a bit too over the top to stay classified as elementary/middle school ages (5-8). If I were reading this to my child I'd skip full paragraphs in the beginning and middle.
Can't wait to read more of Strickland! Heck, now I want to reread more of John's I haven't cracked open in several decades! (Am I THAT old already?!)
The story was engaging, even for an adult, but there were several points that I thought were a bit too over the top to stay classified as elementary/middle school ages (5-8). If I were reading this to my child I'd skip full paragraphs in the beginning and middle.
Can't wait to read more of Strickland! Heck, now I want to reread more of John's I haven't cracked open in several decades! (Am I THAT old already?!)
April 28, 2022
I've slowly reread all of John Bellairs' novels, and I'm now amid the Strickland novels involving Bellairs' characters and gothic style. Some of these I read before, but this one, and others to come will be new to me. The formulaic nature of these books becomes much more apparent as an adult, and detracts from Bellairs' originals toward the end of the line. Strickland took characters who had become rather stagnant and worked hard to develop them more fully while staying mostly true to how Bellairs' conceived them. This included some updates to more modern sensibilities for kid's lit, such as having Professor Childermass try to quit smoking cigarettes because he knows they're bad for you. But it also includes introducing new characters and making existing ones and their families grow a bit more. Strickland also excels at trying to better connect novels, having characters bring up events of past experiences more often, without requiring readers to have actually read those previous books to really understand any sentiments. But, as Strickland wrote novels based on plots or snippets that Bellairs had come up with, and moved onto his own original stories, Strickland's books also began to feel stagnant, and the books seemed to contain less of the supernatural creepiness and frights that the best of Bellairs had offered.
The Bell, The Book, and the Spellbinder feels more refreshing than some of the previous entries by Strickland because of two factors. He finds a better balance of combining his characterization with elements of horror and gothic atmosphere, and he shifts the threats of the plot onto the historically secondary character Fergie rather than Johnny, or the Professor, as previously. Previous books also commonly feature the children united in keeping secrets from the adults (and vice versa), whereas here it is more between Fergie and Johnny, with Johnny always being on the same page as the adults in figuring out what is happening to their friend.
Spooky fun along with the ever evocative illustrations of Gorey. Hope this balance continues in the next novels.
The Bell, The Book, and the Spellbinder feels more refreshing than some of the previous entries by Strickland because of two factors. He finds a better balance of combining his characterization with elements of horror and gothic atmosphere, and he shifts the threats of the plot onto the historically secondary character Fergie rather than Johnny, or the Professor, as previously. Previous books also commonly feature the children united in keeping secrets from the adults (and vice versa), whereas here it is more between Fergie and Johnny, with Johnny always being on the same page as the adults in figuring out what is happening to their friend.
Spooky fun along with the ever evocative illustrations of Gorey. Hope this balance continues in the next novels.
January 24, 2020
I'm a little disappointed in this iteration of the Johnny Dixon story. The reason is that if you change the book into a blue Egyptian figurine and Fergie into Johnny, this is effectively a retelling of the first book. It doesn't sufficiently distinguish itself from that earlier book.
Otherwise, the pacing seemed fairly typical (practically an entire school year elapses during the course of this story, yet oddly, Johnny is seemingly no older than he was in that first novel). Though, I will admit that this plot was more direct than what I've come to expect from Bellairs.
If you were hoping to see more of Sarah, she's unfortunately mostly on the periphery here. Here's hoping that she plays a larger role in the final book.
Otherwise, the pacing seemed fairly typical (practically an entire school year elapses during the course of this story, yet oddly, Johnny is seemingly no older than he was in that first novel). Though, I will admit that this plot was more direct than what I've come to expect from Bellairs.
If you were hoping to see more of Sarah, she's unfortunately mostly on the periphery here. Here's hoping that she plays a larger role in the final book.
August 18, 2022
I really enjoyed reading this book.
This is a horror book written for kids.
It's scary, and it has good characters and a good story.
In this book, as in all of this series, the horror is balanced against the loving relationship between the main characters and their families and friends.
I first got hooked on this series when my son read them, now I'm reading them all. These books were originally written by John Bellairs. After Mr. Bellair's death, Brad Strickland took over the series, finished some that were not quite complete, and wrote some additional books with the original characters and atmosphere. Both writers do a great job.
This is a horror book written for kids.
It's scary, and it has good characters and a good story.
In this book, as in all of this series, the horror is balanced against the loving relationship between the main characters and their families and friends.
I first got hooked on this series when my son read them, now I'm reading them all. These books were originally written by John Bellairs. After Mr. Bellair's death, Brad Strickland took over the series, finished some that were not quite complete, and wrote some additional books with the original characters and atmosphere. Both writers do a great job.
May 9, 2023
A fast-paced story that keeps the pages turning. I agree with another review that Strickland doesn’t capture the weird and mysterious like Bellairs’ does.
He is, however, adept at setting up a plot and delivering some genuinely creepy moments. The Thanatos Mouse, the mummy crickets and ghost boy, all excellent.
Lots of food consumption, nary a chapter goes by without someone eating chocolate cake or a stack of buttermilk pancakes.
A fun read and easy jumping-off point into the series, despite being the eleventh entry. It’s fun and yes, a bit thin compared to the Bellairs’ books, but it’s well-worth your time.
He is, however, adept at setting up a plot and delivering some genuinely creepy moments. The Thanatos Mouse, the mummy crickets and ghost boy, all excellent.
Lots of food consumption, nary a chapter goes by without someone eating chocolate cake or a stack of buttermilk pancakes.
A fun read and easy jumping-off point into the series, despite being the eleventh entry. It’s fun and yes, a bit thin compared to the Bellairs’ books, but it’s well-worth your time.
January 11, 2022
I think this one was written entirely by Brad Strickland, and it was quite good. The usual cast of characters (plus Sarah who I don't know) with the usual horrific supernatural events to thwart, but this time Fergie is in trouble.
I finished my collection of Bellairs novels, so I'm going to read those last 4, but based on the quality of this one, I might pick up another Strickland book or two as well.
I finished my collection of Bellairs novels, so I'm going to read those last 4, but based on the quality of this one, I might pick up another Strickland book or two as well.
June 18, 2024
This is 100% young adult. I found this book when I was in middle school, at one of those Scholastic Bookfairs, and I honestly read it again once every two or three years because I loved it so much. It's an easy read, good introduction to horror for kids, and also captures the spirit of loyalty and friendship. I personally love the Professor in this book because I love grumpy historians who show their love in strange ways. Totally recommend.
November 4, 2024
I finally got a copy from the library. I ordered a zip book, which is where they buy the book through Amazon, have it delivered to you, then you return it to the library for circulation. I'm sorry I did this... this book is pretty icky and creepy, and I don't think very good for kids. All the books in the series are a bit scary and creepy, but this one had lots of talk about corpses and melting faces and ghost insects. Don't recommend for kids.
August 9, 2018
This one was a real page-turner! I love Johnny Dixon and his pals, Sarah, Fergie and Professor Childermass. It has the feel of a John Bellairs book and plot line and gets just as dark and scary, but written by Brad Strickland. A whirlwind gothic horror ride!
November 20, 2018
Death in order to live
A great fast read of friendship, hamburgers and death! It’s so good it almost melts your bones. Read it today!
A great fast read of friendship, hamburgers and death! It’s so good it almost melts your bones. Read it today!
September 1, 2019
A solid entry in the Dixon series. Readers need not be familiar with the other books to enjoy this one.
Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars.
Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars.
September 30, 2021
Good, not great.
August 25, 2023
A great, spooky premise with a lot of twists and turns. Strickland is a very worthy successor to Bellairs and I really enjoyed this book.
September 26, 2023
Definitely creepy.
October 11, 2025
This is one of the "John Bellairs" stories written entirely by Brad Strickland after Bellairs' death; and as such, I wasn't expecting to like it very much. I've blamed Strickland for some of the weaker elements in the stories that Bellairs started and he finished. This one, however, seemed to be pure Bellairs through and through in its style and plotting. It contains some genuinely creepy elements: the magical book, the phantom bell, Fergie's plight, and the various undead creatures that appear. In true Bellairs style, it also features a long drive through New England to find the villain's lair at the climax of the story.
The one element that didn't work for me is the addition of Johnny's female friend, Sarah. She may have been introduced in the previous book in the series, which I haven't read, and perhaps Strickland had better reasons to use her there. Here, however, she comes across as rather superfluous and uninteresting.
The one element that didn't work for me is the addition of Johnny's female friend, Sarah. She may have been introduced in the previous book in the series, which I haven't read, and perhaps Strickland had better reasons to use her there. Here, however, she comes across as rather superfluous and uninteresting.
June 14, 2010
Johnny Dixon’s friend Fergie Steals a mysterious book from the library called “The Book of True Wishes” strange things started to happen to them. One of them was that Fergie ran away from his friends Johnny and professor Roderick. Then he hears eerie bells that no one else could hear. Then he gets dreams that seems real to him. The dreams were about a ghost boy trying to warn him about something. Fergie loses control of his body more and more every night after he had lessons about reading the book from a man named Jarmyn Thanatos. Later one Fergie no longer trusted his friends, who were trying to help. Then Johnny and Professor childermass discovered that Fergie was being controlled by an evil wizard who wants immortality.
January 17, 2014
Johnny Dixon's disgruntled friend, Fergie, has grandiose ideas which end in disaster after an encounter with a creepy old man and a magical book. It's up to Johnny, his intelligent schoolmate Sarah, a cranky professor, and a brave priest to save Fergie from imminent destruction.
Although dark and sinister, the bonds of friendship and camaraderie make this a sweet story. If I were younger, I'd devour the entire series, but there are too many books and so little time. If only I had a book that could give me more time... Okay, therein lies madness!
Adding to the reading pleasure is the illustration by Edward Gorey.
On a side note, I've hit a reading streak where priests serve in a heroic capacity. It must be time for me to read some Brother Cadfael again.
Although dark and sinister, the bonds of friendship and camaraderie make this a sweet story. If I were younger, I'd devour the entire series, but there are too many books and so little time. If only I had a book that could give me more time... Okay, therein lies madness!
Adding to the reading pleasure is the illustration by Edward Gorey.
On a side note, I've hit a reading streak where priests serve in a heroic capacity. It must be time for me to read some Brother Cadfael again.
April 24, 2018
Much as it pains me to say it, Strickland's eleventh volume to the twelve-part Johnny Dixon series might be one of the best, bettering many of the Bellairs solo titles. Part of the appeal here is the everybody-in feel to the story, which unites all of the major players without sidelining any of them; another is that Strickland has the Bellairs style down pat, but is willing to get a little weirder and nastier than his predecessor did. The Thanatos mouse is a ghoulish touch of body horror that I can't imagine Bellairs approving of, but (along with the army of insect husks) it works perfectly well in context, pushing the boundaries of kid-friendly without actually stepping into "no longer something you could give a Spooky Kid without guilt" territory.
March 10, 2009
To tell the truth,i've NEVER had anobsession with a book as much as this!i would read the whole story again and again![this is my 3rd time:]and i'm so sad that there isn't a movie on it,because this book is just so awesome!and the characters are great!too bad Edward gory died.he illustrated so nicely.i like the frontipiece he made in this book--the last one.R.I.P:[
but atleast Brad is still here.i hope he continues making these Johnny Dixon books and someday makes an episode on everyone of them.
but atleast Brad is still here.i hope he continues making these Johnny Dixon books and someday makes an episode on everyone of them.
June 25, 2018
I wasn't really a fan of what Strickland did with John Bellairs' characters, they didn't seem true to their prior development in the series. The book felt like an impostor. Maybe I'm going overboard there. Dunno, I'm feeling negatively about the book though. Strickland took an outline from Bellairs' notes and inserted shadows of personalities and plot devices.
December 30, 2009
I didn't like this book. I was really disappointed. I've read some John Bellairs books before and liked them, but When Brad Strickland wrote this using John Bellairs Characters I just thought it was weird.
September 28, 2011
One in a series, Strickland builds suspense and mystery with an evil sorcerer who will stop at nothing to get eternal life. This is a classroom library must have for students that have trouble getting into books or love a good black magic mystery.
December 14, 2007
this was one of the first books i ever relle read =P
January 19, 2009
Creepiest book for boys, great mystery for those "allowed" to read books about alchemy/black magic.
March 16, 2009
i love this book it is a good mystery
November 2, 2009
Some what of a ghost story with a touch of magic.
September 15, 2011
I love how Brad Strickland took over the John Bellairs series and I think he's a great writer also.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews