Mr. Conjure

Scary Mary #6

by S.A. Hunter

“I’ve never heard of Mr. Conjure,” Mary said. “He creeps through the shadows wearing a raggedy top hat and a long black coat. His claws are stained a bright red from all the blood he’s spilled. If he gets you, there’s no escape.” “Why’s he called Mr. Conjure?” Mary asked. “What do you mean?” “Why isn’t he called Top Hat or Mr. Red Hands?” Eddie frowned. “Because he’s called Mr. Conjure.”  “But what does he conjure?” Mary asked. “He doesn’t. You conjure him.” “But why would anyone want to?” “Because people are sometimes stupid,” Rachel said. Jenny is a little stupid, at least that’s what Mary thinks. Why else would the teen go to an abandoned house by herself and play a game to summon a monster called Mr. Conjure? Mary doesn’t believe he exists, but Jenny insists that he’s out to get her. She’s so afraid of him that she attempts suicide. Rachel wants to help Jenny and needs Mary to do it. Mary thinks Jenny needs a shrink, not her. She’s sure Mr. Conjure isn’t real. But something is lurking in the dark, and if it can’t get Jenny, it’ll take Mary instead.

Genres: Young Adult

211 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 14, 2017

About the author

S.A. Hunter lives in Virginia and works in a library. She is the author of the YA series Scary Mary as well as other fantasy novels. Visit her online at www.sahunter.net or email her sahunter@sahunter.net

Reviews

[Tania · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can forgive the spelling mistakes but I can't forgive the cliffhanger at the end with no indication of when the next book will be out because I love Scary Mary.

[Liliana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed on Lili Lost in a Book

“This is going to be weird,” Rachel declared.
“That’s our normal,” Mary told her.

This one was fun! I don't know if you guys have read any of the Creepypastas where the story is basically instructions to play a spooky game where maybe you’re granted a wish or get a question answered or whatever, and spooky things happen along the way. BUT if you don't play the game right or don’t win, you get dead. Anyway, the premise of this book was basically that, and I really enjoyed it! The way this spook was described, he almost sounded like the Babadook (which is a good movie! Highly recommend!) But yeah, this story coupled with our snarky heroine... I loved it! We haven’t had much snark from Mary since book one, so I’ve really missed this. Glad to see the snark return! Lol.

You know what I wasn’t glad to see return? Oh I bet you can guess. The romance 😒 There was this super extended scene with Kyle and Mary on a date, bowling. Like, it was so unnecessarily loooong. And they were acting like it was their first time bowling which I'm pretty sure it wasn't? I’m usually all about the fluff, but this just didn’t do it for me.

And then in the last book, Cy and Kyle got into this weird sort of fight over Mary which was very confusing for me because Cy seemed very content with Vicky, which blech. But now, in this book, Mary is saying that if Cy came around wanting her back she would slam the door in his face? Why??? This is so upsetting 😩 I obviously still prefer Cy over Kyle, but I do like that Kyle accepts Mary for who she is and he is very supportive. So there’s that. I’m still not into it though. I think I just never got over how awful he was to Mary in the first book and just his asshole-ness in general from back then.

Another positive though: Harvey! He is a ghost we met in the last book and at one point Gran leaves him in charge and Mary basically has him as a babysitter and it’s just so funny!

“A dead babysitter. It’s different.”
“You mean Harvey, and not some Weekend at Bernie’s scenario, right?” Taryn asked.

And Harvey romancing Gran was SO cute! It’s a shame he’s, you know, dead. Lol.

But overall, I really enjoyed this book. I liked the story and I love the characters. Plus, Mary acquired a new ability, which was really cool! I’m excited to see more of that!

[Seragrime · Rating 2 out of 5]

I LOVE this series but not this book

*SPOILERS*

There is nothing more boring or repetitive than a story where good is fighting the same evil over and over again. Instead of helping people with her 'I talk to ghosts ' trait, this book has Mary facing off with a new Shadowman, while Rachel demands to help fight and their long suffering significant others are dragged along. I already read that book and enjoyed it, so why did I pay to read it again with a scant amount of new plot?

Yes Mary has advanced her powers and is more at ease with being half of a couple, which is great character growth and the very end teases a new ghost to help, but ALL of that could have been done without repeating plot points used in other books in the series. Girl in hospital in danger, going back to a cellar, not telling Gran or asking for her help until absolutely necessary and out of a while host of paranormal entities, another shadow man and a hint that more will appear.

At this point, I'm not ever sure I want to continue the series which is a bummer because I have always been eager for the next book.

[Mariela Bustos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Behind the shadows

I found myself once again drawn to the drama that Mary unwillingly finds herself in. Always wonder poor Mary never asked to be pushed into being the hero. But than again I find myself rooting for her when she fights her way to save others. Also worrying when she has her life at risk. And Kyle what a perfect fit for her. I am glad that she found a man that accepts her for her and does not run away like Cy did. So I found myself once more thinking "aww what a cute couple". Now Rach reminds me so much of my own sisters with getting her into things but for a good reason.

All in all this book did not disappoint. It drew you in, had a great climax, and left you wanting to know what's next. The climax was chilling had me up until the wee hours of the morning reading. When a book can do that you know it's worth the five stars and more.

[Sasha Saunders · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series! But I found myself severely irritated with this one. I wanna give it 3 stars cause it angered me enough I almost put it down for a few days. But I’ll give it four cause I love the series and I love the story line in general. I wanted Rachel to die honestly in this one. I used to love her character but now I find her a nuisance and troublesome to Mary’s help....she’s gonna get Mary killed with her stupidity and I think she needs to learn a hard lesson. The random throw in that she’s a lesbian now was silly also. I feel like it’s a ploy to get gay readers interested in the book. We’ve already touched out shadow men why are we revisited that? I get a sense that the next book is about shadow men as well and it has me on the fence about purchasing and reading it. I might just skip in and go back to my Stephen King reading 📖

[Shawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly shorter than the other books in the series, it's still a good read, it doesn't feel rushed or like I'm missing anything. That's just how long the story needs to be.

Gran is going away and Mary has a ghost of a babysitter. As if that's not annoying enough, Rachel brings her to the hospital to meet Jenny, a friend who just attempted suicide. Jenny thinks that Mr. Conjure is after her since she lost his game. Mary thinks it's all in Jenny's head, but reluctantly agrees to investigate.

Mary's got some growing to do, and it seems like she's really starting to learn that. A great continuation of a series.

[Kelly McAnally-Kern · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZZZZZZZING! I just love this bunch of kids. No matter the crazy thrown at them they stick together. Puts a whole new on "for better or worse-thru sickness and in health to death do you part"! The love and friendship is crazy, head spinning and down right awesome. Add in a bit of scary ghosts or shadow men or psycho spirits- crazy cousins and loopy grandmas & great aunts AND ghosts who babysit and boss people around. Mr. Conjure just makes me ready to read the next. Never left wanting or dissatisfied.

[Michael Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

As always the best thing about the series are the characters interaction, the wit, and fun dialogue. Love the short and quick journey that takes us to an abandoned house looking for a Slinderman type character. And things got a lil spicy between two of our favorites people again. It was another quick and enjoyable read.

[Lori Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series

I know this series is a young adult series, but I still like them. This one has another Shadowman that Mary and friends are trying to do away with. If you like paranormal, you will like this !!

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love the Scary Mary series. I don't really know what to say without spoilers so I'll say just read it. I will say some unexpected things happen and at the end a revelation leading to the next book. I hope :) It is a must read.

[Sarah Pauley · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, another great book by the amazing S. A. Hunter!

No disappointment again! I love this series how it keeps you on the edge of your seat. Great characters, great storyline, and great all around.

I can't wait for the next one!

[Tisha Vogt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Read

If you like a good scare, without the complete terror of horror movies, then you will enjoy this series! I am off to read book 7 since this one ended on a small cliff hanger! Excellent series

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

Exciting, intriguing and suspenseful. It kept moving to an awesome conclusion. Really enjoyed it. Can’t wait for the next one.

[Jo Anna Part · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved

This series just keeps getting better, I can't await for the next book, I just hope its not a long wait!! Mary and her friends are awesome and it is always an adventure!

[Elaine Birmingham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

I love scary Mary. Can't wait for the next one. S. A hunter is one of my most favorite authors.

[Tracy Trixy · Rating 5 out of 5]

When’s the next one out?! Another brilliant insight into Mary’s slightly insane life :)
These books keep getting better and better.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love these books. They are a little different and a lot of fun. I like how Mary's group is so varied and yet they work together. They're friendship and support is a big part of the fun of these books.

[mr darren smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed the book

Always enjoy reading the Scary Mary books looking forward to reading book 7 next been a enjoyable series of books from book 1 to book 7